Job Description
We are looking for an experienced Commissioning Lead to take ownership of all commissioning activities for a major capital investment program in the UK.
This role will lead the commissioning of a state-of-the-art R&D laboratory facility — ensuring all building systems, specialist lab infrastructure, automation controls, and environmental systems are fully tested, verified, and ready for safe operational use.
This is a critical delivery role requiring strong technical expertise, structured planning capability, and the ability to coordinate multiple contractors and stakeholders through complex system start-up and handover phases.
The Role
You will be accountable for:
* Leading the development and execution of the Commissioning Strategy and Master Commissioning Plan
* Defining commissioning scope, methodologies, documentation standards, and success criteria
* Managing commissioning activities across complex building systems, including:
* MEP systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing)
* BMS/EMS systems
* Specialist laboratory systems (fume cupboards, containment, LEVs, gas systems)
* Process utilities and environmental controls
* Fire and life safety systems
* Coordinating multiple commissioning teams across contractors, subcontractors, and specialist vendors
* Ensuring systems are installation-ready and safe for energisation and start-up (including LOTO controls)
* Overseeing functional testing, performance testing, and integrated systems testing (IST)
* Ensuring commissioning documentation is complete and approved (PFCs, test scripts, reports, as-builts, O&M manuals)
* Tracking, managing, and closing punch-list items and technical deficiencies
* Leading risk workshops related to system start-up and managing technical risks through to handover
* Acting as the key liaison between construction, operational readiness, FM, HSE, IT, and laboratory end-users
* Supporting operational training and ensuring effective knowledge transfer
* Driving final system acceptance and transition into steady-state operations
About You
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Building Services, or related discipline
* Proven experience as a Commissioning Lead or Commissioning Manager on large-scale capital projects
* Experience delivering commissioning within laboratory, R&D, or highly serviced technical environments
* Strong understanding of MEP systems, automation controls, environmental systems, and specialist lab infrastructure
* Experience delivering integrated systems testing and complex start-up phases
* Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and commissioning protocols
* Strong planning, coordination, and organisational capability
* Confident stakeholder manager with the ability to influence across multidisciplinary teams
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Calm, structured, and solutions-focused under pressure
Why This Role?
* Opportunity to lead commissioning for a flagship R&D facility
* High-impact role at the critical transition from construction to operations
* Ownership of system readiness, safety, and performance
* Key leadership position within a major capital investment program
We are an equal opportunities Recruitment Business and Agency. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
www.planet-pharma.com