Join to apply for the Contracts Officer (Mechanical) - Estates - 106340 - Grade 7 role at University of Birmingham
Overview
Position: Estates. Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK. Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822. Grade: 7. Full Time, Permanent. Closing date: 8 October 2025. UK travel may be required for this role.
Role Summary
To lead the management and administration of Mechanical maintenance contracts across the University’s estate. This includes ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, University policies, and industry standards. The role supports the delivery of safe, efficient, and cost-effective electrical services across academic, residential, and commercial buildings, contributing to the University's strategic goals for sustainability, safety, and operational excellence.
Main Duties
* Manage and oversee mechanical maintenance contracts, including planned, reactive, and minor project works.
* Ensure contractor compliance with university policies, health and safety legislation, and technical standards.
* Conduct performance reviews, audits, and site inspections to monitor service delivery and quality.
* Lead procurement activities for mechanical services, including tendering, evaluation, and contract award.
* Maintain accurate records of contracts, variations, financial commitments, and performance metrics.
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders including Estates, Capital Projects, and Health & Safety teams.
* Support budget planning, cost control, and forecasting for mechanical services and projects.
* Resolve contractual disputes and escalate complex issues where necessary.
* Promote energy efficiency and sustainability in electrical systems and services.
* Ensure compliance with relevant legislation including Building regulations, Pat L, F & G, CDM Regulations, Health & safety at work act, mechanical standards (BS/EN, CIBSE, SF20), Pressure System safety regulations and University standards.
* Manage the recruitment, appraisal, performance, and development of staff to ensure the highest personal and professional standards and a culture of good customer service that underpins efficient and effective service delivery within the Estates Office and across the University.
* Liaise closely with Health & Safety Services Fire Risk Assessors, Estates Maintenance Officers and Building users to ensure compliance is achieved.
* Provide reports on mechanical Periodic Inspections and update compliance tracking software.
* Manage contractor performance, review H&S documentation, ensure that the contractors under control of the technical officer have completed the Estates induction and have the correct accreditations and Insurances are up to date.
* Hold regular contract meetings with contractors and monitor key performance indicators assigned to each contract.
* Track and monitor the condition and age of the University’s equipment and systems, applying life-cycle planning and replacement as required.
* Promotes equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
* Supports the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.
* Provide advice to other professional staff on the complex range and wide-ranging services present along with future development requirements.
* Participate in the Estates Office’s 24-hour emergency service provision, taking full managerial responsibility for the estate during periods of on-call cover (implementing escalation procedures and liaising with senior University staff during emergencies).
* Be an Authorised Person for a selection of permit activities, services, or disciplines upon specific competence appointment.
* Any other duties commensurate with the grade.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
* Experienced and qualified to degree level (or equivalent) professional, with background, knowledge, and experience in mechanical maintenance & engineering systems, policies, legislation and quality standards required for the safe operation of a complex university infrastructure.
* Significant experience in the management, planning and costing of repairs and maintenance works of all types of mechanical engineering services.
* Proven track record in tendering, negotiating and managing maintenance contracts, ensuring contractor performance is monitored and reviewed to deliver value for money and high standards.
* Conversant with practices and requirements for effective building management of Asbestos, Water Hygiene and related obligations.
* Evidence of literacy and numeracy.
* Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.
* Demonstrate industry knowledge/working experience within a similar environment (e.g., large estates in Higher Education, Health, public sector, or facilities management).
* Experience of procuring and managing large and diverse service, repair, and maintenance contracts.
* Excellent knowledge of legislative and compliance areas relating to maintenance activities and Health & Safety.
* Previous experience of working in a professional customer focused environment.
* IOSH Managing Safely Certification or NEBOSH General Certification.
Enquiries
Informal enquiries to Lloyd Holmes, email: l.w.holmes@bham.ac.uk
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We believe there is no such thing as a "typical" member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength. We are committed to proactively addressing barriers and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Management and Manufacturing
* Industries: Higher Education
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