Mechanical & electrical contracts & compliance manager

The London Borough of Harrow is seeking a Mechanical & Electrical Contracts & Compliance Manager to lead and oversee all repair, maintenance and capital investment activities relating to mechanical and electrical systems across its housing portfolio. This pivotal role is responsible for ensuring that council homes are safe, compliant and maintained to a high standard, delivering quality living environments for residents while meeting all statutory and regulatory obligations associated with works carried out by external contractors. The postholder will take a leading role in supporting the Council's transition from traditional gas heating systems to lower carbon and sustainable solutions, contributing to broader environmental and sustainability objectives. Acting as the Council's principal point of contact for key areas of building safety and compliance, the role encompasses the management of gas safety through the delivery of annual safety checks across all domestic properties, heating systems and communal installations. It includes oversight of electrical safety through periodic inspections and testing programmes to ensure installations remain safe and compliant, typically on a five-year cycle. The manager will also be accountable for fire safety measures, including the maintenance of fire alarms, emergency lighting, firefighting equipment and fire doors, as well as water hygiene management in accordance with Legionella ACOP L8, ensuring risk assessments and control measures are in place for shared systems and higher-risk environments such as sheltered housing. In addition, the role will oversee lift safety under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, ensuring regular servicing, inspections and certification of passenger lifts within communal blocks. The Mechanical & Electrical Contracts & Compliance Manager will provide expert technical advice and leadership across the organisation, offering clear guidance, training and instruction to a wide range of stakeholders including residents, elected members and senior colleagues. The role requires a strong focus on embedding best practice across all areas of compliance, including legal responsibilities, regulatory adherence, policy development, documentation and responsiveness to emerging risks and legislative changes. In managing the Mechanical and Electrical team, the postholder will ensure effective use of resources to minimise risk and uphold the highest standards of health, safety and wellbeing, safeguarding employees, residents, service users, contractors and all others affected by the Council's activities, as far as is reasonably practicable.

Qualifications

• Experience of managing and delivering major works, cyclical and responsive repair and stock improvement programmes in mechanical, electrical and gas installations across residential housing.
• A track record of establishing and maintaining a strong performance culture, including effective performance measures, the evaluation of service quality and improving service delivery, which meets the needs and expectations of customers.
• Strong track record of strategic management of contractors to deliver maintenance and capital works investment, driving quality, value for money and resident satisfaction.
• A strong and highly motivated leader with energy and credibility who commands the confidence of Members, senior managers, colleagues, partners and stakeholders. Extensive understanding of statutory regulations relating to compliance.
• Able to develop strategy and initiate and evaluate changes in policy and procedures, to lead, motivate, performance manage and develop the team.
• Strong personal commitment to resident engagement and satisfaction.
• A strong commitment to honesty and openness, as well as treating people consistently, fairly, and with respect.
• Inclusive and supportive team player. Logical thinking skills with the ability to operate at both a strategic and operational level.

Equal Opportunities: The London Borough of Harrow is committed to providing equal opportunities and promotes the fair treatment of all applicants and employees regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.