Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The NBI Partnership (NBIP) provides non-scientific services to research institutes based on the Norwich Research Park, a globally recognised centre for bioscience innovation. The park is home to leading research institutes - including the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI), and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) – supporting cutting-edge research in food security, health, and environmental sustainability. NBIP provides the facilities management (FM) services to the JIC’s, TSL’s and EI’s estates and buildings.
The Maintenance Operations Supervisor is responsible for supervising the Maintenance Operations team, ensuring the effective delivery of planned and reactive maintenance, compliance activities, and minor works projects across the estate. This role also supports the arrangement of contractor visits, team health and training requirements, and administration, including holiday requests and the procurement of materials, tools, and uniforms.
The post holder will work closely with the Facilities Hub Manager, Compliance Manager, and Facilities Helpdesk to ensure seamless operations and high standards of service delivery. Reporting to the Maintenance Operations Manager, the role involves overseeing daily workflows, reviewing RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statements), managing permitting requirements, and ensuring compliance with the latest UK building regulations and the Building Safety Act. Additionally, the role will require a good understanding of SFG20 and Building Maintenance Techniques to ensure optimal delivery of maintenance services.
Key Relationships
Internal: Maintenance Operations Manager, Facilities Hub Manager, Compliance Manager, Facilities Helpdesk, Energy and Environment Manager, and departmental staff. Critical Services Supervisor. Operational and Laboratory Managers.
External: Contractors, suppliers, service providers, and statutory authorities.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Team Supervision and Workflow Management
• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the Maintenance Operations team, ensuring efficient delivery of planned and reactive maintenance, compliance tasks, and minor works.
• Assign tasks and priorities to team members, ensuring timely completion of maintenance and remedial work.
• Participate in the call-out rota, providing leadership and guidance during emergencies or out-of-hours incidents.
• Support the review and approval of RAMS and permitting requirements to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Undertake toolbox talks, ensuring the team is informed of health, safety, and operational updates.Planned and Reactive Maintenance
• Supervise and coordinate planned maintenance activities to minimise disruptions and ensure asset resilience.
• Oversee reactive maintenance tasks, ensuring prompt response to urgent issues, including fire alarm testing, PAT testing, and general building upkeep such as painting, toilet maintenance, signage, and fire compartmentation work.
• Support NGI-related activities, such as isolations, interactions with the existing built environment, systems and infrastructure so as to sustain operational capability and compliance across site.Contractor Management and Compliance
• Arrange and support contractor visits, ensuring they are briefed, supervised, and comply with site rules and requirements.
• Manage permits for contractors, ensuring work is carried out safely and in line with regulatory and organisational policies.
• Maintain effective communication with contractors and suppliers to address underperformance and ensure high service standards.Material and Cost Management
• Order materials, tools, and uniforms required for remedial works, planned maintenance, and team operations.
• Support the planning and costing of minor works, providing input on resources and timelines.Team Development and Administration
• Ensure team members are adequately trained and equipped, including maintaining up-to-date training records and managing the team’s health and safety requirements.
• Undertake team administration tasks, including processing holiday requests, scheduling, and maintaining training matrices.
• Provide input to the Maintenance Operations Manager on team performance and development needs.Sustainability and Energy Management
• Support the organisations’ sustainability objectives, identifying opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of maintenance operations.
• Collaborate with the Facilities team to manage building systems such as BMS and ensure optimal settings for energy management.As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
RequirementImportanceRecognised engineering, maintenance, or building fabric apprenticeshipEssentialHealth and safety qualifications (e.g., IOSH, NEBOSH, or equivalent)EssentialRelevant technical or trade qualifications (e.g., HNC, City & Guilds)EssentialEvidence of ongoing CPD and trainingEssentialMembership in professional bodies such as IWFM or IOSHDesirable
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
RequirementImportanceGood knowledge of SFG20 and Building Maintenance TechniquesEssentialExcellent leadership and organisational skills to manage a diverse teamEssentialStrong knowledge of UK building regulations and the Building Safety ActEssentialExperience in minor works planning and cost managementEssentialProficiency in using Business System systems, reporting tools, and MS OfficeEssentialAbility to interpret technical documentation and compliance requirementsEssentialFamiliarity with sustainability practices in maintenance operationsEssentialFamiliarity with CAD or other design/planning toolsEssential
Relevant Experience
RequirementImportanceCommitment to organisational sustainability and health and safety policiesEssentialFlexibility to manage competing priorities and participate in a call-out rotaEssentialExperience in delivering maintenance services on a scientific research establishmentEssential
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
RequirementImportanceStrong problem-solving abilities, with the capability to assess and address maintenance issuesEssentialExcellent communication skills, both written and oralEssentialGood interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team and build relationships with stakeholdersEssential
Additional Requirements
RequirementImportanceAttention to detailEssentialPromotes equality and values diversityEssentialDrive continuous improvement in maintenance operations to enhance safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction EssentialWillingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Partnership, ensuring it is a great place to workEssentialAble to present a positive image of self and the PartnershipEssentialAbility to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate EssentialWillingness to work outside standard working hours when required EssentialPromote an inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable workplaceEssential
Who We Are
NBI Partnership
The NBI Partnership provides non-scientific services to the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). All of these organisations carry out scientific research funded by the UK Government, European Union, Charitable and Industrial Sponsors. The Partnership employs around 140 staff to cater for the needs of approximately 1100 Research Staff, Students and Visiting Scientists who are all located in close proximity on the Norwich Research Park.
The John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Earlham Institute and The Sainsbury Laboratory are registered charities (No’s 223852, 1058499, 1136213 and 106550) and are Equal Opportunity Employers.
For more information about working at NBI Partnership, please click here.
Department
Facilities
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