Head of Service (Air Conditioning / HVAC) in High Wycombe

Head of Service (Air Conditioning / HVAC) in High Wycombe

High Wycombe Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
All The Top Bananas

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and oversee air conditioning service delivery, ensuring high standards and compliance.
  • Company: Join a leading HVAC company with a focus on innovation and quality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and generous holiday entitlement.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a safety-first culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the HVAC industry while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in AC service operations and strong knowledge of FGAS regulations required.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Location: Ideally based near High Wycombe

Salary: £70K to £90K (DOE) + £6K car allowance or company car + bonus + pension

Role Overview

The Head of Service (AC) is responsible for overseeing the delivery of air conditioning services across reactive maintenance, planned preventative maintenance (PPM), and remedial works. The role ensures all AC systems are maintained, repaired, and commissioned safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory requirements. This position leads engineering and support teams, manages service performance and profitability, and maintains strong client relationships. It is accountable for ensuring compliance with refrigerant regulations, improving operational efficiency, and delivering high-quality engineering outcomes while meeting contractual service level agreements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Service Delivery & Technical Oversight
    • Oversee the day-to-day delivery of reactive, PPM, and emergency AC services.
    • Ensure high standards in fault diagnosis, repair, and commissioning across systems including splits, VRF/VRV, chillers, and specialist units.
    • Maintain compliance with FGAS regulations, including leak detection, refrigerant handling, and record keeping.
    • Drive improvements in first-time fix rates through effective planning, diagnostics, and engineer capability development.
    • Monitor commissioning standards, including testing, evacuation, and system performance checks.
    • Ensure contractual response and resolution times are consistently achieved.
  • Leadership & Team Management
    • Lead, support, and develop a team of engineers, supervisors, and service support staff.
    • Carry out site visits, technical audits, and team briefings.
    • Identify and implement training plans to enhance technical capability.
    • Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and high performance.
    • Support workforce planning, recruitment, and onboarding activities.
  • Client & Stakeholder Engagement
    • Act as the primary escalation point for service-related matters.
    • Lead service review meetings, providing performance insights and technical guidance.
    • Communicate technical issues clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
    • Identify opportunities for system upgrades, efficiency improvements, and asset lifecycle planning.
  • Operational Management & Process Improvement
    • Oversee job management systems from initial logging through to completion and invoicing.
    • Ensure accuracy of asset records, including equipment data and refrigerant tracking.
    • Improve efficiency through standardisation of parts and van stock.
    • Implement seasonal preparedness strategies.
    • Manage and coordinate specialist subcontractors where required.
  • Commercial Responsibility
    • Manage the financial performance of the AC service function, including margins, labour recovery, and cost control.
    • Ensure accurate pricing and costing across all works.
    • Improve billing timelines and cash flow performance.
    • Support contract renewals, pricing reviews, and tender submissions.
  • Compliance, Safety & Quality Assurance
    • Ensure adherence to safe working practices, including system isolation and refrigerant handling.
    • Maintain full compliance with FGAS and industry regulations.
    • Oversee quality audits of documentation, including RAMS and service records.
    • Promote a strong safety-first culture across all operations.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Achievement of SLA targets
  • Improvement in first-time fix rates
  • Engineer productivity and utilisation
  • Reduction in repeat visits
  • Margin performance
  • Job completion to invoicing timescales
  • Compliance with refrigerant regulations
  • Client satisfaction and retention

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

  • Proven leadership experience within AC/HVAC service operations
  • Strong knowledge of FGAS regulations and refrigerant compliance
  • Technical understanding of AC systems including VRF/VRV and splits
  • Experience managing service delivery performance and KPIs
  • Commercial awareness, including costing and profit management
  • Full UK driving licence

Desirable Requirements

  • FGAS Category 1 certification
  • Manufacturer-specific training (e.g. VRF systems)
  • Health & safety qualifications (IOSH or NEBOSH)
  • Experience using CAFM systems

Experience

  • Demonstrated experience managing engineering teams within AC service environments
  • Track record of improving service performance metrics such as SLA adherence and first-time fix rates
  • Background in maintenance, fault finding, and commissioning of AC systems
  • Experience managing refrigerant compliance processes
  • Exposure to financial management, including budgets or P&L responsibility

Knowledge & Skills

  • Understanding of refrigeration principles, including system performance analysis
  • Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
  • Ability to interpret technical data and drive performance improvements

Personal Attributes

  • Professional and composed approach
  • Strong attention to detail and organisational ability
  • Proactive and safety-conscious mindset
  • Results-driven with a strong sense of ownership

Benefits

  • £6,000 car allowance or company vehicle
  • Optional home working
  • 25 days holiday + bank holidays (increasing up to 28 days with length of service)
  • Annual bonus scheme
  • Contributory pension

Head of Service (Air Conditioning / HVAC) in High Wycombe employer: All The Top Bananas

My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.

All The Top Bananas

Contact Details:

All The Top Bananas Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Service (Air Conditioning / HVAC) in High Wycombe

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Service (Air Conditioning / HVAC) role you’re after at All The Top Bananas.

Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at All The Top Bananas a taste of what you can bring to the table!

Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at All The Top Bananas.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Head of Service (Air Conditioning / HVAC) at All The Top Bananas, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service (Air Conditioning / HVAC) in High Wycombe

Leadership Skills
Technical Knowledge of AC Systems
FGAS Regulations Compliance
Service Delivery Management
KPI Management
Commercial Awareness
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Service (Air Conditioning / HVAC), it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at All The Top Bananas a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to All The Top Bananas specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with All The Top Bananas, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like All The Top Bananas want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.