Maintenance Manager - Operations

Be part of this city within a city. Every year, millions of people travel through Heathrow. Joining our Engineering team means being at the heart of a complex operation whose size, scale and reputation for innovation are unique. We make sure the airport is always running smoothly and keep passengers and planes moving. Our team touches all aspects of airport life – from water to energy, rail to roads, baggage systems to runways. The scope and variety of what we do is vast, spanning mechanical, electrical, water, civil, rail and environmental disciplines. Together we are responsible for the performance of 500,000 assets worth £14bn. It means there are always a wide range of interesting development, construction and maintenance projects to get involved with. And a lot of ways to develop your skills, career and reputation. You’ll be part of a close-knit, driven team, taking on work that you can take real pride in and feel passionate about. It’s an exciting place to be, where every day, you’ll discover a world of fresh possibilities and you’ll be mentored by world‑class experts every step of the way.

This role sits at the heart of the HBS operation, responsible for leading maintenance activities across critical engineering systems to ensure safe, compliant, and high‑performing operations. You will bring strong technical knowledge and leadership capability to support system reliability, engage stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement in a fast‑paced, safety‑critical environment.

Your role will involve:

• Lead the maintenance and reliability of critical HBS systems, ensuring high availability and operational performance in a safety‑critical environment.
• Drive a proactive maintenance approach, optimising preventative and reactive activities to minimise downtime and enhance resilience.
• Ensure full compliance with safety, security, and regulatory standards across all maintenance processes.
• Collaborate closely with operations, engineering teams, and suppliers to resolve issues quickly and maintain seamless airport operations.
• Use data and performance insights to drive continuous improvement and enhance system efficiency and reliability.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team, fostering accountability, strong engagement, and a culture of continuous improvement.

These Skills Are Essential:

• NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds, ONC/HNC, or equivalent qualification in an engineering discipline.
• Practical experience in engineering and systems management, such as CHW, LTHW, HTHW, Fire Main, Potable Water, FEGP, SEGs, AGL, Electrical Distribution, Baggage, or Tunnels.
• Proven leadership and stakeholder engagement experience across both office and operational environments.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organisational levels and with external partners.
• Good working knowledge of relevant regulations, standards, and compliance requirements.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to obtain an airside driving permit.
• Ability to meet pre‑employment requirements, including security clearance, medical, and substance testing.
• Flexibility to work out‑of‑hours shifts when required.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Experience configuring and managing critical infrastructure systems at Heathrow or a similar complex environment.
• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent health & safety qualification).

Our rewards:

We offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits that will support you now and in the future. As well as performance‑based annual bonuses and our longer‑term Share in Success Bonus plans, we also offer generous annual leave allowances and market‑leading pensions. With family friendly policies, access to private health insurance and a wide range of wellbeing tools, we’ll support you to be at your best inside and outside work. And of course, we’ll provide varied learning and development opportunities too. Here you’ll find everything you need for a fulfilling career journey that can take you in exciting directions.

Working Location:

Our Hybrid working approach offers the opportunity for colleagues in some roles to work from home for an average of two days a week, providing the flexibility to work in an agile way whilst ensuring we deliver for the operational needs of Heathrow. Working arrangements vary from team to team and will be confirmed during the recruitment process. You’ll need to be based in the UK and within a commutable distance to Heathrow.

Sustainable Travel to work:

Heathrow’s Sustainable Travel Guide sets out easy and sustainable travel options that everyone can access.

Equal Opportunities:

As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all. We believe that diverse talent makes us stronger – not least because we welcome passengers from all corners of the globe, every single day. Heathrow is an accessible place to work. With five diversity networks, we champion inclusivity and celebrate individuality.