Service Order Manager in Lakenheath

Nexus Careers Group is representing an established facilities and engineering services provider in the appointment of an experienced Service Order Manager. The successful applicant will support a sensitive government-operated healthcare estate. Due to the confidential nature of the contract, the employer’s identity and precise site location will only be disclosed to suitably qualified candidates during the recruitment process.

This is a senior project and service-delivery role with responsibility for coordinating construction, refurbishment, maintenance and infrastructure work across a live healthcare environment. You will manage projects from the initial identification and development of a requirement through procurement, delivery, inspection, handover and final close-out. Acting as the contractor’s senior representative for service-order matters, you will coordinate internal teams, specialist subcontractors, healthcare stakeholders and government representatives to ensure each project is delivered safely, compliantly, on schedule and within its approved budget.

The position requires an experienced healthcare facilities professional with a strong understanding of construction delivery, building services and the operational restrictions associated with working within an occupied medical environment.

• Manage maintenance, refurbishment, lifecycle replacement and modernisation projects across the healthcare estate.
• Take ownership of service orders and project work from initial scoping through to completion and handover.
• Review proposed works, quotations and project plans to establish timescales, budgets, resourcing requirements and delivery methods.
• Develop clear programmes of work for each project phase.
• Coordinate the allocation of internal personnel, specialist contractors and subcontractors.
• Lead pre-construction, mobilisation and project-coordination meetings.
• Work closely with clinical users, facilities teams, contractors and senior government stakeholders.
• Develop scopes of work, tender documentation and contractor bid packages.
• Undertake market research and support the competitive procurement of subcontracted services.
• Evaluate contractor submissions and make evidence-based award recommendations to the client.
• Define the responsibilities, authority and deliverables of each project participant.
• Monitor project performance against the agreed programme, budget and scope.
• Resolve technical, operational and commercial issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Adjust project programmes, work plans and resources where delivery requirements change.
• Ensure the correct permits, approvals and supporting documentation are secured before work begins.
• Coordinate with relevant site and government authorities regarding access, compliance and project approvals.
• Provide technical guidance to facilities management and senior leadership teams.
• Maintain accurate project records, cost information, programmes and progress documentation.
• Produce monthly reports detailing project status, financial position, risks, delays and upcoming activity.
• Ensure completed works are inspected, accepted, documented and formally closed out.
• Support the delivery of works with minimal disruption to healthcare operations.

• At least five years’ experience managing healthcare construction, refurbishment, maintenance or facilities projects.
• Previous experience delivering work within a hospital, medical centre or similarly regulated healthcare environment.
• Experience supervising a varied workforce and coordinating multiple specialist subcontractors.
• Strong technical knowledge of healthcare facilities management and construction.
• Proven ability to manage projects from initial concept and tendering through to inspection, handover and close-out.
• Experience preparing scopes, reviewing quotations, evaluating tenders and selecting subcontractors.
• Good understanding of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
• Working knowledge of communications, security, external works and associated building infrastructure.
• Ability to interpret technical information, construction documentation, programmes and cost proposals.
• Strong stakeholder-management skills, particularly when working with senior clients and building users.
• Excellent written reporting, communication and organisational abilities.
• Full UK driving licence.

Applicants should be familiar with the regulatory and technical requirements associated with maintaining and modifying operational healthcare facilities. Experience working with recognised fire-safety, environmental, occupational safety and healthcare-accreditation standards will be required. Previous exposure to government or defence-estate construction procedures would be particularly beneficial, including:

• Project planning and design-governance processes.
• Healthcare design and engineering standards.
• Tender preparation and contractor procurement.
• Bid assessment and appointment.
• Construction inspection and quality control.
• Practical completion, acceptance and project close-out.

A recognised healthcare facilities management, construction or engineering qualification would be advantageous. ASHE Certified Healthcare Facility Manager or Certified Healthcare Constructor accreditation would also be viewed favourably but is not essential.

As the senior point of contact for service-order matters, the successful applicant must be contactable by the facilities management team outside standard working hours when urgent project or operational issues require escalation. The expectations and arrangements surrounding out-of-hours availability will be discussed fully during the recruitment process.

The role will involve a mixture of office-based project management, meetings and inspections within operational facilities. Applicants must be comfortable travelling around the estate and occasionally attending other work locations using a company or authorised site vehicle. The position may involve periods of standing, walking, bending and carrying equipment or documentation weighing up to approximately 9kg. Reasonable workplace adjustments will be considered where appropriate.

Salary of £59,000–£63,000 per annum. Permanent, full-time employment. Senior responsibility across a technically complex healthcare estate. Varied refurbishment, maintenance and infrastructure project portfolio. Opportunity to work on a significant long-term government contract. Additional company benefits to be confirmed during the recruitment process.

Due to the sensitive nature of the client’s work, applicants may be required to complete background screening, identity verification and client-specific security checks. All applications will be managed confidentially by Nexus Careers Group. The identity of the employer and exact site details will only be shared at the appropriate stage of the recruitment process. Nexus Careers Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this permanent vacancy. We and our client are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to suitably qualified applicants.