At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance and safety for mechanical and electrical services in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join SettleParadigm, the largest housing group in the region with a social purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while growing your career in a values-led organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong M&E engineering expertise and knowledge of UK compliance frameworks required.
Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose? At SettleParadigm, we're proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising the number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger we've brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve. If you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we'd love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we're building a better future.
We're now looking for an experienced M&E Manager to lead statutory compliance, safety and lifecycle management across key building services - ensuring our homes remain safe, reliable and well-maintained.
About the Role
As our M&E Manager, you'll take operational responsibility for statutory compliance and performance across core mechanical and electrical services, including Lifts, Water Hygiene, MVHR systems and other selected M&E assets. You'll play a central role in harmonising compliance and asset management practices across our merged organisation, aligning standards, contracts, data and processes. You'll also lead the operational implementation of our new Asset Management System, ensuring accurate asset data, strong reporting and improved decision making. This is a senior technical leadership role, managing a small team of Coordinators and Administrators, and working closely with colleagues across Property Services, Health & Safety, Estates, Projects, Finance and Procurement. If you're motivated by improving compliance, strengthening contractor performance and embedding robust asset management practices, this role offers a significant opportunity to shape how we manage our homes.
What You'll Be Doing
- Compliance & Technical Leadership
- Act as the organisations Responsible Person / Authorising Officer for lifts, water hygiene and allocated M&E systems
- Oversee risk assessments, written schemes, examinations, testing and inspections
- Ensure compliance with statutory, non-statutory and best-practice requirements
- Align policies, standards, procedures and risk frameworks across the organisation
- Support cultural change by strengthening understanding of compliance responsibilities
- Asset Management & Data
- Define system requirements for M&E and compliance data
- Oversee data migration, validation and governance for the new Asset Management System
- Ensure accurate asset records, meaningful reporting and improved visibility of risk and lifecycle costs
- Contract & Supplier Management
- Manage specialist contractors, ensuring high performance and value for money
- Lead procurement activity for new Property Services contracts
- Work with Finance, Procurement and Home Ownership on Section 20 and service charge processes
- Drive efficiency and performance across suppliers
- Team Leadership
- Manage and develop Contract Support Coordinators and Administrators
- Provide guidance, mentoring and technical support
- Ensure the team works to required timeframes and legal requirements
- Engineering & Project Delivery
- Provide engineering expertise to design, plan and manage minor refurbishments and equipment installations
- Support Repairs Managers and Property Services colleagues with technical solutions
- Contribute to audits and reviews related to compliance, financial regulation and contract management
- Financial & Reporting Responsibilities
- Plan and manage budgets of approximately £3m
- Ensure financial regulations are followed for issuing and approving works
- Produce reports for senior leaders and recommend improvements
What We're Looking For
You'll do well in this role if you:
- Bring strong technical expertise in M&E engineering
- Have deep knowledge of UK statutory compliance frameworks
- Can interpret technical information and communicate clearly with non-technical colleagues
- Are confident managing contractors, suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Have experience leading teams and supporting professional development
- Are organised, proactive and comfortable working across multiple workstreams
- Build strong relationships and work collaboratively across departments
- Are committed to safety, quality and continuous improvement
Must haves:
- Recognised qualification in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience
- Strong knowledge of statutory compliance frameworks for building services
- Proven track record delivering M&E works to a high standard
- Ability to provide clear, risk-based advice
- Health & Safety qualification (NEBOSH, NVQ Level 4, IOSH or SMSTS)
- Responsible Person & Duty Holder Training (LCA9010)
- Strong IT skills, especially Excel
- Clean driving licence
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships
Nice to haves:
- Experience managing a team
- Experience producing executive reports
- Persuasive communication skills
- Experience in contract management or procurement
- Enthusiasm for promoting a positive culture and continuous improvement
Benefits
At SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment:
- Annual salary: £64,790 per annum
- 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options
- Generous pension scheme up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
- Family-friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Health cash plan claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids cover)
- Life cover and income protection
- Flexible working: hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging
And that's just the beginning! We're also thrilled to provide:
- Mental Health First Aiders available to support
- Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)
- Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
- 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities
- Peer-recognition rewards platform
- Paid professional subscription (one per year)
Working Hours
37 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Contract: Permanent
Our Commitment
We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.
Accessibility and Adjustments
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and will always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required. Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made. Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.
Closing Date: 23.08.2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.
M&E Manager in Watford employer: Paradigm Housing
At Paradigm, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and community engagement. As a Customer Liaison Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on residents' lives while benefiting from professional development and growth opportunities in the heart of our commitment to energy efficiency. Join us in a role that not only enhances your career but also contributes to a sustainable future for our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land M&E Manager in Watford
✨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 M&E Manager role you’re after at Paradigm Housing.
✨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 Paradigm Housing 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 Paradigm Housing.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like M&E Manager at Paradigm Housing, 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 M&E Manager in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like M&E Manager, 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 Paradigm Housing 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 Paradigm Housing 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 Paradigm Housing
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Paradigm Housing, 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 Paradigm Housing 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.
