At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical services, ensuring HVAC systems run safely and efficiently.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in facilities management with a focus on quality of life.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, training, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a prestigious corporate environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Mechanical trade qualification and experience in HVAC systems required.
We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Lead to join our onsite engineering team at a prestigious corporate client site in Central London. As the technical lead for mechanical building services, you will be responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of HVAC and mechanical systems across the building. You will lead the mechanical discipline within the engineering team, oversee planned and reactive maintenance activities, support specialist contractors, and provide technical guidance to engineers and operatives.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on mechanical professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering high standards of building maintenance and client service.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the delivery of planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and reactive mechanical works.
- Ensure HVAC and mechanical systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.
- Diagnose and resolve complex faults across mechanical plant and equipment.
- Supervise and support engineers, operatives, and specialist contractors.
- Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, SFG20 requirements, and company procedures.
- Manage permits to work, risk assessments, method statements, and isolation procedures.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records using the CMMS system.
- Support continuous improvement, energy efficiency, and asset reliability initiatives.
- Participate in the site standby and escalation rota.
- Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders while maintaining exceptional service standards.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Recognised mechanical trade qualification – City & Guilds / NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services, HVAC or Refrigeration, or proven equivalent experience.
- Proven experience maintaining commercial HVAC systems, including AHUs, FCUs, chilled water, LTHW, pumps, and pressurisation systems.
- F-Gas Category I certification.
- Experience leading, supervising, or mentoring engineers.
- Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
- Experience working under permit-to-work and isolation procedures.
- Good IT skills and experience using CMMS systems.
- Desirable: Water Hygiene / Legionella certification, IPAF and PASMA, 18th Edition Electrical qualification, Authorised Person (AP) experience, IOSH or NEBOSH certification, First Aid at Work, Experience with BMS platforms such as Trend, Siemens, Schneider, Distech, or Simmtronic.
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. We also offer a range of perks, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support.
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life's larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting your wellbeing.
- Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service.
- Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular high street retailers (also open to friends and family).
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension Plan.
- Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
- Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities.
Mechanical Lead in London employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a competitive salary, extensive benefits, and a supportive work culture. With a focus on career progression and continuous development, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to a prestigious corporate client site in Central London. Join a diverse team that values inclusivity and provides unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Lead in London
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Sodexo.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Sodexo love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Sodexo and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Sodexo and the Mechanical Lead role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Sodexo.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Sodexo.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Sodexo, making you a more appealing candidate.
