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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams, manage building operations, and ensure top-notch student experiences.
- Company: Fast-growing UK residential operator with a stellar reputation in student accommodation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus potential, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and lead exciting new building launches while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong engineering background, hands-on leadership, and compliance knowledge required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on service and student satisfaction.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 85000 £ per year.
Job Description
Head of Engineering (M&E)
Residential & Student Accommodation
Hybrid | Nationwide Portfolio | Full Time | Senior Leadership Role
Are you an experienced Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) engineering leader with a strong background in mechanical & electrical systems, planned preventative maintenance (PPM), compliance, and capital projects?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a Head of Engineering role with one of the UK's leading premium living providers, where you will oversee a diverse national estate of large, premium residential properties, ensuring buildings and systems operate efficiently, safely, and sustainably.
We are looking for a dynamic, driven professional who can combine strategic vision with hands-on technical expertise to deliver first-class building operations, lead a team of engineers, and manage multi-million-pound M&E assets.
The Role
As Head of Engineering (M&E), you will:
- Lead and inspire a team of regional and on-site engineers, driving performance, professional growth, and operational excellence across multiple sites.
- Oversee planned preventative maintenance (PPM) schedules, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, building safety, and life safety systems.
- Manage all reactive maintenance and service desk requests, ensuring SLAs are met and downtime is minimised.
- Deliver and oversee capital expenditure (CapEx)projects from survey and scoping to budgeting, design, and project management.
- Build strong relationships with contractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, holding third parties to account on quality and compliance.
- Partner with development teams on new build handovers, system snagging, defect rectification, and integration into operational models.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement, implementing best practice in facilities engineering and asset management.
- Collaborate on budget setting and financial reporting, ensuring maintenance and project spend is cost-effective and aligned with business strategy.
- Work closely with Health & Safety, Estates, and Energy teams to ensure compliance, sustainability, and efficiency goals are met (SFG20, BSR etc.)
About You
We're looking for someone who is:
- A proven engineering leader within M&E, Facilities Management, or Building Services working across a large estate – ideally you will already be operating as a Head of MEP / Head of Building Services / Head of Facilities Management / Head of Technical Services
- Experienced in M&E systems, statutory compliance, PPM planning, and contractor management.
- Skilled at managing Capex projects, from survey to delivery.
- Confident in liaising at senior level and working cross-functionally with development, operations, and estates teams.
- Knowledgeable in building safety, fire safety, and health & safety regulations.
- Commercially astute, able to manage budgets and deliver value through smart investment and maintenance planning.
- A problem solver with a proactive, innovative mindset and excellent communication skills.
What's in it for you?
- Basic salary of up to £85,000
- Car allowance
- Bonus of 15%-20%
- A high-profile leadership role with the chance to shape the long-term engineering strategy of a fast-growing property portfolio.
- Exposure to landmark buildings and new developments across the UK.
- A supportive, forward-thinking operations team with an emphasis on continuous improvement and professional development.
- Hybrid working with occasional travel to Manchester HQ and travel across sites as required.
Head of Engineering employer: The People Pod
Contact Detail:
The People Pod Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who might know about opportunities in residential operations. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past, especially in building handovers and compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving abilities! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in engineering operations. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to balance day-to-day issues with long-term improvements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic roles that could be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about leading engineering teams and enhancing student experiences. A bit of personality goes a long way!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight your experience with building handovers, CapEx projects, and compliance standards. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your technical skills and experiences. Remember, we want to understand your qualifications without getting lost in jargon!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Pod
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to building operations and compliance standards like SFG20 and the Building Safety Act. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed engineering teams and handled building handovers in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and mentoring engineers. Think about specific situations where you improved performance or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your hands-on leadership style.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the company’s mission and values, especially their focus on student experience. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their growth and operational excellence.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice translating complex technical issues into simple language. During the interview, aim to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently, as this will show your ability to work with non-technical staff and stakeholders effectively.
