BACs Operations Supervisor

The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats.

Our institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live.

Organisation position and purpose: The Pirbright Institute’s control room monitors site conditions, detecting deviations, alarms, failures, or incidents that may affect safety or operations. The BMS team, part of Estates Management Services, oversees approximately 25,000 alarm and control points of varying criticality. The site operates with two control rooms—primary and standby—to ensure operational resilience.

The team works in four 12-hour shifts, each staffed by a Shift Leader, Technician, and Assistant. Together, they monitor systems, manage incidents, and escalate issues to the Biological Safety Officer and Head of Site when necessary.

As the BMS Supervisor, you will lead and manage the shift teams, serving as the primary link between them and Institute stakeholders. You will ensure clear communication, coordinate operations, and provide daily updates to the BMS Operations Manager. Your responsibilities will also include reporting on alarm performance, identifying potential risks, and supporting the continuous improvement of the site’s operational resilience.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Oversee the operation and monitoring of the Institute’s building automation systems, including HVAC, life safety, effluent treatment, refrigeration, power, water, CHP, air systems, and environmental alarms. Escalate faults to engineering teams as necessary.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of BMS/SCADA/DCS systems.
• Lead and supervise BMS shift teams, ensuring safe and effective system operation.
• Support the development of BMS processes and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and industry standards.
• Manage training and competency development for BACS shift teams, with a focus on resilience and succession planning.
• Compile and submit reports on KPIs, system failures, root cause analyses, and shift activities.
• Maintain shift continuity through regular briefings and effective team communication.
• Provide accurate data for risk registers, condition surveys, and related systems.
• Conduct impact assessments and coordinate responses to critical infrastructure issues.
• Manage and assign PPM tasks, ensuring timely completion and accurate reporting.
• Promote and maintain a safe and compliant working environment.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement within service operations.

Key Requirements:

• Confident in making independent decisions that enhance operations, service, and quality within the BACS controls environment.
• Strong communicator, able to tailor messaging across different formats and audiences.
• Skilled in planning, prioritising, and managing objectives effectively.
• Consistently meets deadlines and delivers high-quality work.
• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Professional in handling service-related requests and sensitive information.
• Experienced in producing clear, impactful reports to support decision-making.
• Proven leader of BACS Operations teams, fostering strong performance and collaboration.

Specific requirements:

• Essential BTEC, HND, HNC, or ONC in Electronic, Instrumentation, or Process Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of Condition-Based Monitoring and BMS systems (e.g., TREND, Schneider, CMR, Comark).
• Experienced in monitoring and responding to alarms across critical systems, including HVAC, effluent, power, control, data, alarms, and refrigeration.
• Skilled in managing both reactive and planned maintenance activities.
• Practical experience with control systems such as Trend, Honeywell, Schneider, Siemens, ABB, and CMR.
• Extensive background in system automation and control technologies.
• Proficient in root cause analysis and fault troubleshooting.
• Solid understanding of plant and equipment operations.
• Able to read and interpret panel wiring and software flow diagrams.
• Knowledgeable in IT-based BACS networking.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.

Desirable:

• Experience supervising engineering teams.
• Familiarity with electronic maintenance systems.
• Knowledge of DDC/PLC systems and programming.
• Qualified to 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Visio and InfoPath.
• Understanding of InduSoft Web Studio HMI/SCADA systems.

What we offer:

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings).
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days.
• Buy and sell annual leave.
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave.
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership.
• Pirbright social club.
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).
• Cycle to work.
• Subsidised staff restaurant.
• Childcare allowance.
• Free onsite parking.
• Electric Car charging facilities.

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.