At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our hospital running smoothly with vital mechanical maintenance and repairs.
- Company: Join UHS Estates Ltd, a key player in healthcare facilities management.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous NHS pension, discounts, and a great work-life balance.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for overtime and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Mechanical qualification or apprenticeship and relevant maintenance experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join our team at UHS Estates Ltd (UEL). Please refer to the detailed job description below for more information about the role. Please note, this vacancy is open only for applications from UEL and University Hospital Southampton (UHS) and its subsidiaries.
Main duties of the job
As a Mechanical Maintenance Technician with UEL at Southampton General Hospital site, you’ll play a vital role in keeping our hospital sites safe, efficient, and fully operational. You’ll carry out both planned and reactive maintenance, tackling everything from routine repairs to urgent emergency fixes and major facility upgrades. No two days are the same — and the impact of your work is felt across every department. You’ll be part of a dedicated team behind the scenes, supporting over 13,500 staff and helping deliver essential services to our community. While patients may not always see the work you do, your contribution is critical to keeping our hospitals running smoothly.
We welcome applicants from a range of sectors, particularly those with experience in disciplines such as pipefitting/plumbing, service engineering, building services, or mechanical engineering. In return, we offer guaranteed fixed working hours, permanent contracts, ongoing training and development, excellent benefits, and access to overtime through our staff bank. Join us and build a career where your skills truly make a difference.
Working for our organisation
UHS Estates Limited (UEL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS). The company is responsible for the design and construction of new buildings, as well as the ongoing provision of services, including estate maintenance, soft facilities management, and the management of equipment, consumables, and materials, in support of one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England.
Employee Benefits
- Generous NHS pension scheme
- NHS terms of service and annual leave
- Access to an employee benefits platform offering discounts on groceries, high street shopping, family outings, holidays, and more
Southampton offers an excellent quality of life, located on the south coast with an international airport and direct train links to London. The area boasts the stunning New Forest National Park, beautiful beaches along the Jurassic Coast, and living costs around 20% lower than London. With 14 Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” schools, it’s a great place to live and work.
Requirements And Skills
Essential
- Time served apprenticeship or qualification to ONC/NVQ 3 Level or equivalent (or higher) in mechanical discipline
- Relevant experience within maintenance or engineering environment
- Communication & Computer Literacy
- Understanding of Health & Safety requirements including risk assessments & Method Statements
- Work independently without supervision or part of a team
- Flexible approach to working as role likely to develop.
Desirable
- Previous experience within healthcare engineering
- Previous experience working with Safe Systems of Work/PTW’s
- Experience within other associated trades or disciplines
- Lifting & Slinging Experience
- Forklift licence
- WRAS/Water Hygiene Certification
Core working hours are 0730-1530 Mon– Fri however the successful applicant will be expected to take part in an on call roster that typically requires on call 1-day-in-10. Weekday on call requires site attendance 1400-2200 and on call from home 2200-0730. Weekend on call requires site attendance 0730-1530 (paid as overtime or lieu) and on call from home 1530-0730. Call outs are paid as overtime or lieu with a minimum payment of 2 hours per call.
Person specification
Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience
Essential criteria
- Qualification to HNC/HND level in relevant electrical, mechanical engineering or building field, or equivalent level of knowledge and practical experience achieved through experience in a hospital or similar environment
- Relevant and recent experience in similar maintenance organisation with practical experience of “safe system of work” procedures
- Specialist training in electrical, mechanical or fabric services, systems, and equipment, with experience of fault-finding, repair, inspection and commissioning
- Sound trade working knowledge and best practice techniques with examples to demonstrate ability to follow procedures and guidelines
- Experience supervising others and able to demonstrate leadership qualities
- Experience of Building Management Systems
- Experience in reading and interpreting engineering and building drawings/plans/specifications, plant/equipment/services and schematic drawings
Desirable criteria
- Member of registered/professional bodies relevant to specialist field e.g. IHEEM, IMechE, or CISBE
- Practical experience within building services or engineering contracting and maintenance industries, within the NHS or similar government organisation
- Competent or Authorised Person status in relevant discipline(s) eg Medical Gas, Ventilation, Low Voltage, Water Hygiene, Confined Spaces, Sterilisation
- Knowledge of other trade topics
- For Electrical specialists only C&G 2391 Testing & Inspection and 18th edition of IEE regulations
- Experience using word processors, spreadsheets, and CAD
- Experience of building energy management systems and associated plant controls
Trust Values
Essential criteria
- Patients First
- Working Together
- Always Improving
Mechanical Technician in Southampton employer: University Hospital Southampton
At UHS Estates Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional growth. As a Mechanical Technician at Southampton General Hospital, you'll enjoy guaranteed fixed hours, a generous NHS pension scheme, and access to ongoing training, all while contributing to the vital services that support our community. With the stunning backdrop of Southampton and its lower living costs, this role not only promises a rewarding career but also an enviable quality of life.
Contact Details:
University Hospital Southampton Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Technician in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UHS Estates Ltd. They can give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like to work there and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with maintenance and engineering, especially in a healthcare setting. Show them you know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your soft skills! Communication and teamwork are key in this role. Share examples of how you’ve worked well with others or solved problems in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll be able to keep track of your application status easily. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Technician in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Mechanical Technician role. Highlight your relevant experience in maintenance or engineering, and don’t forget to mention any specific skills that match the job description!
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see what you can bring to the table! Include examples of your past work, especially if you've tackled similar tasks in a healthcare setting. This will help us understand how you can contribute to keeping our hospitals running smoothly.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point — it shows us you can communicate effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at University Hospital Southampton
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge and any relevant maintenance procedures. Be ready to discuss your experience with safe systems of work and how you've tackled repairs in the past. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also have practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of times when you've had to think on your feet or troubleshoot a tricky situation. Whether it was an urgent repair or a major facility upgrade, being able to articulate your thought process will demonstrate your ability to handle the unexpected.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Familiarise yourself with how your role as a Mechanical Technician contributes to the overall functioning of the hospital. Knowing how your work supports staff and patients can help you convey your passion for the job and its importance during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or specific challenges the department faces. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to contribute to the team's success.