At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a new service department while providing technical support.
- Company: Established HVAC business with a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Excellent salary, performance bonus, company vehicle, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with great career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing service division and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in air conditioning service and strong leadership skills.
Salary: Excellent Salary (Depending on Experience) + Performance Bonus + Company Vehicle + Phone + Laptop + Pension + Ongoing Training
Location: Croydon (Hybrid - Approximately 20% Office / 80% Field Across London & Home Counties)
Full Time | Permanent
A fantastic opportunity has become available for a Service Manager / Senior Air Conditioning Service Engineer looking to play a key role within a growing HVAC business. This position offers genuine long-term career progression, with the chance to build and develop a dedicated service department. Whether you are already an experienced Service Manager / Senior Air Conditioning Service Engineer or a Senior Engineer ready to move into management, this role offers the autonomy to make a real impact. The successful candidate will work closely with the directors to shape the future of the service division.
About the Company
Established in Italy during the 1970s, this business has built an excellent reputation for manufacturing high-quality, energy-efficient air conditioning systems. Its innovative product range includes water-condensed air conditioning solutions that eliminate the need for external units, making them ideal for buildings with planning restrictions, listed properties and developments where aesthetics are important. The UK operation continues to grow, providing technical support, installation expertise and aftersales service throughout London and the Home Counties. With increasing demand for maintenance and service contracts, the business is now investing in the development of its own dedicated Service Department.
Why Join?
This is far more than a standard management role. You will have the opportunity to establish processes, influence business decisions and build a department from the ground up. You'll work directly alongside the directors, helping to shape the future direction of the business while remaining involved in the technical side of the role. The position offers an excellent balance of management and hands-on engineering, with approximately 20% office-based work from Croydon and 80% spent supporting customers across London and the Home Counties.
The Role
Reporting directly to the directors, you will oversee the development and day-to-day running of the service department while maintaining high technical standards and excellent customer service. Your responsibilities will include:
- Developing and growing the Service & Maintenance Department
- Creating service procedures, systems and operational processes
- Managing planned preventative maintenance contracts
- Coordinating reactive breakdowns, repairs and fault finding
- Scheduling engineers and managing workloads
- Providing technical support and assistance on complex service issues
- Recruiting, mentoring and developing engineers as the department grows
- Building long-term relationships with customers
- Preparing maintenance quotations and remedial work proposals
- Identifying opportunities to grow recurring maintenance revenue
- Monitoring departmental performance and KPIs
- Ensuring compliance with F-Gas regulations and Health & Safety requirements
- Carrying out site visits across London and the Home Counties where required
About You
To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:
- Proven experience as an Air Conditioning Service Engineer
- Strong fault-finding and diagnostic skills
- Experience working on split, multi-split, VRF and VRV systems
- F-Gas Category 1 Certification
- Excellent customer-facing and communication skills
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads
- A full UK Driving Licence
Previous experience managing engineers, service contracts or maintenance schedules would be highly advantageous, although experienced Senior Engineers looking to progress into management are encouraged to apply.
Salary & Benefits
- Excellent salary depending on experience
- Performance-related bonus
- Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
- Mobile phone and laptop
- Pension scheme
- Manufacturer and technical training
- Management development opportunities
- Genuine long-term career progression
- Opportunity to build and lead a new service department
- Hybrid working with approximately 20% office and 80% field-based
If you're looking for an opportunity where you can influence the future of a growing service division while remaining close to the technical side of the industry, this could be the ideal next step in your career.
Contact Mark at Up Front Recruitment for more information.
Service Manager / Senior Air Conditioning Service Engineer in Croydon employer: Upfront Recruitment
Upfront Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Westminster, London. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and a competitive pension scheme, ensuring our team members feel valued and supported. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that prioritises quality assurance in live projects, making a meaningful impact in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager / Senior Air Conditioning Service Engineer in Croydon
✨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 Service Manager / Senior Air Conditioning Service Engineer role you’re after at Upfront Recruitment.
✨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 Upfront Recruitment 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 Upfront Recruitment.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Service Manager / Senior Air Conditioning Service Engineer at Upfront Recruitment, 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 Service Manager / Senior Air Conditioning Service Engineer in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Service Manager / Senior Air Conditioning Service Engineer, 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 Upfront Recruitment 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 Upfront Recruitment 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 Upfront Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Upfront Recruitment, 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 Upfront Recruitment 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.
