Maintenance Manager in Essex

We are seeking an experienced Maintenance Manager to join our team. Vanguard Healthcare Solutions is a British, privately owned, international clinical services and infrastructure provider supporting healthcare clients across the UK and worldwide. Our purpose-designed and built modular and mobile facilities provide our clients with new or replacement Operating Theatres, Wards, Endoscopy Suites and Decontamination and diagnostic units. As part of our solution to our clients, we also support them with clinical teams and equipment. Our values define how we do business with our customers, internally and externally: Patient-focused; Innovative; Responsive; Passionate; Teamwork.

As a Maintenance Manager, you will lead the maintenance operations for our mobile and modular medical facilities. The Maintenance Manager will ensure facilities operate efficiently, maintain compliance with regulatory standards, and support the delivery of high-quality healthcare services. The role involves managing maintenance schedules, budgets, sub-contractor activities, and critical operational equipment, while collaborating with clinical teams to ensure medical facilities meet their operational needs.

• Develop and implement reactive and planned maintenance schedules for all mobile and modular facilities and ancillary equipment in line with the strategy.
• Monitor and optimise maintenance workflows to minimise downtime and maximise efficiency.
• Review audits that are undertaken by the CSM’s (Clinical Service Managers) and schedule maintenance works where required, ensuring compliance priority.
• Regularly review schedules and update them based on operational needs and facility audits.
• Use maintenance management software to track progress and ensure adherence to schedules.
• Liaise with external sub-contractors to ensure our maintenance schedules align with theirs.
• Ensure the Maintenance Planners schedules are in line with client expectations and facility availability.
• Support the CSM’s with water and air testing schedules and plan any ongoing works to remain compliant in these areas.

• Provide leadership to the Maintenance Team, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Deliver ongoing training to ensure staff are up to date on the latest equipment, safety protocols and compliance.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Promote a collaborative environment where staff can share ideas and contribute to process improvements.
• Conduct local HR Management when required.
• Deputise for the Maintenance Operations Manager when called upon.
• Support the duties of the Maintenance Planner and Maintenance Coordinator if and when required due to planned or unplanned absence.

• Establish clear expectations with sub-contractors, ensuring alignment with maintenance plans and schedules.
• Issue detailed instructions for work, including scope, timelines and safety requirements.
• Conduct regular on-site inspections to ensure contractors deliver quality work on time and within budget.
• Establish relationships with sub-contractor counterparts.
• Maintain a pool of reliable sub-contractors, ensuring continuity of service.
• Ensure all documentation received by sub-contractors is controlled.
• Work closely with the Commercial Operations Team to ensure sub-contractors are appointed properly.

• Review maintenance audits provided by CSM’s and the clinical teams to identify areas of improvement or immediate action.
• Develop and implement action plans to address findings from audits.
• Schedule regular audits and inspections to ensure consistent facility and equipment performance.
• Use audit data to inform updates to the maintenance strategy and prioritise resource allocation.

• Ensure all operational and ancillary equipment in the field is functioning optimally and safely.
• Develop schedules with the Maintenance Planner and CSM’s so these are not unexpected.
• Implement a preventative maintenance programme to extend equipment lifespan and minimise breakdowns.
• Oversee repairs and replacements, maintaining detailed records of work conducted.
• Conduct root cause analysis of recurring issues and implement long-term solutions.
• Support the clinical teams with the calibration of handheld and other in-field tools.

• Analyse maintenance reports and data to make informed decisions about resource allocation and priorities.
• Develop comprehensive maintenance performance reports for senior leadership.
• Identify and elevate critical maintenance issues that could impact clinical operations.
• Ensure decisions are aligned with the company’s operational goals and compliance requirements.
• Act as a key operational contact on call out of hours.

• Work closely with clinical staff to understand their operational needs and challenges.
• Ensure maintenance activities do not disrupt clinical services or patient care.
• Respond promptly to issues raised by clinical teams, prioritising critical repairs or adjustments.
• Maintain open communication channels to anticipate future maintenance needs.

• Work closely with project managers to support on any maintenance tasks that may arise during the installation phase.
• Ensure all information is handed over to the maintenance team on project completion, including drawings, asset data and maintenance records.
• Support project managers with any client queries around post-handover maintenance.

• Ensure all maintenance activities adhere to health and safety regulations and company policies.
• Conduct regular safety checks on equipment and facilities, addressing risks proactively.
• Train sub-contractors and staff on safety protocols and enforce compliance on site.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and incorporate them into maintenance practices.
• Undertake any accident incident investigations where required.
• Support, create and review internal and external RAMS where required.

• Develop and implement contingency plans for critical equipment failures or emergencies.
• Lead rapid response efforts to address urgent maintenance issues, minimising downtime.
• Coordinate with sub-contractors and internal teams to ensure quick resolution of emergencies.
• Review weather warnings, issue guidance to site teams and contractors, and make adequate preparations as required.
• Conduct post-incident reviews to identify lessons learned and improve future preparedness.

• Create and manage day-to-day maintenance budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
• Monitor expenses, track spend against budget and provide financial updates to senior leadership.
• With support from the Maintenance Operations Manager and the Commercial Operations Team help negotiate contracts with suppliers and sub-contractors to secure favourable terms.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service quality and compliance standards.

• The ideal candidate will bring a combination of technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and strategic thinking to the role.
• Educational Background: IOSH Qualification or equivalent.
• Diplomas in mechanical, electrical, or building services disciplines is beneficial.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field would be advantageous.
• Experience: Awareness of healthcare specific technical guidance (HTM’s).