Building Management Systems Maintenance Technician

The Norwich BioScience Institutes; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bio-science organization in the UK is seeking a Building Management Systems Maintenance Technician to ensure the reliability and optimal performance of critical systems across its facilities. The role focuses on maintaining essential infrastructure, including BMS, UPS, and fire detection systems. Applicants should have a recognized apprenticeship in electrical or mechanical disciplines, relevant BMS certifications, and strong problem-solving abilities. This full-time position offers a competitive salary ranging from £36,540 to £45,350, with significant responsibilities in ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.

Benefits

Defined contribution pension scheme

Excellent recreational facilities

Annual leave

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and reactive maintenance on essential infrastructure and systems.
• Manage maintenance, operation, and compliance of BMS, UPS, CCTV, fire detection, and access control systems.
• Conduct investigations for faults and coordinate with internal teams and external contractors.

Skills

Control Systems

Energy Management Principles

BMS Operation

Problem Solving

Education

Apprenticeship or equivalent qualification

Health and Safety qualifications

BMS-specific training or certification

Job description

Building Management Systems Maintenance Technician

Job Title Building Management Systems Maintenance Technician Post Number 1004926 Closing Date 19 Aug 2025 Grade SC6 Starting Salary Salary: £36,540-£45,350

Hours per week 37 Months Duration Indefinite

Job Description

Main Purpose of the Job

The NBI Partnership (NBIP) provides non-scientific services to research institutes based on the Norwich Research Park, a globally recognised centre for bioscience innovation. The park is home to leading research institutes - including the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI), and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) - supporting cutting-edge research in food security, health, and environmental sustainability. NBIP provides the facilities management (FM) services to the JIC’s, TSL’s and EI’s estates and buildings.

The Building Management Systems Maintenance Technician will perform routine and reactive maintenance on essential infrastructure and systems, ensuring the reliability, safety, and optimal performance of critical systems across NBIP-managed facilities. The role includes the ongoing management, maintenance, and operation of BMS, UPS systems, CCTV, fire detection systems, access control systems, EI/NBI Data Centres, JIC/TSL horticultural environmental systems, and leak detection systems. The role also involves managing specialist subcontractors, handling system shutdowns, and contributing to the forward planning and implementation of plant and system replacements.

The Facilities Maintenance (FM) Operations team plays a critical role in ensuring the seamless operation of essential systems across NBIP-managed facilities. This includes the maintenance of Building Management Systems (BMS), Critical Power Systems, CCTV, Fire Detection, Access Control, NBI Data Centres and specialist JIC/TSL horticultural systems.

Key Relationships

Internal: Maintenance Operations Manager, Maintenance Operations and Critical Services Supervisor, Deputy Head of FM, Infrastructure and Project Manager, FM Senior Project Manager, Energy and Environmental Manager, NGI Project Team and Specialist subcontractors and consultants, Maintenance Works Coordinator.

External: Institute staff including Operational and Laboratory Manager and the EI Business Support team.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Planned and Reactive Maintenance
• BMS and Control Systems:
a) Monitor and control the BMS for energy efficiency, fault diagnostics, and system performance enhancement.
b) Interpret system data and trends to optimise HVAC, lighting, and other building automation components.
c) Modify software parameters, schedules, and setpoints to improve operational efficiency.
d) Oversee and manage system upgrades, commissioning, and troubleshooting of communication protocols (e.g., BACnet, Modbus, Lon Works).
e) Execute planned maintenance regimes, ensuring adherence to compliance standards (e.g., BS 7671, SFG20, CIBSE guidelines).
• Critical Power Systems (UPS and Generators): Maintain and test UPS systems, emergency power generators, and related critical infrastructure to ensure continuous power for laboratories, data centers, and other vital systems.
• Specialist Horticultural Systems: Ensure optimal performance of environmental control systems, including climate stabilisation and irrigation, in horticultural research environments.
• CCTV Systems: Oversee the installation, maintenance, and operation of CCTV systems to ensure compliance with security standards. Planned and Reactive Maintenance continued
•Fire Detection and Alarm Systems: Maintain and test fire detection systems to ensure immediate functionality in emergencies and compliance with safety regulations.
• Access Control Systems: Ensure the operation of access control systems, maintaining security protocols and ensuring authorised personnel access only.
• Leak Detection Systems: Monitor and maintain leak detection systems to prevent damage and identify potential water-related issues early. Statutory Compliance
• Ensure compliance with BS 7671 electrical safety standards, performing inspections and corrective actions as required.
• Oversee pressure system certification and maintenance in line with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR).
• Ensure regular testing and maintenance of fire safety systems, emergency lighting, and gas safety systems according to regulatory standards. Building Shutdowns and Emergency Preparedness
• Assist with planning and executing building-wide shutdowns for maintenance, emergency repairs, or system upgrades.
• Coordinate shutdowns with relevant teams to minimise disruption to critical operations, such as data centers and laboratories.
• Perform checks and reactivation of systems, including UPS, HVAC, and control systems, following power interruptions or shutdowns. Fault Diagnosis and Repairs
• Investigate and resolve faults in electrical, mechanical, UPS, BMS, fire detection, access control, and horticultural systems.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external contractors to resolve complex technical issues efficiently. Testing, Inspections, and Record-Keeping
• Conduct tests such as load testing for generators and calibration for environmental controls.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of maintenance activities, inspections, and corrective actions to ensure compliance with internal and regulatory requirements Contractor Liaison and Collaboration
• Coordinate with external contractors for specialised maintenance, repairs, and upgrades of critical systems.
• Ensure contractor work complies with NBIP standards and health and safety protocols. Customer Service and Communication
• Interact professionally with internal teams and external stakeholders, promptly addressing maintenance requests and system issues.
• Provide clear, timely updates regarding maintenance activities and system status. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
• Contribute to energy-saving initiatives by optimising systems such as HVAC, lighting, and CHP.
• Recommend strategies to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs. Other Duties
• Promote a safety-first culture across NBIP-managed facilities by adhering to health and safety protocols.
• Support environmental sustainability programs to reduce energy and water consumption.
• Perform ancillary tasks such as stock management, site cleanliness, and audit support.
• Deputise for the Maintenance Supervisor, managing team workloads and ensuring performance.
• Lead or contribute to incident response and recovery efforts, ensuring swift and effective resolutions during system failures, power outages, or environmental events.
• As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance Completion of a recognised apprenticeship or equivalent qualification in electrical, mechanical, or controls disciplines (e.g., HNC, Level 4 or above) Essential Health and Safety qualifications (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely) Essential BMS-specific training or certification (e.g., Trend IQ, Siemens Desigo, Cylon, Tridium Niagara) Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance Experience in BMS operation (e.g., Trend, Siemens, Schneider, Honeywell). Including communication protocols (e.g., BACnet, Modbus, Lon Works) Essential Familiarity with smart building technologies and digital maintenance techniques Essential Strong understanding of control systems, instrumentation, and energy management principles Essential Proficient in maintaining and troubleshooting various building systems, including electrical, mechanical, and specialised controls Essential Significant hands-on maintenance experience in commercial, industrial, or critical environments Essential Knowledge of energy management, sustainability practices, and green building technologies Desirable Familiarity with fire safety systems, emergency lighting, and evacuation procedures Desirable F-Gas certification or HVAC specialist training Desirable 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) Desirable

Requirement Importance Proven experience in maintaining and operating critical systems such as BMS, UPS, fire detection, CCTV, access control, and horticultural systems Essential Demonstrable experience in fault diagnosis and repairs on electrical, mechanical, and control systems Essential Experience with business systems and BMS platforms for work order management and system monitoring Essential Experience using Microsoft Office programmes Essential Experience working with and operating a Siemens Desigo BMS system Desirable Experience in managing and upgrading specialised systems such as horticultural equipment, laboratory infrastructure, or data center systems Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement Importance Detail-oriented with a strong focus on precision and thoroughness in maintenance tasks and compliance activities Essential Proactive problem solver with ability to address issues before they escalate and contribute to continuous improvement efforts Essential Able to work effectively under changing circumstances and respond to urgent operational challenges Essential Strong team player with the ability to work across departments and coordinate with contractors Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team Essential Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external contractors Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement Importance Attention to detail Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Partnership, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Partnership Essential Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential Ability to work flexibly across multiple sites and adjust to the unique needs of research and laboratory environments Essential

Who We Are

NBI Partnership

The NBI Partnership provides non-scientific services to the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). All of these organisations carry out scientific research funded by the UK Government, European Union, Charitable and Industrial Sponsors. The Partnership employs around 140 staff to cater for the needs of approximately 1100 Research Staff, Students and Visiting Scientists who are all located in close proximity on the Norwich Research Park.

The John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Earlham Institute and The Sainsbury Laboratory are registered charities (No’s 223852, 1058499, 1136213 and 106550) and are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Building Management Systems Maintenance Technician

The Norwich Bioscience Institutes Partnership (NBIP) has an exciting opportunity for a Maintenance Operations Supervisor to join their busy Facilities department.

Background:

The Norwich Bioscience Institutes support a cluster of internationally renowned research organisations, working to tackle major challenges of the 21st Century – the sustainability of our environment, our food supplies and healthy ageing.

The NBI Partnership provides high quality, non-scientific support services for the diverse community of staff, students and visiting workers at the Institutes (the Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory and Quadram Institute Bioscience) and for the NBI Partnership.

Based on the Norwich Research Park amongst 230 hectares of parkland, you will be joining a committed, professional and welcoming team. In addition, you will enjoy a competitive salary and annual leave, our defined contribution pension scheme, excellent recreational facilities and a range of other employee benefits.

The Facilities Department provides unique Facilities Management Services to the John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory and the Earlham Institute. Our prime objective is to deliver safe, high quality scientific environments, which support scientists involved with world class research.

The role:

The Building Management Systems Maintenance Technician will perform routine and reactive maintenance on essential infrastructure and systems, ensuring the reliability, safety, and optimal performance of critical systems across NBIP-managed facilities. The role includes the ongoing management, maintenance, and operation of BMS, UPS systems, CCTV, fire detection systems, access control systems, EI/NBI Data Centres, JIC/TSL horticultural environmental systems, and leak detection systems. The role also involves managing specialist subcontractors, handling system shutdowns, and contributing to the forward planning and implementation of plant and system replacements.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will have a recognised apprenticeship or equivalent qualification in electrical, mechanical, or controls disciplines (e.g., HNC, Level 4 or above), as well as health and safety qualifications and BMS-specific training or certification.

They will have a strong understanding of control systems, instrumentation, and energy management principles and familiarity with smart building technologies and digital maintenance techniques.

We are looking for someone with proven experience in maintaining and operating critical systems such as BMS, UPS, fire detection, CCTV, access control, and horticultural systems and demonstrable experience in fault diagnosis and repairs on electrical, mechanical, and control systems.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £36,540 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time permanent position.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

The NBI Partnership is an equal opportunities and disability confident employer. We are committed to attracting, recruiting and retaining the best talent, and welcome all applications.

The closing date for applications will be 19 August 2025.