Head of Compliance & M&E

London Borough of Hackney; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A major London local authority seeks a Head of Compliance & M&E to oversee statutory compliance and delivery of mechanical and electrical services across its housing portfolio. This high-impact role leads a team of around 120 staff, managing significant budgets and ensuring safe, reliable homes for thousands of residents. Candidates should have substantial senior leadership experience in compliance and M&E, with strong technical knowledge and a track record in delivering safety improvements. Relevant qualifications are preferable. This position shapes Hackney's wider resident safety strategy.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in senior leadership within M&E, compliance, or asset management.
• Demonstrated capability in managing compliance programs and delivering safety improvements.
• Experience with statutory frameworks such as the Building Safety Act and Health & Safety at Work Act.

Responsibilities

• Oversee compliance and delivery of all mechanical and electrical services.
• Lead a team of approximately 120 staff.
• Act as a principal advisor on statutory compliance.
• Manage significant budgets and procurement of M&E services.

Skills

Leadership in M&E

Risk management

Compliance knowledge

Communication of technical information

Education

Relevant Level 7 technical qualifications

Job description

Overview

Goodman Masson is partnering with Hackney Council to recruit a Head of Compliance & M&E, a senior leadership role responsible for statutory compliance and the delivery of all mechanical and electrical services across the borough's housing portfolio. This is a high-impact position overseeing critical safety functions including asbestos, legionella, gas, electrical and lift safety, while ensuring effective maintenance services and long-term asset resilience. Leading a team of around 120 staff, you will set the strategic direction for compliance and M&E services, ensuring robust frameworks, strong contractor performance, and a proactive approach to risk management. You will work closely with the Assistant Director for Resident Safety and senior leaders to translate strategic goals into operational delivery, ensuring residents receive safe, reliable and well‑maintained homes. This role will also manage significant budgets, develop preventative maintenance strategies, lead on procurement of M&E services, and oversee performance against key compliance and safety standards. You will act as a principal advisor on statutory compliance, responding to regulatory requirements and ensuring all data, inspections and safety records are audit‑ready. A core part of the role is collaboration - engaging residents, leading high‑performing teams, working with contractors and technical specialists, and representing the Council with external regulators including the HSE, the Building Safety Regulator and London Fire Brigade. You will also play a key organisational role, contributing to Hackney's governance model through regular leadership, performance and safety boards.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in M&E, compliance, housing or asset management.
• Strong technical knowledge across gas, electrical, legionella, asbestos, lifts and M&E systems.
• Experience managing large teams, direct labour operatives and specialist contractors.
• A track record of delivering compliance programmes, safety improvements and high‑quality maintenance services.
• Deep understanding of statutory frameworks including the Building Safety Act, Health & Safety at Work Act and relevant British Standards.
• Ability to lead cultural change, drive performance and communicate complex technical information with clarity.
• Relevant Level 7 technical qualifications or equivalent experience; professional memberships such as NICEIC, GasSafe, NAPIT, RICS, CIOB or CABE are desirable.

Benefits

This is an opportunity to lead one of London's most significant compliance and M&E services, shaping the safety and reliability of thousands of homes and contributing directly to Hackney's wider resident safety strategy.