Lead Engineer

Manchester Arndale; Park Central; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facilities management company located in Park Central is seeking a Lead Engineer responsible for delivering technical, maintenance, and facilities management services at high-profile sites. This role combines direct engineering tasks with contract management, necessitating strong experience in the heritage sector. Ideal candidates will be qualified Air Conditioning engineers with a background in facilities management, ensuring compliance and operational excellence across heritage properties. The position offers opportunities for professional development and impactful work.

Qualifications

• Qualified Air Conditioning engineer with appropriate certifications.
• Experience in managing technical contracts in the heritage sector.
• Knowledge of health & safety and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement and management of technical contracts.
• Oversee planned and reactive maintenance activities.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and heritage requirements.
• Support site management teams with technical advice.

Skills

Air Conditioning Engineer

Contract Management

Facilities Management

Strong Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

Relevant Certifications (e.g., F-Gas, City & Guilds)

Tools

CAFM or Asset Management Systems

Job description

About The Company

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.

Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

About The Role

The Lead Engineer is responsible for the effective delivery of all technical, maintenance, and facilities management services across the SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham and Warwick Castle. This includes managing supplier contracts, ensuring statutory and heritage compliance, overseeing planned and reactive maintenance, and supporting the operational excellence of both sites. The role requires balancing the needs of a modern, high-footfall visitor attraction with the sensitivities and regulations of a Grade I listed heritage site.

This role requires the postholder to be a qualified Air Conditioning (AC) engineer and to spend approximately 40% of their time working “on the tools,” directly supporting and mentoring the engineering team with hands-on technical tasks.

Days of working: Varied days

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the procurement, negotiation, and management of technical and maintenance contracts for both sites
• Monitor contractor performance, ensuring all works are delivered to agreed standards, timelines, and budgets.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure all contract documentation, records, and communications are up to date and compliant.
• Oversee all planned and reactive maintenance activities, ensuring minimal disruption to operations and visitor experience.
• Ensure all technical systems (e.g., life support systems at SEA LIFE, building services at Warwick Castle) are maintained to the highest standards.
• Manage asset registers, maintenance schedules, and lifecycle planning for both sites.
• Coordinate and supervise technical projects, refurbishments, and upgrades.
• Work approximately 40% of the time “on the tools,” providing hands-on technical support, troubleshooting, and mentoring to the engineering team, with a particular focus on air conditioning and HVAC systems.
• Ensure all statutory, health & safety, and environmental compliance requirements are met, including those specific to listed buildings.
• Liaise with heritage bodies, conservation officers, and local authorities regarding works at Warwick Castle.
• Ensure all documentation and compliance records are uploaded to the relevant portals and regularly audited for quality and completeness.
• Support the delivery of risk assessments, method statements, and permit-to-work systems.
• Operational Support & Continuous Improvement
• Provide technical support and advice to site management teams.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements, energy efficiency, and cost savings.
• Lead or support sustainability and conservation initiatives relevant to each site.
• Deliver training and guidance to site teams on technical and compliance matters.
• Prepare regular reports on contract performance, compliance status, maintenance KPIs, and project progress for senior management.
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including site teams, contractors, and external partners.

Key Skills & Experience

• Qualified Air Conditioning (AC) engineer with relevant certifications (e.g., F-Gas, City & Guilds, NVQ, or equivalent).
• Proven experience in technical contract management, ideally within the leisure, attractions, or heritage sectors.
• Strong knowledge of facilities management, building services, and statutory compliance.
• Experience working with listed buildings and understanding of heritage conservation requirements (desirable for Warwick Castle).
• Excellent supplier and contract management skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication abilities.
• Experience with CAFM or asset management systems is an advantage.

Desirable

• Experience managing technical services in both modern and historic environments.
• Knowledge of health & safety, environmental, and heritage legislation.
• Project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM) is an advantage

How to Apply:

If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people then please click apply and register your interest! You can also sign up to our job alerts when registering which will notify you when other suitable vacancies are available.

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.