Maintenance Craftsperson (Mechanical)

NHS; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a dedicated Maintenance Craftsperson (Mechanical) based in Sunderland. The successful candidate will join a team responsible for maintaining mechanical systems, including AHUs and BMS controls. Duties involve both installation and repair, requiring a solid knowledge of engineering systems typical in an NHS Trust. The role offers a salary of £33,127–£40,327 with possibilities for overtime. A positive and flexible attitude is essential for this position, which contributes significantly to patient care.

Benefits

Fitness Centre access

Cycle-to-work scheme

Childcare support

Qualifications

• Experience with mechanical plant and equipment in an NHS setting.
• Knowledge of electrical and plumbing systems.
• Ability to manage and maintain large-scale mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair mechanical plant and equipment.
• Participate in the on-call rota and shift pattern.
• Provide technical advice and guidance to other staff.

Skills

Knowledge of mechanical systems

Problem-solving skills

Ability to work flexibly

Communication skills

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ Level 3 in mechanical engineering

Completion of a recognised apprenticeship

Job description

Maintenance Craftsperson (Mechanical)

The closing date is 20 January 2026.

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, conscientious and dedicated maintenance craftsperson (Mechanical) to join a team of engineering craftsperson responsible for the maintenance and repair of mechanical plant and equipment at buildings maintained by CHoICE Facilities Services. The role will require the post holder to undertake the role of Competent Person (CP) as defined within Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 00 for multiple engineering services and support CHoICE to meet its statutory, mandatory and best practice commitments to its existing partners.

As part of the role the post holder will be required to be flexible and have broad knowledge of mechanical systems to ensure maintenance, repair and installation activities can be completed efficiently, providing the best possible services. The successful candidate will operate and maintain large‑scale mechanical systems which includes AHUs, LTHW systems, steam plant, pressure systems, medical gas system, refrigeration plant and BMS control.

The role requires participation in the current CFS rolling 365‑day shift pattern/system, on‑call rota and overtime when the service needs dictate. Appropriate payments will be made.

Main duties of the job

All applicants must have a positive, friendly and co‑operative manner and be prepared to be flexible to meet the service needs of the Trust. The role will require the applicant to use their own initiative in problem‑solving scenarios to allow a satisfactory outcome while adapting to the changing demands of the role. The post holder will provide technical advice, guidance and, where necessary, supervision to other CFS staff, contractors and Trust colleagues.

Successful applicants will need knowledge of electrical systems with detailed knowledge of mechanical and plumbing systems typically found within an NHS Trust. Completion of a City & Guilds/NVQ Level 3 in mechanical engineering or equivalent is essential, as well as completion of a formally recognised, relevant and accredited apprenticeship.

Expected earnings is not intended to provide a guarantee of earnings.

The base salary is £33,127–£40,327. The role also involves an on‑call rota, shift rota and overtime (call‑outs / planned / emergency); additional monetary rewards will be generated as part of the role.

About us

City Hospitals Independent Commercial Enterprises Ltd (CHoICE) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. CHoICE provides a full range of Facilities Management, Procurement and Outpatient Pharmacy services. We employ around 650 staff in a wide range of functions: cleaners, porters, engineers, procurement specialists and pharmacists.

Commitment, Care and Compassion – our team contributes to the overall hospital environment, providing safe, secure and comfortable facilities for patients, staff and visitors. CHoICE is an exciting place to work that will provide you an opportunity to grow and develop. Many of our staff work flexibly, including part‑time, and we are committed to offering flexible approaches to work where possible. We provide a range of benefits including a Fitness Centre (SRH), cycle‑to‑work scheme and access to a Care Co‑ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.

We welcome all applications regardless of people's race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and in particular those from under‑represented groups.

Job Responsibilities

To undertake actual maintenance and installation work/activities where appropriate across the whole range of engineering services managed/maintained by CFS. The role will require the undertaking of surveys, inspections, fault‑finding, servicing and rectification of engineering system faults while also providing technical advice, guidance and, where appropriate, supervision to other CFS staff, contractors and Trust colleagues.

The post holder will also participate in the current CFS shift pattern/system, on‑call rota and undertake overtime when the service needs dictate. Appropriate payments will be made.

Person Specification

Experience

• Knowledge and experience of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems typically found within a large NHS acute trust.
• Detailed knowledge and experience of mechanical system requirements and regulations typically found within large NHS acute trust acquired through qualifications and relevant experience.
• Complex fault diagnosis and the ability to interpret technical issues and formulate technical solutions to improve performance and maintain the service.
• Experience as a competent person able to accept a permit to work from an authorised person.
• Experience in an NHS hospital environment.
• Experience operating building management systems (BMS).

Physical Skills

• Able to travel and work at all trust sites.
• Ability to undertake moderate physical activities for long periods throughout a typical working day.
• Ability to complete tasks requiring short intensive bursts of effort before returning to moderate physical activity.
• Ability to undertake regular moving and handling activities.
• High physical dexterity, hand‑eye coordination and fine‑tool manipulation.

Qualifications

• Basic numeracy and literacy skills to level 1 or equivalent.
• Basic IT skills.
• BTEC/ONC, City & Guilds or NVQ level 3 or equivalent in suitable engineering related discipline.
• Completion of recognised accredited apprenticeship in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Completion of specialist engineering related training via formalised training or suitable experience.
• City & Guilds quarterly testing of large porous load sterilisers.
• City & Guilds quarterly testing of washers disinfectors.
• HVAC competent person certificate.

Skills and Knowledge

• Use own initiative in problem‑solving scenarios for satisfactory completion.
• Adapt to changing demands, including environmental emergencies.
• Prioritise own workload and others to maintain high‑quality patient care and SLA targets.
• Regularly provide and receive information, both routine and complex, with colleagues and external contacts.
• Self‑motivated with a desire to improve current practices.
• Understand and empathise with clinical staff/patients where estates work impacts clinical work.
• Operate computer systems: electronic asbestos register, labour‑management system, pneumatic tube system, building management system, fire alarm systems.
• Adopt flexible working hours and on‑call shift requirements.
• Knowledge of HTMs.
• Knowledge of planned preventive maintenance systems.
• Knowledge of building management systems (BMS).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any convictions.

Employer name

City Hospitals Independent Commercial Enterprises Ltd (CHoICE)

£33,127 to £40,327 a year. Expected earnings £37,627 – £44,827.