Mechanical Engineering Project Manager

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization located in the City of London is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Project Manager to oversee and manage mechanical engineering infrastructure projects. This role demands a strong leader with technical expertise and experience in managing a substantial budget. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with statutory regulations and deliver innovative engineering solutions while maintaining high service quality and safety standards.

Qualifications

• 3 years post-qualification experience as an Authorised Person for at least two HTMs.
• Strong knowledge of NHS estates operations and statutory compliance.
• Experience leading and managing engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage Mechanical Engineering Infrastructure Team and projects.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and NHS requirements.
• Oversee financial management of a £2.5M budget.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Financial management

Mechanical engineering knowledge

Education

Degree/HND/HNC in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Management qualification or 2 years middle management experience

Job description

Overview

Mechanical Engineering Project Manager, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The closing date is 09 October 2025.

The Project Manager - Mechanical Engineering Projects leads the management, delivery, and maintenance of the Trust's mechanical engineering infrastructure, ensuring systems are safe, compliant, and operational to support high-quality healthcare. Based at St George's Hospital (with work across Trust sites), the role oversees in-house teams, consultants, and contractors, delivering projects in line with HTMs, HBNs, legislation, and Trust standards.

Key responsibilities include managing systems such as HVAC, water safety, medical gases, lifts, pressure systems, and energy centres; preparing and evaluating tenders; ensuring statutory compliance; maintaining robust Safe Systems of Work; and acting as an Authorised Person for relevant HTMs. The postholder manages a £2.5M budget, driving cost efficiency while maintaining service quality. They recruit, train, and lead staff, foster a culture of safety and accountability, and liaise with internal and external stakeholders. The role also supports the Trust's sustainability agenda, participates in emergency on-call duties, and ensures minimal disruption to patient care during works. This position demands strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to deliver results under pressure in a complex healthcare environment.

Note: Previous applicants need not apply, as they will not be reconsidered for this vacancy.

Main duties of the job

Manage the day-to-day operation of the Mechanical Engineering Infrastructure Team and contractors, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective service delivery. Lead mechanical engineering projects from design to completion, covering systems such as HVAC, water safety, medical gases, lifts, pressure systems, and energy centres. Prepare and evaluate tenders, oversee procurement, and ensure projects comply with HTMs, HBNs, legislation, and Trust standards. Act as an Authorised Person for relevant HTMs, maintaining Safe Systems of Work, statutory compliance, and robust governance processes.

Oversee planned and reactive maintenance to minimise disruption to hospital services, ensuring full asset and record management within CAFM systems. Manage a £2.5M budget, delivering services within financial limits and identifying cost improvement opportunities. Recruit, train, and develop staff, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and service excellence. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including clinical teams, contractors, regulators, and local authorities. Support sustainability initiatives, contribute to the Trust's Carbon Reduction Programme, and participate in the on-call rota, providing technical support during emergencies and major incidents.

About us

St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).

After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.

Job responsibilities

Position Summary

The Estates Manager Mechanical Engineering Projects is a senior operational and technical leader within the Estates & Facilities Division of St Georges University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The role is based primarily at St Georges Hospital but requires flexibility to work across all Trust sites. Reporting to the Senior Estates Manager Mechanical Engineering Projects and accountable to the Assistant Director of Estates, the postholder is responsible for the efficient, safe, and economical management of mechanical engineering infrastructure projects and associated operational teams.

The purpose of this role is to ensure that the Trusts estate is supported by reliable, compliant, and effective engineering services. This includes oversight of system design, installation, operation, and maintenance in accordance with statutory legislation, NHS guidance (including HTMs and HBNs), and industry best practice.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Position Summary

The Estates Manager Mechanical Engineering Projects is a senior operational and technical leader within the Estates & Facilities Division of St Georges University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The role is based primarily at St Georges Hospital but requires flexibility to work across all Trust sites. Reporting to the Senior Estates Manager Mechanical Engineering Projects and accountable to the Assistant Director of Estates, the postholder is responsible for the efficient, safe, and economical management of mechanical engineering infrastructure projects and associated operational teams.

The purpose of this role is to ensure that the Trusts estate is supported by reliable, compliant, and effective engineering services. This includes oversight of system design, installation, operation, and maintenance in accordance with statutory legislation, NHS guidance (including HTMs and HBNs), and industry best practice.

Role Context
The Estates & Facilities Division plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of high-quality healthcare by ensuring that the Trusts estate is safe, attractive, and operational. The Estates Manager Mechanical Engineering Projects is a key member of the division's management team, contributing to the strategic and operational planning, delivery of infrastructure upgrades, and continuous service improvement.

This postholder is expected to combine professional engineering expertise with strong managerial and leadership skills, overseeing a mix of in-house staff and external contractors to deliver projects and services with minimal disruption to patient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the in-house Mechanical Engineering Infrastructure Team and associated contractors, ensuring day-to-day operations are efficient, safe, and meet agreed service levels.
• Develop, train, and support staff to maintain the appropriate skill mix and succession planning for the department.
• Conduct staff appraisals, performance reviews, and ensure adherence to Trust policies on conduct, attendance, and behaviour.
• Act as a role model for the Trusts values: Excellence, Kindness, Responsibility, and Respect and ensure these are embedded in team culture.
• Maintain staff morale, welfare, and engagement, promoting high standards of service delivery.

2. Mechanical Infrastructure Management

• Take responsibility for a diverse range of engineering systems, including:
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
• Water safety and distribution systems (hot, cold, and drinking water)
• Medical gas services
• Lifts and vertical transportation systems
• Pressure systems, including steam and compressed air
• Energy centre and boiler plant operations
• Asbestos management within mechanical systems
• Emergency planning and business continuity arrangements

Ensure these systems are operated, maintained, and upgraded in compliance with statutory and NHS requirements.

Implement planned preventative maintenance programmes and respond to unplanned failures quickly to minimise disruption.

3. Project Planning and Delivery

• Lead mechanical engineering infrastructure projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to programme, budget, and quality standards.
• Prepare and compile tender documentation in cooperation with Procurement.
• Evaluate contractor bids, recommend award of contracts, and oversee works on site.
• Conduct feasibility studies and provide cost estimates for improvement works and capital projects.
• Ensure robust project governance and reporting processes are followed.

4. Compliance, Risk, and Safety Management

• Act as an Authorised Person for HTM 02 (Medical Gases), HTM 03 (Ventilation), HTM 04 (Water Safety), and other HTMs as appropriate following successful training.
• Maintain Safe Systems of Work and ensure statutory compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental legislation.
• Conduct safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Interpret complex technical guidance and legislation for operational application.
• Ensure full compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements and contribute to inspections.

5. Financial and Resource Management

• Manage a portion of the Estates engineering budget of approximately £2.5 million (£2.2M non-pay, £800K pay).
• Monitor expenditure, ensuring services are delivered within budget and resources are deployed effectively.
• Participate in budget-setting processes and develop cost improvement programmes.
• Authorise official orders and approve expenditure in line with Trust policies.
• Ensure contractor performance provides value for money and meets service-level agreements.

6. Information and Asset Management

• Maintain accurate engineering and project records in CAFM systems such as Planet and Zetasafe.
• Ensure that asset registers, drawings, and logbooks are updated following alterations or project completions.
• Monitor contractor performance using key performance indicators and benchmarking processes.
• Provide regular progress reports to management and contribute to corporate governance reporting.

7. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with internal stakeholders including directors, managers, consultants, matrons, and clinical teams.
• Work closely with external organisations such as NHS Estates, Department of Health, specialist consultants, professional bodies, and regulatory agencies.
• Liaise with local authorities, fire services, and planning/building control as required.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including presenting technical and complex information to non-technical audiences.

8. Sustainability and Service Improvement

• Contribute to the Trusts Carbon Reduction Programme and sustainability agenda.
• Participate in the Estates Sustainable Development Group, promoting environmental responsibility in mechanical projects.
• Lead service improvement initiatives, including modernisation of infrastructure and adoption of innovative technologies.
• Identify opportunities for efficiency gains without compromising safety or service quality.

9. Emergency Preparedness and On-Call Duties

• Participate in the Estates on-call rota, providing technical support 24/7 for mechanical engineering issues.
• Respond to emergencies and service failures, coordinating remedial actions and ensuring patient safety is not compromised.
• Attend and contribute to major incident responses as required.
• Work outside normal hours when necessary to manage urgent or critical incidents.

Mandatory Responsibilities

• Ensure all work complies with the Health and Safety at Work Act, Data Protection Act, Equality and Diversity policies, and other relevant Trust policies.
• Keep professional and technical knowledge up to date through continuous professional development.
• Protect confidentiality at all times and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Ensure safeguarding responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults are met.
• Support the Trusts vision of Delivering Outstanding Care, Every Time.

Person Specification Summary

Essential:

• Degree/HND/HNC in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or relevant subject.
• Management qualification or 2 years middle management experience in Estates.
• Incorporated Engineer status.
• 3 years post-qualification experience as an Authorised Person for at least two relevant HTMs.
• Strong leadership, project management, and financial management skills.
• Knowledge of NHS estates operations and statutory compliance.

Desirable:

• Chartered Engineer status.
• Previous NHS experience.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills.

Impact of the Role

This position is central to the safe and efficient functioning of the Trusts estate. Failures in the systems under the Estates Managers remit can have immediate consequences for patient care, clinical operations, and regulatory compliance. By providing technical leadership, financial stewardship, and operational resilience, the Estates Manager ensures that the Trusts engineering infrastructure is a foundation—not a barrier—to outstanding healthcare delivery.

Education & Qualifications

• Degree/HND/HNC in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or relevant engineering subject.
• Management/professional qualification or at least 2 years' middle management experience (Band 6) in Estates.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• 3 years post-qualification experience as an Authorised Person in at least two of HTM 01, 02, 03, 04, or 06.
• Incorporated Engineer status.

Knowledge

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of building and engineering services and maintenance procedures.
• Comprehensive understanding of relevant Health & Safety legislation for construction, engineering services, and maintenance.
• Understanding of customer-focused service delivery
• Knowledge of NHS structures, objectives, and application within the Trust
• Specialist knowledge of HTMs.
• Up-to-date knowledge of key issues in estates maintenance.
• Awareness of registration requirements with approved organisations (e.g., UK Register of Electricians, GasSafe)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust