Mechanical Plant Manager

UK Health Security Agency; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Learning and development opportunities

Comprehensive health and wellbeing

Job summary

UK Health Security Agency in Porton Down is seeking a Mechanical Plant Manager to lead the safe, reliable operation of critical mechanical utility and pressure systems across our campus. You will report to the Engineering Manager and act as the technical lead for key infrastructure, ensuring essential engineering services support nationally important scientific work.

This on-site role requires CST clearance (CTC) and a strong background in regulated environments.

Qualifications

• ONC, HNC, HND, apprenticeship qualification or equivalent engineering qualification.
• Experience with mechanical utility systems, pressure systems, steam boilers or other critical plant infrastructure.
• Experience in a highly regulated engineering environment with safety/compliance.
• Experience interpreting, reviewing and producing engineering documents (specifications, procedures, records).
• Experience leading engineering improvement initiatives or small/medium projects.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with ability to advise technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience investigating equipment failures and implementing corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and engineering assurance for critical mechanical and utility systems.
• Lead engineering improvement initiatives and business-critical projects.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, engineering standards and PSSR.
• Monitor asset performance, investigate failures and drive continuous improvement.
• Support audits, inspections and engineering governance activities.
• Develop technical documentation, specifications and business cases for infrastructure investment.
• Work closely with engineers, contractors, stakeholders and Competent Persons to maintain safe and reliable operations.
• Deputise for the Engineering Manager when required.

Skills

Mechanical plant

Utility systems

Regulated environment

Stakeholder engagement

Technical leadership

Root cause analysis

Education

Engineering qualification or equivalent

Tools

CMMS Maximo

Job description

Mechanical Plant Manager

Salary: £41,983 - £48,128per annum (pro rata)

Grade: Civil Service Senior Executive Officer (SEO)

Location: Porton Down Scientific Campus (fully site-based)

Help Maintain Critical Infrastructure Supporting World-Leading Science

We're looking for an experienced Mechanical Plant Manager to lead the safe, reliable and compliant operation of critical mechanical utility and pressure systems across our unique scientific campus at Porton Down.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you'll act as the technical lead for key utility infrastructure, including steam and pressure systems, ensuring essential engineering services continue to support UKHSA's nationally important scientific and operational activities.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled engineering professional who enjoys combining technical expertise, asset management, project delivery and stakeholder engagement within a highly regulated environment.

What You'll Do

• Provide technical leadership and engineering assurance for critical mechanical and utility systems.
• Lead engineering improvement initiatives and business-critical projects.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, engineering standards and Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR).
• Monitor asset performance, investigate failures and drive continuous improvement.
• Support audits, inspections and engineering governance activities.
• Develop technical documentation, specifications and business cases for infrastructure investment.
• Work closely with engineers, contractors, stakeholders and Competent Persons to maintain safe and reliable operations.
• Deputise for the Engineering Manager when required.

About You

You'll bring experience managing mechanical plant and utility systems within a complex or regulated environment, along with strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Additional Information

This role is based full-time at our Porton Down Scientific Campus and does not offer remote working.

The position requires Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance. Applicants will normally have lived in the UK for at least the last three years, although exceptions may be considered in certain circumstances.

Essential Criteria

• ONC, HNC, HND, apprenticeship qualification or equivalent engineering qualification, or significant relevant engineering experience.
• Proven experience working with mechanical utility systems, pressure systems, steam boilers, or other critical plant infrastructure.
• Experience operating within a highly regulated engineering environment and ensuring compliance with statutory and safety requirements.
• Experience interpreting, reviewing and producing engineering technical documentation, including specifications, procedures and engineering records.
• Experience managing engineering improvement initiatives or small to medium engineering projects through to completion.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to provide specialist technical advice and influence both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience investigating equipment failures, conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective and preventative actions

Desirable Criteria

• Membership of a recognised professional engineering institution and evidence of continuing professional development.
• Experience working within scientific, pharmaceutical, healthcare, research, defence or other highly regulated environments.
• Experience using Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), particularly Maximo.
• Experience managing capital projects, engineering upgrades or infrastructure improvement programmes.
• Good understanding of Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) and associated engineering compliance requirements.
• Working knowledge of Building Management Systems (BMS) or Environmental Management Systems (EMS).

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Civil Service salary.
• Excellent pension scheme of 28.97%.
• Generous annual leave.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits.

This is an excellent opportunity to apply your specialist mechanical engineering expertise within one of the UK's most important scientific environments. You'll have the chance to influence critical infrastructure, lead improvement initiatives and contribute directly to the safe and effective operation of facilities that support nationally significant work.

Discover more about our rewards and benefits:

Rewards and benefits – UKHSA | Civil Service Careers

This role closes on 21st September 2026 at 23.55pm.