Mechanical/Plumbing Engineer

Manpower Group (UK); Oxford; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower Recruitment is seeking a Mechanical/Plumbing Engineer for a full-time, permanent position based in Oxford City Centre. The role requires delivering high-quality mechanical and plumbing services across the College estate and handling planned, preventative, and reactive maintenance.

A full driving licence is essential, and some out-of-hours call outs are expected. The salary is £43,500 per annum with potential for rota-based out-of-hours work.

Qualifications

• Trade qualification in plumbing, heating or building services.
• GCSE Maths and English or equivalent.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mechanical, plumbing, and general maintenance across the College estate.
• Carry out planned, preventive, and reactive maintenance in line with SLAs.
• Provide out-of-hours support and attend rota duties as required.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and record-keeping requirements.

Skills

Plumbing installation

Heating systems

Water systems

BMS knowledge

Emergency response

Health & safety

Customer service

IT literacy

Time management

Education

City & Guilds plumbing

NVQ Level 3 building services

Apprenticeship in plumbing

Job description

Manpower Recruitment are working with an established college, in Oxford City Centre and looking for a Mechanical/Plumbing Engineer. This is a Full Time, Permanent role, with the salary offered £43500pa, with expectation of out of hour call outs, on a rota basis. *Please note a Full Driving Licence is needed *Closing dates for applications is 18 th November 2026

Overall Objective

To deliver high-quality mechanical, plumbing, and general maintenance services across the College estate, ensuring that buildings, utilities, plant, and equipment remain safe, operational, compliant, and well maintained. The postholder will carry out planned, preventative, and reactive work under the direction of the Maintenance Operations Manager, maintaining accurate records and supporting the effective operation of College facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Mechanical and Plumbing Services Undertake mechanical services maintenance across the College estate, including reactive, planned, and preventative work on plumbing systems, water supply, drainage, heating systems, boilers, radiators, and associated plant and equipment. Carry out plumbing installations, repairs, and replacements, including pipework, taps, valves, sanitaryware, heating components, and related fittings. Test and inspect plumbing and heating systems to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, College policies, and relevant industry standards. Assist the Maintenance Operations Manager in planning, prioritising, and coordinating mechanical maintenance activity in line with departmental objectives and service level agreements. Ensure all work is completed safely, to a high standard, and in accordance with health and safety legislation, risk assessments, and method statements. Provide plumbing-related operational support for out-of-hours College events and conferences, as required.
• Repairs and General Maintenance Undertake basic adaptations, repairs, and preventative maintenance on building services and equipment across the College estate, working without constant supervision. Carry out regular planned preventative maintenance inspections, including water hygiene, emergency lighting, fire safety, and other statutory or departmental checks. Complete minor and medium-scale repairs, including the removal, installation, and repair of furniture, fittings, doors, windows, and other building elements. Undertake plumbing and general building work, including fabrication, repair, and finishing tasks, maintaining high standards of workmanship. Provide a professional, approachable, and customer-focused service to students, staff, visitors, and contractors. Maintain safe, tidy, and compliant working practices at all times. Keep workshops and stores organised and support the management of materials, tools, and equipment inventory. Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and procedures; report unsafe practices, installations, or equipment promptly to supervision or management. Complete all required documentation accurately and promptly, including work requests, PPM records, stores requisitions, timesheets, and statutory compliance paperwork. Participate in the Maintenance Department on-call rota and provide out-of-hours support as required. Attend training and development activities to maintain and update technical, safety, and regulatory knowledge. Carry out other reasonable duties appropriate to the role, supporting a collaborative, 'one team' approach across the College.

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven technical competence in plumbing installation, repair, testing, and maintenance of water, heating, and drainage systems.
• Demonstrable knowledge of mechanical systems, plant, boiler-room controls, and Building Management Systems.
• Ability to respond promptly and effectively to emergency maintenance situations.
• Strong organisational skills, with a methodical, tidy, and professional approach to work.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and manage workload under pressure.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Working knowledge of health and safety legislation, safe systems of work, risk assessments, and method statements.
• IT literacy, including confident use of computers and tablets for record-keeping and reporting.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and support a wide range of maintenance tasks.
• Ability to undertake some manual handling, including lifting items such as boxes and equipment.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience in wider building services and general maintenance.
• Gas Safe registration or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• Previous experience of reactive and planned maintenance in a higher‑education, residential, or multi‑occupancy environment.
• Experience working within a cross‑functional, multi‑disciplinary maintenance team.

Qualifications

• A formal trade qualification in plumbing, heating, or building services, such as City & Guilds or NVQ Level 3; or A recognised apprenticeship in a relevant discipline; or Equivalent qualification or demonstrable practical experience in plumbing and related building services.
• GCSE Maths and English, or equivalent qualifications.
• A full UK driving licence.