Mechanical Team Leader (Building Maintenance)

The Borough Council of Gateshead; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Gateshead is looking for a Mechanical Team Leader to manage a team responsible for the planned and reactive maintenance of mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and managing budgets. Candidates should possess a HNC in Building Services and relevant ACS accreditation. This position offers a competitive salary, flexible working options, and extensive employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Outstanding Pension Scheme

Generous Annual Leave

Flexible Working Hours

Hybrid & Flexible Working

Learning & Development

Health & Wellbeing Support

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme

Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice

Qualifications

• Minimum HNC or equivalent qualification in a Building Services related subject.
• Current or previously held Non-Domestic ACS accreditation.
• Experience in managing an in-house team and contractors on site.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team ensuring all mechanical maintenance works are delivered on time.
• Coordinate and monitor non-domestic and domestic operations.
• Maintain compliance with health and safety legislation.

Skills

Mechanical systems management

Plumbing systems

HVAC systems

Budget and financial planning

Health & Safety compliance

Project Management

Education

HNC in Building Services

SMSTS qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Safety Management systems

Job description

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work/life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi‑time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Our construction colleagues have significant responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of one of the region’s largest property portfolios. With work spanning responsive and planned repairs, cyclical maintenance and emergency out‑of‑hours repairs, fire and building safety, disabled adaptations, asset improvement, stores, purchasing and waste, call handling and customer support, this is a high‑performing team operating on the front line with a truly vital role to play in ensuring safe living and working conditions for residents and employees of Gateshead.

About the role

As a Mechanical Team Leader you’ll manage a team to ensure that all mechanical, plumbing, gas and HVAC planned maintenance programmes and all reactive mechanical maintenance works are delivered on time and within budget across Gateshead Council’s portfolio of buildings. You will ensure that all works are compliant in accordance with guidance and legislation. You’ll bring specific experience in mechanical, plumbing and HVAC systems and hold a minimum of HNC or equivalent qualification in a Building Services (M&E) related subject.

What you’ll get involved in

Working within the Building Maintenance Section you’ll coordinate and monitor the delivery of all non‑domestic & domestic operations and activities such as plant replacement, servicing, repairs and remedial works and externally funded schemes.

The role also includes having financial and budget responsibility for the Building Maintenance Mechanical department, providing budgets and estimates and technical advice to clients and other stakeholders. You will be part of a team having responsibility in all aspects of health and safety management to comply with current legislation, including CDM Regulations, promoting a culture of good health and safety.

What you’ll need to be successful

Knowledge

• Principles of construction and relevant legislation
• IT systems including Microsoft Office
• Project Management & Maintenance Programmes
• Understanding of Equality and Diversity legislation

Experience

• Statutory gas legislation and regulations.
• Current Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure.
• Undertake duties in accordance with Health & Safety Regulations (CDM) including RIDDOR reporting, established safe systems of work and policies, practices and procedures.
• An understanding of the principles in cyclical and compliance areas with either relevant on‑site managerial or technical work experience.
• Budget and financial planning including preparing timely and accurate reports on performance.
• Managing an in‑house team and contractors on site.
• Organising and prioritising your own workload and dealing calmly with difficult decisions.

Skills

• Minimum of HNC or equivalent qualification in a Building Services related subject.
• Current or previously held Non‑Domestic ACS accreditation in COCN1/CoDNCO1, CDGA1, CIGA1, CORT1, ICPN1, TPCP1 & TPCP1A.
• Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems (Unvented).
• Time served heating engineer to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent standard.
• Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) qualification.
• Current CSCS Card or willingness to work towards qualification.
• Willingness to undertake any additional corporate or trade training as required.
• Full driving license or access to mobility support.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive.
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases.

Our commitment to you

We are an equal‑opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. At Gateshead Council we are an employer who embraces, welcomes diversity, and demonstrates equality for all. We’ll go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

How to apply

You can apply online using the link below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications. We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying. If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via [e-mail]

Please note:

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high‑volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application. Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.