Mechanical Works Director (South)

HSL Compliance; Dartford; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Company pension & sick pay

Free eye test every 2 years

Kinhub wellbeing support

Retail discounts

Job summary

HSL Compliance is seeking a regional Operations Leader to head a Mechanical Works division in Dartford, with hybrid working and travel to sites.

You will act as the top technical authority on mechanical and plumbing compliance (ACoP L8, HSG274, Water Regulations), oversee budgets, WIP, and contract profitability, and drive new services and digital tools.

This senior role requires proven leadership, P&L management, and a track record in building safety-focused teams.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in mechanical, plumbing or building services compliance.
• Proven ability to manage multi-million-pound P&Ls, forecasting and contract profitability.
• Extensive knowledge of water safety legislation and compliance standards.
• Strong communication to lead multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Set regional direction, governance frameworks, and controls for safe service delivery.
• Direct and coach Mechanical Works Managers; provide executive oversight across works.
• Act as senior technical authority for mechanical/plumbing compliance (ACoP L8, HSG274, Water Regs).
• Oversee quality audits, remedial proposals, and RAMS approvals.
• Own regional revenue, budgets, margins, WIP and forecasting.
• Improve contract profitability by refining pricing, subcontractor costs and efficiencies.
• Drive growth by adding new mechanical services and digital tools.
• Manage high-level client escalations and contract retention.
• Implement career pathways, competency frameworks, and talent development.

Skills

Leadership experience

Financial forecasting

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

NVQ Level 3 Mechanical/Plumbing

Level 4 or higher (Desirable)

ACoP L8

Water Regulations

G3 Unvented

SMSTS

IOSH

NEBOSH

Full UK Driving Licence

Tools

None

Job description

Location: Dartford Office / Hybrid (South) – with travel to sites

Join HSL Compliance

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will lead a team of Mechanical Works Managers and operational crews to build a high-performing, safety-first division.

You will act as the region's top technical authority on mechanical and plumbing compliance (including ACoP L8, HSG274, and Water Regulations), while driving strategic initiatives to expand our service portfolio, introduce digital innovations, and maximize contract profitability. This is a high-impact executive role designed for a proven leader capable of aligning operational rigor with long-term commercial growth.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Set regional direction, governance frameworks, and operational controls to ensure safe, compliant service delivery.
• Direct and coach Mechanical Works Managers while providing executive oversight across planned, reactive, and emergency works.
• Act as senior technical authority for mechanical/plumbing compliance (ACoP L8, HSG274, Water Regs).
• Oversee quality audits, complex remedial proposals, and high-risk RAMS approvals.
• Hold full accountability for regional revenue, budgets, margins, WIP, and forecasting.
• Optimise contract profitability by challenging pricing models, subcontractor costs, and operational efficiencies during tenders.
• Drive business growth by introducing new mechanical compliance services, digital tools, and modern working practices.
• Serve as senior contact for key clients, managing high-level escalations, performance reviews, and contract retention.
• Implement career pathways, competency frameworks, and succession plans to recruit, retain, and develop talent.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven track record in a senior leadership role within mechanical, plumbing, or building services compliance environments.
• Extensive experience managing multi-million-pound divisional P&Ls, financial forecasting, and contract profitability.
• In-depth knowledge of water safety legislation, ACoP L8, HSG274, Water Regulations, and complex mechanical installations.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, influence stakeholders, and champion continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Requirements

• NVQ Level 3 Mechanical/Plumbing (Minimum); Level 4 or higher (Desirable)
• Technical certifications: ACoP L8, Water Regulations, G3 Unvented (Highly Desirable)
• Safety credentials: SMSTS, IOSH, or NEBOSH (Desirable)
• Full UK Driving Licence (Essential for regional travel)

Why Work for HSL?

• Full training and clear career development pathways
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Company pension scheme & sick pay scheme
• Free eye test every 2 years
• Access to Kinhub (wellbeing & financial support)
• Discounts with hundreds of retailers via Reward Gateway

About Us

HSL Compliance is one of the UK’s leading compliance specialists, helping organisations keep people safe. We work with local authorities, housing associations and businesses across the UK, providing essential services including water safety, fire safety and wider compliance solutions.

Our success is built on the dedication of our people, and we’re proud to offer a supportive workplace where employees can grow, develop and make a real impact.

If you’re looking for a varied role with real impact, and you enjoy working in a fast-moving environment, we’d love to hear from you.