Preservation Lead

Balfour Beatty; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a Preservation Lead for the Net Zero Teesside project in Redcar and Cleveland. The role involves developing and executing preservation strategies for all project equipment, ensuring optimal condition through construction and commissioning phases. Candidates must have a relevant engineering degree and significant experience in power generation, with strong leadership and planning skills. This role includes competitive benefits and a commitment to inclusion and diversity.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension savings schemes

Enhanced maternity/paternity policies

Company car if applicable

Qualifications

• Significant experience in power generation, ideally with CCGT or large industrial plants.
• Experience managing preservation programs during construction or major outages.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical manuals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the site-wide Preservation Plan.
• Lead and coordinate preservation activities across all disciplines.
• Prepare preservation documentation for system turnover.

Skills

Understanding of OEM preservation requirements

Technical problem-solving and analytical skills

Strong organisational and planning capability

Effective communication and stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

CMMS systems

Job description

About the role

Do you want to be at the forefront of one of the world's most ambitious sustainability initiatives?

Balfour Beatty have created iconic buildings and infrastructure all over the world over the past 115 years redefining excellence and setting the industry benchmark with every project.

As a result, alongside several consortium partners; Balfour Beatty have been selected by bp (British Petroleum) to construct a first-of-a-kind fully integrated gas-fired power station with carbon capture and storage which is a key driving force behind plans to make Teesside the UK's first decarbonised industrial cluster.

Balfour Beatty is seeking a dynamic Preservation Lead to contribute to the Net Zero Teesside (NZT) project based at our site in Redcar and Cleveland.

What you'll be doing

Preservation Planning & Strategy

• Develop and maintain the site-wide Preservation Plan covering all mechanical, electrical, I&C, and civil systems
• Interpret OEM manuals, EPC specifications, and project requirements to define preservation methods and intervals
• Establish procedures for short-term and long-term storage, commissioning delays, and seasonal layup
• Integrate preservation activities into construction and commissioning schedules

Execution & Coordination

• Lead and coordinate preservation activities across all disciplines
• Oversee contractors performing preservation work, ensuring compliance with procedures and safety standards
• Ensure correct preservation of critical equipment including gas turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, generators, electrical systems, and balance-of-plant assets
• Work closely with construction and commissioning teams to ensure preservation tasks are completed on time

Monitoring, Inspection & Documentation

• Maintain detailed preservation logs, checklists, and inspection records
• Conduct routine inspections to verify equipment condition and identify risks such as corrosion, contamination, or moisture ingress
• Track preservation KPIs and ensure all activities meet project and OEM requirements
• Prepare preservation status reports for system handover and audits

Technical Governance

• Serve as the site subject-matter expert for preservation techniques such as nitrogen blanketing, dehumidification, oil circulation, desiccant systems, and protective coatings
• Review and approve preservation procedures, method statements, and risk assessments
• Liaise with OEMs to resolve preservation-related issues or deviations
• Provide technical guidance and training to site teams

Risk Management & Quality Assurance

• Identify preservation risks and implement mitigation strategies to prevent equipment damage or warranty issues
• Lead investigations into preservation failures and implement corrective actions
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and site safety policies

Materials & Storage Management

• Oversee storage conditions for spare parts, consumables, and long-lead items
• Ensure environmental controls (temperature, humidity, cleanliness) are maintained in storage areas
• Manage inventory of preservation consumables such as desiccants, oils, nitrogen, and protective materials

Handover & Lifecycle Support

• Prepare preservation documentation for system turnover to commissioning and operations
• Support the transition from construction preservation to operational maintenance regimes
• Provide training and guidance for future outage or layup preservation requirements

Key Deliverables

The Preservation Lead is responsible for developing, executing, and governing the preservation strategy for all equipment, systems, and materials across the Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station. This role ensures that plant assets remain in optimal condition from delivery through installation, commissioning, operation, and any periods of storage or layup. The Preservation Lead acts as the technical authority for preservation standards and works closely with construction, commissioning, operations, and maintenance teams to protect asset integrity and prevent deterioration.

Who we're looking for

Essential

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related engineering discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Significant experience in power generation, ideally within CCGT or large industrial plants
• Strong understanding of OEM preservation requirements for rotating equipment, HRSGs, electrical systems, and balance-of-plant
• Proven experience managing preservation programs during construction, commissioning, or major outages
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and technical manuals

Desirable

• Experience working with EPC contractors and OEMs on large-scale energy projects
• Knowledge of corrosion control, asset integrity management, and condition monitoring
• Familiarity with CMMS systems and digital preservation tracking tools
• Leadership experience in a multi-disciplinary environment

Key Competencies

• Strong organisational and planning capability
• Technical problem-solving and analytical skills
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• High attention to detail and quality focus
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Safety-driven mindset

Why work for us

Our people are our biggest asset and we focus on recruiting, training and developing the people who can apply innovation to deliver the infrastructure of the future. We nurture these talents, offer a great benefits package in addition to a competitive base salary and continually invest in developing the skills of our people at every level.

Benefits

• An attractive/negotiated salary;
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays;
• Company car if applicable;
• Pension savings schemes;
• Enhanced maternity/paternity and family friendly policies;
• Access to our Refer and Earn scheme;
• Discretionary annual salary reviews

About us

Balfour Beatty's Major Projects business is delivering some of the UK's most complex and iconic infrastructure projects. Using the latest technology, we're driving productivity and creating a lasting legacy by delivering sustainable solutions that strengthen communities.

From consultancy and design, to all aspects of construction and maintenance. We have the proven expertise to deliver large-scale projects safely and successfully.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion

We are a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/