Principal / Associate Smart Building Technical Engineer

Sky UK; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm is seeking a Manager to oversee daily smart building operations at a flagship facility in the UK. This role involves managing the building's digital ecosystem, ensuring data integrity, and enhancing occupant experiences. The ideal candidate will have 5–10 years of experience in smart buildings or digital operations, strong communication skills, and familiarity with various FM technologies. The position promotes continuous improvement and client engagement while showcasing advanced building technologies.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Health and wellness programs

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in smart buildings or digital building operations.
• Strong hands-on familiarity with BMS, IWMS/CAFM, and IoT systems.
• Experience with smart building certifications (UL Spire, NABERS) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees performance and connectivity of all digital subsystems.
• Provides reports on energy usage, occupancy, and system performance.
• Supports smart building consulting and manages digital FM workflows.

Skills

Experience in smart buildings

Data-driven FM technology

Vendor coordination

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Relevant certifications in FM or energy management

Tools

BMS systems (any major vendor)

IWMS (Planon preferred)

Digital Twin platforms

FDD tools (Building Advisor, CopperTree)

Job description

Overview

Manager to lead day‑to‑day smart building operations at 150 Holborn, the global headquarters of Sidara and one of the most advanced intelligent buildings in the UK. This individual will be responsible for operational excellence, data integrity, occupant experience, and technology stewardship across the building's integrated digital ecosystem, covering BMS, IoT, IWMS, Digital Twin (ParaOS), energy analytics, workplace experience platforms, and Schneider Electric's independent data layer. In addition to operating and showcasing 150 Holborn as a flagship model of an intelligent, sustainable, data‑driven workplace, the role will include supporting smart building consulting and establishing the managed services line of business – to be offered to Clients on top of PARA OS deployments or as a data‑driven FM service.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary owner of the smart building ecosystem at 150 Holborn. Oversee performance, updates, cyber posture, and connectivity of all digital sub‑systems, including: Schneider Electric Independent Data Layer EcoStruxure BMS, PME, and Lighting Controls, Planon IWMS (CAFM, space, room booking, agile workplace), ParaOS Digital Twin Building Advisor (FDD/CBM), Security Expert & CCTV, Freshwave mobile coverage systems, Luminet internet services, AV & meeting room technology. Ensure continuous data integrity, connectivity, and high system uptime. Act as the single point of escalation for digital/FM system issues.
• Building Performance, Data Insights & Optimisation: Provide reports or dashboards / visualisations that highlight energy usage, occupancy, space utilisation, comfort, and system performance.
• Use the Digital Twin, BMS, FDD platforms, and IWMS data to: Identify operational inefficiencies, recommend improvement actions, drive continuous optimisation, deliver insights to FM, sustainability, and leadership teams in clear, actionable formats. Support compliance and optimisation for UL Spire, NABERS, BREEAM, EPC, SmartScore, WiredScore, and LEED.
• Workplace & Occupant Experience Stewardship: Ensure building technologies “feel” seamless, intuitive, and delightful for occupants. Conduct trainings, onboarding sessions, and weekly/monthly tech‑awareness events. Support adoption of workplace apps, visitor systems, smart booking, and wayfinding tools. Act as the human interface between building users and the digital systems behind the scenes.
• FM Governance, Vendor Coordination & Technology Ownership: Define and manage digital FM workflows and governance within Planon, ensuring data quality and process adherence. Coordinate with FM partners, DAR operations, Schneider Electric, AV vendors, IT, and workplace teams. Maintain records of upgrades, maintenance, outages, cyber health checks, and compliance documentation. Oversee vendor SLAs, KPIs, and reporting.
• Sustainability & Energy Performance Enablement: Use Building Advisor, ParaOS, BMS, sensors, and analytics to identify: Top 5 energy‑saving opportunities per month, Top 5 faults and operational risks per month. Support DAR's Sustainability Council and ESG reporting. Contribute to decarbonisation initiatives and energy optimisation projects.
• Technology Showcase & Client Demonstrations: Represent 150 Holborn as a smart building showcase for clients, partners, stakeholders, and visitors. Conduct guided walkthroughs, demos, and technology presentations. Maintain the building as a living lab for smart building innovation. Support proof‑of‑concept trials and pilot technologies.

Managed Services

Contribute to smart building consulting engagements across the UK, Europe, and MENA. Support use‑case definition, building data analysis, and digital FM strategy development. Assist in the preparation of client presentations and reports. Spearhead the development of the managed services stream by establishing the framework, methodology and templates. Liaise with the business development and opportunities team to promote managed services and data‑driven FM services in DAR proposals.

Experience Requirements

5–10 years of experience in smart buildings, data‑driven FM, workplace technology, or digital building operations. Strong hands‑on familiarity with BMS (any major vendor), IWMS/CAFM (Planon preferred), Digital Twin or building data platforms, IoT systems, networks, and sensors, FDD/CBM tools (Building Advisor, CopperTree, SkySpark, etc.). Proven experience in FM operations, vendor coordination, or client‑facing technical roles. Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts to non‑technical audiences. Experience with smart building certifications (UL Spire, SmartScore, WiredScore, NABERS) is a significant advantage. Background in consulting, engineering, or digital workplace experience design is preferred.

Key Competencies

Strong understanding of smart building ecosystems, IoT, BMS, IWMS, and energy systems. Ability to manage cross‑disciplinary teams (FM, IT, AV, sustainability, security). High proficiency in dashboards, analytics, and data storytelling. Familiarity with SFG 20. Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills. Service‑oriented mindset with passion for occupant experience. Ability to operate in a fast‑paced environment with multiple priorities. Creative problem solving, innovation mindset, and a “can‑do” approach. Comfortable with both hands‑on operational tasks and client‑facing advisory work.

Preferred Certifications

UL Spire / SmartScore / WiredScore Accredited Professional FM‑related certifications (IWFM). Certified Energy Manager (CEM) / Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) / Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP). BMS vendor training (Schneider, Siemens, JCI, Honeywell, etc.). Energy or sustainability certifications (LEED GA/AP, BREEAM, NABERS). Power BI or equivalent analytics tools.