Senior Specialist Engineer

NHS; Leicester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare trust in Leicester is seeking a Senior Specialist Engineer to lead the management of specialist engineering services across the Trust. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with safety regulations, support junior staff development, and manage complex engineering projects. A degree in a relevant field and extensive experience in operational maintenance are essential. This role offers a dynamic environment focused on quality care and includes responsibilities like leading audits and managing contractor deliverables.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Training opportunities

Health benefits

Qualifications

• Qualified to Degree Level (or equivalent experience) with postgraduate knowledge and experience.
• Extensive experience in operational maintenance in a Mechanical, Electrical or Building Services discipline.
• Experience in specialist engineering installation and maintenance systems.

Responsibilities

• Support and deputise for the Specialist Engineering Manager.
• Manage and develop the Junior Estates Officer.
• Ensure compliance with all Trust policy and procedure.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Technical expertise

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Degree Level qualification

Membership of a Professional Institution

IOSH Managing Safely

Tools

Healthcare Technical Memoranda

CAFM systems

Job description

Job Summary

The post holder will be expected to act on their own initiative, in a leadership role supporting and deputising as required for the Specialist Engineering Manager.

The Senior Specialist Engineer is responsible for providing specialist engineering knowledge in support of the management of the Trust’s specialist engineering services to all wards and departments within a multidisciplinary environment, ensuring compliance with Trust safety standards and legal requirements.

Specialist engineering services include, but are not limited to, Medical Gas, Pressure Systems, HV/LV Voltage, Passenger Lifts, Water Systems, Ventilation Systems and similar systems covered by HTMs and statutory instruments.

The post holder will manage and develop the Junior Estates Officer, support the delivery of assurance to senior management, and lead in designated service areas commensurate with their specialty, ensuring audits, contact management and remedial actions are delivered.

Responsibilities

• Support and deputise as required for the Specialist Engineering Manager.
• Contribute to the achievement of good corporate governance throughout the Trust and direct subordinates to ensure compliance with all Trust policies and procedures.
• Lead in designated specialist engineering subjects to ensure compliance with all Trust statutory and non‑statutory responsibilities related to the Estate.
• Develop a culture of responsiveness, ownership and customer care amongst Estates staff.
• Provide technical expertise and training on all aspects of the Estates Maintenance function; promote communication and bring innovation, monitoring and measurement to ensure value for money.
• Be responsible for Health and Safety and welfare matters affecting staff in or attached to the area of responsibility, including risk assessment, safe systems of work, toolbox talks and safety inspections.
• Act as an Authorised Person in accordance with Healthcare Technical Memoranda (e.g. Medical Gas Pipeline systems, HV/LV Electrical systems, Critical Ventilation Systems).
• Ensure all specialist engineering systems are installed and maintained in accordance with legislation, health and safety regulations, codes of practice and healthcare technical guidance.
• Support the development, monitoring and review of safe systems of work for specialist engineering services.
• Lead on creation of succession plans for junior engineers and apprentices.
• Analyse highly complex engineering condition reports and drawings, proactively address areas of concern, prioritise risks and ensure robust governance.
• Perform physical analysis of complex specialist engineering equipment, monitor performance and undertake fault diagnosis using fine tools.
• Demonstrate the Trust’s values when working with patients, visitors and staff.
• Contribute to the development of the CAFM system to reflect Estate needs and ensure effective change management.
• Provide evidence of ongoing compliance with national and local policies for CQC standards, HTM and healthcare technical guidance.
• Effective monitoring of work to meet statutory requirements and provide reports to governance groups.
• Lead on the creation of specialist engineering policies, processes and guidance; implement, train and review with clinical teams.
• Support the delivery of internal assurance on specialist engineering compliance through a concise audit programme.
• Ensure a high standard of customer service by monitoring internal and external service lines.
• Maintain regular contact with ward nursing staff; communicate complex information to clinical leaders clearly and without causing panic.
• Act as the key decision‑maker on the Trust’s approach to HTM compliance and risk‑based response to engineering standards.
• Manage external specialist engineering contractors and staff; ensure delivery of SLAs and KPIs.
• Deliver training and support the development of authorised and competent persons within the specialist area, both internal and external to the Trust.
• Communicate technical and safety issues to senior Estates Management as required by the Estates communication strategy.
• Undertake specialist engineering audits and condition surveys; report to governance and senior teams.
• Contribute to the estates risk register to provide an accurate view of operational risk and maintenance backlog.
• Manage complex specialist engineering projects, including high‑value capital improvement projects; define requirements, support decisions on derogations or plan changes, and hand over a suitable product to operational management.
• Provide training to Estates Technicians according to the competency matrix, ensuring knowledge and skills base meet current and future engineering service requirements.
• Support the development and use of the Trust’s CAFM system to provide a robust management system for records and assets and ensure continued compliance.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023‑2030). We have four primary goals: high‑quality care for all, being a great place to work, partnerships for impact, and research and education excellence. We embed health equality in all we do by taking active steps to reduce avoidable differences in healthcare and working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all: compassionate, proud, inclusive and one team.

Person Specification

Training & Qualifications (Essential)

• Qualified to Degree Level (or equivalent experience) with postgraduate knowledge and experience.
• Extensive experience in operational maintenance in a Mechanical, Electrical or Building Services discipline.
• Membership of a Professional Institution (e.g. IHEEM, IEE, IET, I.Mech, CIBSE).
• IOSH Managing Safely.
• A recognised training qualification or apprenticeship in Electrical or Mechanical Services.

Training & Qualifications (Desirable)

• Legionella awareness Level 8 – Responsible Person.
• NEBOSH Level 3 Certificate.
• Recognised Management Qualifications.

Experience (Essential)

• Experience in specialist engineering installation and maintenance systems.
• Line management and supervisory responsibility for directly employed staff and contractors on defects and PPM in Electrical, Mechanical or Building disciplines within an acute hospital environment.
• Experience of working as an Authorised Person (e.g. Medical Gas, High Voltage).

Experience (Desirable)

• Experience with Computer Aided Facility Management systems.
• Considerable knowledge of health‑care engineering services (e.g. HV/LV, Water, Ventilation).
• Experience in an acute or non‑acute hospital setting.

Communication and Relationship Skills (Essential)

• Excellent organisational skills and ability to develop solutions to highly complex problems.
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex information to non‑estates professionals, ensuring risks are understood without causing panic.
• Strong communication skills for effective working relationships, including presentations to Executive Directors.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a highly organised approach.
• Strong IT/PC skills for operating various computer systems.
• Evidence of good written and spoken communication skills.

Analytical and Judgement Skills (Essential)

• Interpret and make judgments on complex estates issues considering legislation, expert advice and conflicting demands.
• Understand and apply legislation to develop work plans and policies.
• React to unplanned events/emergencies in a controlled manner and communicate progress as per the agreed policy.

Skills (Essential)

• Ability to manage demanding and stressful scenarios.
• Skill in performance monitoring and fault diagnosis using fine tools and equipment.
• Team‑dedicated and adaptable to new demands.
• Excellent attention to detail and approachable, tactful demeanour.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and overtime at short notice.

Planning and Organisation Skills (Essential)

• Experience implementing estates operational strategies.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (Essential)

• Commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
• Engagement in compassionate and inclusive leadership to provide high quality care.

Other Requirements (Essential)

• Ability to travel to other sites as required.
• Availability to work out of hours, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays as needed.
• Participation on the Estates Management On‑Call rota if required.

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours (Essential)

• Demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s values and behaviours.

Additional Information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check – This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check to verify any previous convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship – Applications from skilled workers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present a criminal record certificate for each country lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found on the official site.

Employer Details

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Leicester Royal Infirmary
Infirmary Square
Leicester
LE1 5WW

Contact

Employer website: https://www.jobsatleicestershospitals.nhs.uk/