Job Description
Role Overview
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced mechanical engineering professional to step into a leadership role within a healthcare environment. As an Estates Officer (Mechanical), you will play a key part in ensuring that critical hospital infrastructure is safe, efficient, and compliant with national standards.
You will oversee complex mechanical systems and contribute to projects that directly support patient care and operational reliability across the Trust.
What You’ll Be Doing
In this role, you will:
Manage the maintenance, installation, and commissioning of mechanical systems
Take responsibility for essential plant equipment such as HVAC systems, steam boilers, and water systems
Act as an Authorised Person, ensuring systems meet safety and compliance requirements
Lead and support engineering projects, including upgrades and infrastructure improvements
Provide expert technical input in design reviews and project planning meetings
Carry out risk assessments, audits, and governance checks
Support long-term estates planning, including sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives
Why This Role Matters
Your work will directly contribute to a safe and reliable healthcare environment. From maintaining heating and ventilation systems to ensuring safe water supply and infection control, your expertise helps protect patients, staff, and visitors.
About the Organisation
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is committed to providing a supportive working environment with strong investment in staff development.
What’s on offer:
- Flexible working arrangements
NHS pension scheme
Generous annual leave
Career development opportunities
Blue Light Card benefits
£2,500 annual recruitment and retention payment
Why Somerset?
Somerset offers a high quality of life, combining countryside, coastline, and easy access to cities such as Bristol, Bath, and Exeter. It’s an ideal location for both career growth and lifestyle balance.
Essential Requirements
Qualifications
- ONC/HNC in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent)
HND, Degree, or equivalent higher qualification
Project management qualification such as PRINCE2 (or similar)
Experience
- Strong experience managing mechanical systems in complex environments
Familiarity with CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management) systems
Experience using Building Management Systems (BMS)
Proven leadership or supervisory experience
Desirable
Membership of a relevant professional engineering body
Experience preparing reports, business cases, and presenting to senior stakeholders
Experience with budgeting, planning, and strategic management
Compliance & Safety
- You will ensure adherence to NHS technical standards and UK regulations
Knowledge of Health and Safety Executive guidance is essential
Understanding of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations and engineering safety protocols is required
Eligibility & Sponsorship
- Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK through UK Visas and Immigration
This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to meeting criteria
Security & Background Checks
- Appointment is subject to checks via the Disclosure and Barring Service
Overseas applicants may need to provide criminal record certificates
Helpful Government Resources
For further guidance, you may find these official resources useful:
Skilled Worker visa guidance
Right to work in the UK
Health and safety regulations
Workplace pensions (NHS scheme context)
Criminal record checks
Additional Notes
- This is a leadership-focused technical role with real impact on healthcare delivery
You will be expected to contribute to both operational and strategic estates planning
Continuous professional development is encouraged and supported