The Hard Services Specialist is responsible for the effective operation, maintenance, inspection, and continuous improvement of all building hard services systems, including HVAC, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), Building Management Systems (BMS), Fire & Life Safety Systems, and specialist infrastructure. The role ensures asset reliability, operational efficiency, sustainability, and regulatory compliance while supporting the preservation of collections, exhibitions, visitors, staff, and facility operations. The position works closely with facility management providers, contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders to maintain world-class standards of technical operations. This role aligns closely with the candidate's experience in asset management, mechanical systems maintenance, CAFM operations, project delivery, commissioning, and contractor management.
Key Responsibilities
Asset Management & Maintenance
- Manage the performance, reliability, and lifecycle of building assets and mechanical systems.
- Monitor preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities through CAFM systems.
- Conduct regular inspections of HVAC, plumbing, mechanical, and associated building systems.
- Review asset condition assessments and recommend upgrades, replacements, and improvement initiatives.
- Ensure asset maintenance activities support business continuity and operational excellence.
- Monitor environmental conditions within critical spaces and support climate control requirements.
Technical Operations
- Oversee day-to-day operation of hard services systems, ensuring optimum performance and availability.
- Support troubleshooting and resolution of technical issues affecting facility operations.
- Respond to emergency maintenance incidents and coordinate corrective actions.
- Review technical reports, maintenance records, and performance data to identify improvement opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with manufacturer recommendations, engineering standards, and operational procedures.
Contractor & Service Provider Management
- Supervise outsourced facility management providers and specialist contractors.
- Monitor service delivery against contractual KPIs and SLAs.
- Conduct routine audits and inspections of maintenance activities.
- Review contractor method statements, risk assessments, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Ensure all maintenance activities comply with health, safety, and quality standards.
Project Management & Technical Support
- Support planning and execution of technical improvement, refurbishment, and upgrade projects.
- Review technical submissions, drawings, specifications, and contractor proposals.
- Participate in testing, commissioning, and handover activities for new systems and projects.
- Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders during project implementation.
- Monitor project progress, budgets, and timelines to ensure successful delivery.
Compliance, Sustainability & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with local regulations, engineering standards, and facility management best practices.
- Support environmental sustainability and energy optimization initiatives.
- Participate in audits and inspections conducted by regulatory authorities and internal stakeholders.
- Identify operational risks and implement mitigation measures.
- Support emergency preparedness, business continuity, and asset resilience programs.
Procurement & Contract Administration
- Assist in preparing technical scopes of work and tender documentation.
- Review technical bids and provide recommendations during procurement processes.
- Monitor procurement requirements for maintenance materials and equipment.
- Coordinate purchase requests and ensure timely delivery of critical components.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related Engineering discipline.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in technical operations, facility management, hard services, or MEP engineering.
- Experience managing HVAC, plumbing, mechanical systems, and building infrastructure within complex facilities.
- Proven experience in asset management, maintenance planning, testing and commissioning, and project execution.
- Experience working with CAFM systems and contractor management.
- Experience supporting high-profile cultural, hospitality, commercial, or public facilities is preferred.
Technical Competencies
- Asset Management & Lifecycle Planning
- HVAC Systems Operations & Maintenance
- Mechanical Systems Management
- Building Management Systems (BMS)
- CAFM Platforms
- Preventive & Predictive Maintenance
- Technical Auditing & Inspections
- MEP Systems
- Testing & Commissioning
- Contractor & Vendor Management
- Technical Documentation Review
- Project Management
- Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
- Risk Management & Compliance
