Shift Pattern: Varied, including 1 in 3 weekends.
The Lead Engineer is responsible for the effective delivery of all technical, maintenance, and facilities management services across the SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham. This includes managing supplier contracts, ensuring statutory and heritage compliance, overseeing planned and reactive maintenance, and supporting the operational excellence of the site. The role requires balancing the needs of a modern, high-footfall visitor attraction with the sensitivities and regulations of a Grade I listed heritage site.
The Lead Engineer will spend approximately 40% of their time working “on the tools”, providing hands-on technical support and mentoring the engineering team across a range of building services disciplines.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the procurement, negotiation, and management of technical and maintenance contracts.
- Monitor contractor performance, ensuring all works are delivered to agreed standards, timelines, and budgets.
- Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
- Ensure all contract documentation, records, and communications are up to date and compliant.
- Oversee all planned and reactive maintenance activities, ensuring minimal disruption to operations and visitor experience.
- Ensure all technical systems (e.g., life support systems at SEA LIFE) are maintained to the highest standards.
- Manage asset registers, maintenance schedules, and lifecycle planning.
- Coordinate and supervise technical projects, refurbishments, and upgrades.
- Work approximately 40% of the time “on the tools,” providing hands-on technical support, troubleshooting, and mentoring to the engineering team.
- Ensure all statutory, health & safety, and environmental compliance requirements are met, including those specific to listed buildings.
- Ensure all documentation and compliance records are uploaded to the relevant portals and regularly audited for quality and completeness.
- Support the delivery of risk assessments, method statements, and permit-to-work systems.
- Operational Support & Continuous Improvement
- Provide technical support and advice to site management teams.
- Identify opportunities for operational improvements, energy efficiency, and cost savings.
- Lead or support sustainability and conservation initiatives relevant to each site.
- Deliver training and guidance to site teams on technical and compliance matters.
- Prepare regular reports on contract performance, compliance status, maintenance KPIs, and project progress for senior management.
- Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including site teams, contractors, and external partners.
Key Skills & Experience
- Minimum Level 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering or trade discipline.
- Supervisor experience within an engineering position.
- Proven experience in technical contract management, ideally within the leisure, attractions, or heritage sectors.
- Strong knowledge of facilities management, building services, and statutory compliance.
- Excellent supplier and contract management skills.
- Strong organisational, analytical, and communication abilities.
- Experience with CAFM or asset management systems is an advantage.
Desirable
- Experience managing technical services in both modern and historic environments.
- Knowledge of health & safety, environmental, and heritage legislation.
- Project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM) is an advantage