The Head of Engineering and Facilities is responsible for the strategic oversight and operational management of the Hermitage Clinic's built environment, encompassing facilities development, maintenance, security systems, environmental compliance, and associated engineering operations. The remit includes the development, supervision and delivery of large-scale construction and refurbishment projects, as well as the routine upkeep and maintenance of all infrastructure, plant, and equipment. The potholder is expected to ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with applicable legislation and best practice standards while fostering a culture of safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to provide a high-quality service in line with contemporary standards of engineering and facilities management. As a member of the hospital's Executive Management Team, the individual will demonstrate effective leadership, strategic thinking, and collaborative engagement with multidisciplinary colleagues. A proactive and systematic approach to service development, continuous improvement, and change management is essential.
Duties will include, but are not limited to:
Operational Management
- Assume executive-level responsibility for Clinical Engineering, CCTV /Access Control Systems, Grounds, Building Fabric & Environment, Electrical safety, Medical gas pipeline systems, HVAC Plant, Water Systems, Resilience and emergency power systems and Fire Safety Engineering.
- Maintain and control a comprehensive and accurate asset register.
- Develop and oversee site wide preventative and reactive maintenance programmes covering all building elements, equipment, and site infrastructure (including roads, car parks, and landscaping).
- Lead the migration of the existing Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) system to the Group-wide "PEMAC" platform, incorporating all medical equipment assets and maintenance schedules.
- Define maintenance specifications and servicing requirements for all plant and equipment, referencing manufacturers' guidelines and relevant standards, and develop sustainable policies aligned with statutory and industry norms.
- Formulate and manage budgets for all engineering and capital works programmes, ensuring optimal cost efficiency and quality outcomes.
- Provide technical expertise and strategic direction for capital developments, translating operational requirements into detailed briefs for design teams, contractors, and relevant stakeholders.
- Manage the end-to-end delivery of minor capital works programmes as directed by the Hospital CEO.
- Chair the hospitals Green and Sustainability committee adopting a proactive team based approach.
- Upkeep of the hospitals ECO Merritt accreditation.
- Establish and implement standard operating procedures for the design, costing, procurement, execution, and handover of capital projects. This shall include strict adherence to Blackrock Health Group procurement protocols relating to contractor selection, project governance, and post-completion evaluation processes.
- Ensure that all hospital Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols are strictly adhered to during all maintenance activities and construction projects, regardless of their size or scope.
- Collaborate with design and commissioning teams to develop robust acceptance testing procedures for all new plant, equipment, and facilities handed over to hospital operations.
- Oversee project execution to ensure full compliance with contracts, budgets, and timelines.
- Manage the BHHC Project Manager directly, providing leadership and direction to ensure effective planning, risk mitigation, stakeholder communication, and timely delivery in line with Blackrock Health Group standards.
- Implement the hospitals ISO 50001 energy management system, ensuing an all relevant processes and procurers are adhered to, incorporating active metering and the production of weekly Key Performance Indicator (KPI) sustainability reports to the Group Facilities function.
- Ensure hospital compliance with statutory obligations, insurance requirements, and standards for accreditation in relation to engineering systems, infrastructure, and facilities management.
- Provide expert input into the hospital's Fire Safety Programme, particularly in relation to physical infrastructure and engineering controls.
- Maintain the highest standards in the operation and integration of fire detection, emergency lighting, and fire compartmentation systems, ensuring full alignment with the hospital's fire safety strategies.
- Promote a Can Do, proactive and safety-conscious culture across all areas of engineering and facilities operations.
- Ensure that all in-house engineering personnel and external contractors adhere to statutory Health and Safety legislation, as well as hospital-specific safety protocols.
- Work in close partnership with internal and external stakeholders to deliver a responsive, high-quality service.
- Continuously evaluate and refine operating procedures and service delivery models to ensure optimal cost-effectiveness and service quality.
- Contribute meaningfully to organisational change initiatives and strategic planning processes.
- Encourage and facilitate a culture of patient-centred service delivery, actively seeking and responding to patient feedback in ways that preserve dignity, respect, and choice.
- Liaise closely with the Group Facilities Manager and counterparts across the Blackrock Health Group to promote consistency in standards, share learnings, and support Group-wide initiatives.
- Conduct regular condition surveys of all plant and infrastructure; develop and maintain long-term replacement and upgrade plans, including cost projections and prioritisation.
- Ensure all facilities are maintained in a manner that upholds the highest standards of safety for patients, staff, and visitors.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of the hospital's Emergency Response and Business Continuity plans.
- Devise contingency strategies for all critical utility services to ensure uninterrupted clinical service delivery.
- Remain current with emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory changes in healthcare facilities management and engineering.
People Management
- Provide visible, effective leadership to the Facilities and Engineering team, fostering an environment that promotes professional development, performance excellence, and employee engagement.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement while maintaining consistently high staff morale
- Implement training and development programmes for engineering staff to ensure skills remain current and aligned with service requirements.
- Actively participate in the recruitment and selection of personnel within the Facilities function.
- Ensure comprehensive induction and orientation for all new staff, with clearly defined responsibilities, performance expectations, and support structures.
- Conduct annual performance reviews and support the implementation of personal development plans where appropriate.
- Facilitate flexible, efficient workforce deployment through effective duty rosters that reflect variations in workload, patient acuity, and staff availability.
- Ensure full compliance with internal Human Resources policies, including accurate recording and reporting of relevant personnel data.
- Promote effective communication within the Facilities team through structured staff meetings, updates, and engagement forums.
Educational Requirements
- A degree in Engineering or a relevant professional qualification is required.
Knowledge and Experience
Minimum of five years' post-qualification experience in a complex technical or healthcare environment.
Minimum of three years' experience operating at a senior management level.
Previous experience in a hospital or healthcare setting is highly desirable.
Skills & Competencies
Essential
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated expertise in programme and project management, including capital works and refurbishments.
Strong business and commercial acumen, including tendering, contract negotiation, and development of business cases with ROI analysis.
Working knowledge of IT infrastructure and systems integration within a healthcare environment.
Ability to analyse complex problems and implement creative, sustainable solutions.
Resilience, determination, and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
