The University of Sheffield
Mechanical Engineering Supervisor
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Mechanical Engineering Supervisor
Senior Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including:
- Highly competitive annual leave (with options to purchase more)
- Generous pension scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities
- Commitment to staff development and wellbeing
- Wide range of retail discounts
- Disability Confident Employer status
Find out more about our benefits
Overview
The Engineering and Maintenance team deliver a reactive and planned programme of works across all university buildings. Collaborating with internal departments and external partners, they provide outstanding, world-class service.
This role involves direct line management of the mechanical maintenance team within a specific operational zone, covering responsibilities such as:
- Allocating both planned and reactive maintenance tasks across the campus
- Managing parts procurement and maintaining optimal stock levels
- Ensuring adequate staff cover for essential maintenance (24-hour availability required)
- Technical oversight (excluding pipework) with the ability to provide professional advice to colleagues
A professional, customer-focused attitude is essential—this role requires regular interaction with students, staff, visitors, contractors, and the public as a visible representative of the university.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting and leading fault-finding for complex technical issues across a varied estate
- Demonstrating Knowledge of current guidelines and standards, including:
- Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)
- Relevant Health and Safety legislation
- Supporting the University’s Estates & Facilities Integrated Management System (comprising ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 50001).
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervise a team of mechanical maintenance technicians
- Ensure timely completion of work while adhering to legislative and procedural standards
- Allocate tasks appropriately per urgency and competency, ensuring adherence to deadlines
- Oversee scheduling of planed maintenance (via Planon) and completion tracking
- Promote technical problem-solving by offering advice/resolutions to areas where technicians are completing jobs independently
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Compliance with university policies, health & safety standards, and all legislation
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Support the mechanical engineering manager in strategising scheduled maintenance tasks
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Procure equipment to maintain stock levels necessary for both planned and reactive works
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Coordinate leave/sickness records, monitor and report team performance, and staff shortfalls
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Critically prioritise jobs based on urgency, determine methodological approaches, and production sequencing
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Conduct remote diagnoses and undertake mechanical maintenance covering:
- Pressure systems
- HVAC and commercial gas services
- Steam generation and compressors
- Domestic/commercial gas appliances (inclusive of testing and documentation)
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Contractor liaison to ensure they adhere to university timelines and health & safety protocols
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Provide technical consultancy relating to infrastructure across the estate
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Relationship-building with colleagues in support departments (updates on progress shared consistently)
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Participation in an emergency call-out rota as required by university policy
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Mandatory commitment to professional development to meet legislative changes and role demands
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Any commensurate tasks assigned within grade scope.
Person Specification
About our Community
We foster a culture where creativity and uniqueness are nurtured. Even if previous experiences do not match precisely, you are encouraged to apply with details on how you can add value to our institution. Kindly reference the application criteria in your submission.
Required Qualifications & Experience
| **Criteria ** | Nature | Assessment Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Completed a time-served Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship or gained equivalent qualification (e.g. HNC). | Essential | Application Interview |
| Maths & English to a minimum of 3 x GCSE (or equivalent) or proven literacy/numeracy skills (necessary for written communications, calculations & software use). | Essential | Application Interview |
| Proven experience as a mechanical maintenance technician. | Essential | Application Interview |
| Ability to motivate, lead and communicate with colleagues. | Essential | Interview |
| Deep technical knowledge of building systems and relevant suppliers/products. | Essential | Interview |
| Familiarity with IT systems, including: Planon, Google Workspace, MS Word & Excel, emails and scheduling. | Essential | Interview |
| Professionally deliver a high standard of customer service to varied stakeholders. | Essential | Interview |
| Demonstrate effective teamwork supporting team objectives and peer cohesion. | Essential | Interview |
| Prioritise effectively, handle conflicting demands while adhering to deadlines; organise resources efficiently. | Essential | Interview |
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- Ability to innovate and develop technical solutions to meet emerging requirements (e.g. specialist maintenance/problem resolution).
- Understanding current Health & Safety legislation applicable to this role and ability to apply it practically.
- UK Driver’s Licence (desirable, not mandatory).
Key Salary, Terms and Next Steps
- Grade: 6
- Salary: £31,637–£36,130 (per annum, inclusive of pension and benefits)
- Work Pattern: Full-time, permanent
- Structure: Line Manager: Mechanical Engineer.
- Direct Reports: Mechanical Maintenance Technicians.
For More Information: www.shef.ac.uk/efm
Informal enquiries: Please contact Mark Sanderson, Location Manager, about this opportunity via email: m.p.sanderson@sheffield.ac.uk
Recruitment Timeline
Candidates will be informed within 2 weeks of closing whether they have progressed to the selection stage.
For support, equipment, or adjustments to facilitate participation in recruitment: admin-engmain@sheffield.ac.uk
About the University of Sheffield
We are global leaders in teaching, research, and innovation. Our diverse, inclusive environment drives transformational impact through aligned strategic values:
- The University’s vision at sheffield.ac.uk/vision reaffirms our commitment to welcome people from all backgrounds.
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