Shift Plant Operator (Building Services Technician)

TL;DR

Shift Plant Operator (Building Services Technician) (Steam Plant/Building Services): Monitoring, adjusting, and maintaining steam-raising boiler plant and building services systems across a university estate with an accent on safe plant operation, alarm response, and accurate technical recording. Focus on interpreting plant data, operating Building Management Systems, responding to faults, and supporting building services maintenance in varied environments.

Location: Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom; on-site access across the University estate is required. Applicants must be able to work in plant rooms, roofs, confined spaces, laboratories, lecture theatres, building sites, and other internal and external locations. The role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship; applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Company

hirify.global facilities operations support a safe, efficient, and cost-effective engineering, building improvement, and maintenance service across the university estate.

What you will do

• Monitor and adjust steam-raising boiler plant, associated controls, and distribution equipment manually and through PC-based Building Management Systems.
• Read, interpret, and accurately record digital and analogue meter readings, plant data, and operational documentation.
• Respond to plant alarms, telephone notifications, and supervisory instructions.
• Support Building Services Technicians with installation, inspection, surveys, improvement, and maintenance activities.
• Carry out semi-skilled building services work within competency, training, and safe systems of work.

Requirements

• Training to NVQ Level 2 in Engineering Maintenance or an equivalent qualification; an appropriate skills audit may be accepted instead.
• Relevant experience monitoring and adjusting steam-raising boiler plant, distribution and control accessories, or significant experience in an electrical, mechanical, or building services discipline.
• Ability to interpret and adjust plant and equipment, use specialist and diagnostic equipment safely, complete documentation, and communicate technical information clearly.
• Ability to access all parts of the University estate, including working at height and in confined spaces.
• Right to work in the United Kingdom is required; Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of health and safety legislation, mechanical regulations, materials ordering, procurement or job management software, steam plant, and steam control equipment.
• Understanding of Building Management Systems, plant alarms, operational instructions, and safe plant adjustment.
• Willingness to train, adapt to new technology, work shifts, and operate across the estate with minimal supervision.

Culture & Benefits

• Employer pension contribution.
• Christmas closure across departments, in addition to annual leave and bank holidays.
• Access to the Purple Place employee discount platform.
• An inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives, learning, enquiry, debate, and community.