Contracts Officer (Electrical) - Estates - 106337 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Birmingham seeks an Electrical Maintenance Officer to lead the management of electrical maintenance contracts across the estate. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Electrical Engineering and significant experience in contract management and maintenance. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, promoting sustainability, and overseeing service delivery. Competitive salary offered.

Benefits

40 days paid holiday

Occupational sick pay

Pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development programme

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification (or equivalent) with experience in electrical maintenance.
• Experience in managing electrical repairs and maintenance works.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage electrical maintenance contracts for the university.
• Conduct audits and site inspections for quality assurance.
• Promote sustainability and energy efficiency in electrical services.

Skills

Electrical maintenance expertise

Contract management

Safety compliance knowledge

Technical problem-solving

Excellent communication

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Job description

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Position Details

• Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
• Full‑time, Permanent
• Grade: 7
• Salary: £36,636 to £46,049 annually, with potential progression to £48,822
• Closing date: 4th January 2026

Our Offer to You

People are at the heart of what we do. The University of Birmingham is proud to be a leading global university, creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. We offer a generous benefits package: 40 days paid holiday, volunteering day, occupational sick pay, pension scheme, subsidised day nurseries, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive professional development programme.

Background

Our Estates Division manages the master planning, operations, and maintenance of the University’s extensive estate, comprising over 200 buildings on two main sites and additional properties across the UK and Dubai. The department focuses on customer service, preserving legacy buildings, and investing in capital programmes. Your role will be key to sustaining high standards for staff, students, and visitors.

Role Summary

Lead the management and administration of electrical maintenance contracts across the University’s estate, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, University policies, and industry standards. Support safe, efficient, and cost‑effective electrical services, contributing to the University’s sustainability, safety, and operational excellence goals.

Main Duties

• Manage and oversee electrical maintenance contracts, including planned, reactive, and minor projects.
• Ensure contractor compliance with policies, health and safety legislation, and technical standards.
• Conduct performance reviews, audits, and site inspections to monitor service delivery and quality.
• Lead procurement activities for electrical services, including tendering, evaluation, and contract award.
• Maintain accurate records of contracts, variations, financial commitments, and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with Estates, Capital Projects, and Health & Safety teams.
• Support budget planning, cost control, and forecasting for electrical services and projects.
• Resolve contractual disputes and escalate complex issues when necessary.
• Promote energy efficiency and sustainability in electrical systems and services.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation such as BS7671, Electricity at Work Regulations, and University standards.
• Manage recruitment and development of staff to uphold high professional standards and customer service culture.
• Liaise with Health & Safety Services, Fire Risk Assessors, Estates Maintenance Officers, and building users to achieve compliance.
• Provide reports on Electrical Periodic Inspections and update compliance tracking software.
• Manage contractor performance and ensure they complete Estates inductions with up‑to‑date accreditations and insurances.
• Hold regular contract meetings and monitor KPIs for each contract.
• Control the Estates Safe isolation permit system.
• Track and apply for replacement of ageing equipment through life‑cycle planning.
• Promote equality and diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive culture.
• Support the University’s sustainability agenda through resource‑efficient working.
• Advise other staff on complex services and future development requirements.
• Participate in the Estates Office’s 24‑hour emergency service, assuming managerial responsibility during on‑call cover.
• Act as an Authorised Person for selected permit activities, services, or disciplines when trained.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Degree level qualification (or equivalent) with experience in electrical maintenance and engineering systems.
• Significant experience in managing, planning, and costing electrical repairs and maintenance works.
• Proven track record in tendering, negotiating, and managing maintenance contracts.
• Training to the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS7671) and inspection & testing 2391.
• Authorised Person (AP) training for High‑Voltage electrical installations.
• Literacy and numeracy evidence.
• Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and ability to promote equal treatment.
• Industry knowledge and substantial experience across maintenance disciplines in large estates.
• Experience procuring and managing diverse service, repair, and maintenance contracts.
• Excellent knowledge of legislative and compliance aspects of maintenance activities and Health & Safety.
• Customer‑focused professional experience.
• IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH General Certification.

Role Context

Roles at this level demand high technical specialist expertise and supervisory responsibility over a technical service. The holder will oversee direct reports, contribute to project implementation, and provide specialist support across the University.

Core Competencies / Transferable Skills

Develop and demonstrate core competencies such as planning and organising, problem solving, decision making, organisational understanding, and communication. Flexibility and ownership of outcomes are expected at this level.

Planning and Organising

• Provide technical service through day‑to‑day organisation and supervision.
• Prioritise, allocate, and ensure quality of work; develop technical capability.
• Manage technical and non‑technical staff.
• Plan and progress multiple initiatives concurrently.
• Contribute to service development and policy creation.
• Ensure legal and safety compliance.
• Lead project work when required.

Additional Skills

• Advise on specialist techniques and procedures.
• Act as a recognised source of technical expertise.
• Generate innovative solutions and designs.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Resolve high‑level problems with specialised techniques.
• Provide specialist advice to support decision‑making.
• Respond to changing priorities and situations.

Organisational Understanding

• Understand own and related working areas and contributions to University success.
• Share knowledge of University operations.
• Develop empathy with academic endeavours.

Relationships and Communication

• Develop excellent working relationships with customers, anticipating and fulfilling requirements.

Informal enquiries to Lloyd Holmes: [e-mail]