Senior /Principal HVAC Engineer-Local Authority


Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Salary:	£350 to £400 a day
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Derby, DE1 1DE
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 2 days remote
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	14 Oct 2026
Closing date:	4 Nov 2026

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Summary

Principal Mechanical Building Services Engineer - Local Authority

Contract: Interim / Temporary Assignment

Rate: £400-£500 per day Umbrella (DOE)

Location: Derby/ Hybrid working available

Duration: Ongoing Contract

The OpportunityWe are urgently seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Building Services Engineer to join a busy property and maintenance team delivering a varied portfolio of construction, refurbishment and maintenance projects across a range of public sector buildings.This is a senior technical role requiring extensive expertise in the design, maintenance, refurbishment and project delivery of mechanical building services, including heating, hot water, HVAC, water systems and associated infrastructure. You will provide professional engineering advice, lead projects from inception through to completion, and ensure all works are delivered to the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance.The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the ongoing development, maintenance and improvement of a diverse property estate and will work closely with stakeholders, consultants, contractors and project teams.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, specification and delivery of mechanical building services projects.

Provide technical expertise on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, hot water and water systems.

Prepare engineering specifications, calculations, drawings, tender documentation and contract information.

Undertake building condition surveys, inspections and defect diagnosis.

Manage refurbishment, maintenance and capital improvement projects from concept through to completion.

Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, statutory regulations and industry standards.

Oversee procurement activities and manage external consultants and contractors.

Monitor project budgets, costs, financial performance and programme delivery.

Provide professional advice to stakeholders on asset improvements and life cycle planning.

Support the development of engineering standards and best practice across the estate.

About YouWe are looking for an experienced Mechanical Building Services professional who can demonstrate:

Extensive experience delivering construction, refurbishment and maintenance projects.

Significant technical knowledge of mechanical building engineering services.

Strong understanding of building compliance, statutory regulations and health and safety requirements.

Proven experience preparing specifications, drawings, calculations and contract documentation.

Experience managing procurement processes and engineering contracts.

Strong background in building surveys, condition assessments and defect diagnosis.

Excellent project management, budget management and financial control skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities within a complex operational environment.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Qualifications

Degree, HND or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline.

Membership of a relevant professional institution (CIBSE, IMechE or equivalent) would be desirable.

What's on Offer?

Competitive day rate of £400-£500 per day, with flexibility for exceptional candidates.

Interesting and varied project portfolio.

Opportunity to influence and improve public sector assets and infrastructure.

Hybrid working options.

Immediate start available.

To be considered, you should have a strong background in mechanical building services engineering and a proven track record of delivering projects within public sector, local authority, education, healthcare or similarly complex property environments.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

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