Mechanical and Electrical Contracts Lead

We’re a values-driven, charitable organisation on a mission to make a real difference in Sunderland. Every day, we provide more than 60,000 people with a place they’re proud to call home.

Our vision is clear: everyone deserves a good-quality home they can afford. We invest millions of pounds each year to keep our homes safe and decent, while also playing a part in tackling the UK housing crisis by building hundreds of modern, energy-efficient homes for rent right here in Sunderland.

If you share our passion for creating thriving communities and want to be part of something that truly matters, we’d love for you to join us and help achieve our vision.

If you have any accessibility needs or require adjustments, please let us know—we’re here to support you.

We may close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a large number of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.

Salary :

Job Description:

We’re pleased to be recruiting for a newly created Mechanical & Electrical Contracts Lead to join our Property Investment team. The role will be based at Doxford Park, with a move to our new Eastgate Point depot later this year.

Click here for more information. Construction work begins on site for new Gentoo depot at Eastgate Point - Gentoo Group

In this role, you’ll lead the delivery of specialist mechanical and electrical service providers and investment programmes, ensuring high-quality, customer-focused outcomes and strong value for money. You’ll also have line management responsibility for an Engineering Technician Apprentice, supporting their development and sharing your technical expertise.

It’s an exciting time to join Gentoo, where no two days are the same. You’ll manage a wide range of Mechanical and Electrical projects across varied construction types — from smaller planned investment such as low-level lighting to larger, more complex programmes including lift refurbishments, HVAC improvements and fire-safety upgrades in higher-risk buildings.

You’ll provide technical leadership to support Gentoo’s Mechanical and Electrical investment, ensuring resources are targeted where they have the greatest impact for our customers. This includes procuring and managing contractors, overseeing delivery, and ensuring our homes remain safe, compliant and well maintained.

You’ll work with a high level of autonomy while being embedded within the Surveying Services team, with access to a strong network of experienced colleagues across Gentoo to support you in the role.

We support a healthy work–life balance, offering a hybrid working model, a 36‑hour working week, and an early Friday finish at 12:30pm. We’re also proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work.

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Leading the delivery of remedial works and programmed investment across Gentoo’s specialist M&E assets, including lifts, fixed plant, fire systems, risers, hydrants and other specialist systems

• Ensuring accurate, up‑to‑date mechanical and electrical asset data to inform short, medium and long‑term investment planning

• Working with the Asset Investment & Planning Manager to feed M&E priorities into the 5‑year rolling Investment Plan and wider M&E Strategy

• Acting as the operational M&E investment lead, supporting Procurement with tender documentation, evaluations and contract award

• Managing specialist service providers to deliver compliant, safe and high‑performing services in line with legislation, standards and best practice

• Ensuring robust contract management, performance monitoring and KPI reporting, with remedial action taken where required

• Embedding health and safety compliance and safe working practices across all M&E works

• Managing complex customer issues and complaints to achieve positive, customer‑focused outcomes

• Driving continuous improvement by challenging existing processes and implementing improvements

• Building strong relationships with internal teams, service partners and key stakeholders

What we’re looking for:

• Mechanical or Electrical background to HND level (or equivalent), with strong technical knowledge and relevant experience

• Advanced knowledge of lift regulations, LOLER and fire safety legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

• Strong understanding of building construction, Building Regulations, the Building Safety Act 2022, planning and leasehold legislation

• Working knowledge of permit‑to‑work systems and CDM requirements

• Proven experience delivering M&E projects from inception to completion, including procurement and contract administration

• Experience developing short, medium and long‑term M&E investment plans

• Contract management experience delivering specialist M&E services against KPIs

• Experience managing high‑value budgets and programmes

• Broad technical expertise across M&E disciplines, including renewables, gas, fire alarms, sprinklers, intercoms and CCTV

• People management experience, with the ability to lead and develop others

• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills

• Confident IT user, including Microsoft Word, Excel and housing management systems

• Ability to produce clear reports and presentations on performance and budgets

• Strong attention to detail, analytical capability and a strategic, long‑term approach to asset investment

It would be great if you also had:

• Degree (or equivalent) in a Mechanical or Electrical discipline

• Knowledge of additional specialist M&E compliance areas

• Asbestos Awareness training

• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously

Some of our great benefits include:

• 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year.

• Early finish on Fridays

• Flexible and hybrid working.

• Free Health Cash Plan, with cashback for dental, optical, physio, wellbeing therapies and more, with some free child cover.

• Access to private healthcare through the Health Cash Plan.

• Competitive Aviva pension scheme - Gentoo will contribute up to 10% based on your personal contribution.

• Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme

• Enhanced family-friendly leave

• Car mileage allowance if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes.

• Life assurance cover to the value of 3 times your annual salary