Category: Jobs

Position: Utilities Shift Operative at Discovery Park
Location: Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent 
Role: Permanent

Discovery Park is a leading science and innovation park in the Southeast of England, home to more than 160 forward-thinking companies ranging from ambitious start-ups to global multinationals. Our vibrant community spans the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, technology, and professional services sectors, creating a dynamic environment where innovation thrives.

Through our dedicated operational and business support teams, Discovery Park Management Ltd (DPML) delivers comprehensive facilities management across the site. This includes the maintenance of buildings, landscaped grounds, and utilities infrastructure, as well as the provision of essential services such as front-of-house reception, cleaning, logistics, security, and event management.

We are committed to maintaining a welcoming environment for all occupiers and visitors, delivering quality services across the park, whilst continuously seeking opportunities to improve and enhance the way we operate.

Our values guide everything we do:

• Inspirational leadership – leading by example and empowering others
• People-focused – treating everyone with respect, care, and professionalism
• Operational excellence – delivering consistently high standards in all we do
• Community spirit – working collaboratively and supporting one another as one team

 

Main Purposes of the Job

The Utilities Shift Operator plays a vital role in keeping Discovery Park running safely, efficiently and reliably, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This is a varied and hands-on role, where you will take ownership of your shift and use your technical knowledge, practical skills and problem-solving abilities to keep essential utilities services operating at their best.
No two shifts will be the same, and the role provides the opportunity to work across a broad range of technically interesting systems while developing your knowledge and experience.
If you enjoy a challenge, take pride in keeping things running and want a role where your technical skills make a real difference, this is an opportunity to become an important part of keeping Discovery Park operating.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate, monitor and control utilities plant and equipment to maintain a safe and reliable supply across the site. This includes steam generation and distribution, cooling towers, chillers, compressed air, LTHW generation & distribution, fire protection systems, effluent collection & treatment (WWTF), and a range of building services.

• Carry out routine checks, planned maintenance tasks and first-line fault finding to provide a high level of building services including heating and ventilation systems, refrigeration, steam, condensate, water systems and stability fridge/freezers.

• Carry out designated corrective and preventive maintenance tasks on shift to support the overall maintenance strategy, for example planned routines such as lubrication, filter changing, some RBM related tasks, and unplanned tasks such as working on pumps, belts, drives etc.

• Optimise plant operating conditions to maximise operational efficiency and always ensure continuity of utilities services to the site.

• Act as first responder to alarms from critical buildings and WWTF operations following escalation procedures within agreed SLA’s and safe operating procedures to maintain appropriate standards of health, safety and environmental compliance.

• Ensure that requests from customer groups for Utilities support are responded to in an effective manner in line with agreed SLA’s.

• Contribute to the identification and implementation of minor improvement projects to increase operational efficiency.

• Identify and report operational and maintenance problems and provide technical input and troubleshooting to effectively resolve problems.

• Work flexibly with the maintenance & WWTF team to plan, schedule and continuously deliver reliable services across the site.
As required by the Business and/or directed by Management

 

About Your Skills & Experience

Essential

Technical Skills

• Proven practical and working knowledge of troubleshooting, maintenance, inspection, diagnosis, and repair of utilities systems, including but not limited to steam generation and distribution, cooling towers, compressed air systems, and fire main equipment.
• Familiarity with HSE standards and compliance requirements relevant to utilities operations.

 

Behavioural Competences

• Effective team player with the ability to work independently and take initiative as required.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and prioritise tasks to ensure timely delivery of operational goals.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyse issues, identify solutions, and implement them effectively.
• High level of focus on delivery and performance, ensuring operational and safety standards are consistently met.

 

Flexibility

• Willingness and ability to work shifts covering 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, as part of a rotating schedule.
• Adaptable to changing operational demands, including response and out-of-hours support for operations.

 

Communication Skills

• Ability to effectively communicate and follow oral and written instructions.
• Capable of liaising with internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and resolution of issues.

 

Experience

• Significant experience in an operations role, ideally within the utilities, power generation, or facilities management sectors.

 

Personal Attributes

• Strong commitment to customer service with a flexible and proactive approach to meeting operational requirements.
• Drive for results with a consistent focus on achieving high standards.
• Willingness to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by supporting initiatives to enhance performance and cost-effectiveness.

 

Driving
• A full, current, clean manual driving licence.

 

Desirable

Technical Skills & Professional Certifications

• Advanced troubleshooting skills for utilities systems such as boilers, chillers, pumps, and drives.
• Knowledge of steam and chilled water systems and their associated concepts.
• A recognised relevant engineering qualification in engineering.
• Certifications such as C&G or NVQ 3 in Boiler Operations/Electrical Generation.

 

Remuneration and Benefits

Annual Salary: £38,942.58
Annual shift allowance: £6,477.24
Total Annual Salary (inclusive of shift allowance): £45,419.82

Our benefits include*:
• 8 shifts company sick pay
• 22 shifts annual leave (incorporated into shift rota)
• Discount and recognition platform
• On-site gym
• 10% discount at our onsite catering
• Free onsite parking
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

*Benefits listed are based on working full-time and are subject to change.

 

Note: The Job Description is not intended to be all inclusive. The job holder may be required to perform other related duties to meet the on-going needs of the Company.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to: humanresources@discovery-park.co.uk

Position: Security Team Leader at Discovery Park
Location: Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent 
Role: Permanent

Discovery Park is a leading science and innovation park in the Southeast of England, home to more than 160 forward-thinking companies ranging from ambitious start-ups to global multinationals. Our vibrant community spans the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, technology, and professional services sectors, creating a dynamic environment where innovation thrives.

Through our dedicated operational and business support teams, Discovery Park Management Ltd (DPML) delivers comprehensive facilities management across the site. This includes the maintenance of buildings, landscaped grounds, and utilities infrastructure, as well as the provision of essential services such as front-of-house reception, cleaning, logistics, security, and event management.

We are committed to maintaining a welcoming environment for all occupiers and visitors, delivering quality services across the park, whilst continuously seeking opportunities to improve and enhance the way we operate.

Our values guide everything we do:

• Inspirational leadership – leading by example and empowering others
• People-focused – treating everyone with respect, care, and professionalism
• Operational excellence – delivering consistently high standards in all we do
• Community spirit – working collaboratively and supporting one another as one team

 

Main Purposes of the Job

We are seeking a diligent and vigilant Security Team Leader to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for our premises, employees, and visitors. This role operates on a shift rota covering 24 hours a day 365 days of the year including weekends and public/bank holidays.

As a Security Team Leader, you will be responsible for delivering security services across the park including patrolling the property, monitoring surveillance equipment, inspecting buildings, equipment, responding to alarms, reporting irregularities, incident investigation, report generation and informing violators of policy and procedures, responding to and/or liaising with relevant authorities in the event of an onsite incident/emergency.

Additionally, you will manage the day-to-day activity of the shift security officer/s in delivering security services at Discovery Park. Alongside ensuring all tasks are carried out professionally, efficiently, and in compliance with security protocols and relevant legislation whilst maintaining outstanding customer service.

 

Key Responsibilities

Security Operations:
• Lead and manage the shift to ensure the safety of tenants, visitors, staff, and property
• Monitor and operate surveillance equipment, conduct patrols, respond to alarms, and handle onsite incidents/emergencies
• Ensure all security activities align with legislation and company standards

Team Leadership:
• Train, mentor, and supervise team members to meet performance targets
• Plan and oversee team activities, provide feedback, and manage performance
• Maintain exacting standards of professionalism and customer service

Systems and Compliance:
• Manage and maintain security systems and related equipment
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements

Administrative Duties:
• Prepare reports and maintain accurate records
• Liaise with other departments and external authorities as required

Additional Duties:
As required by the Business and/or directed by Management

 

About Your Skills & Experience

Essential

Experience:

• 1 year security experience (required)
• In-depth technical knowledge gained through working within the security industry
• Team-leading or supervisory experience

 

Licences and Skills:

• Valid SIA Licence for Manned Guarding (SG) or Door Supervisor (DS)
• Effective communication, organisational, and customer service skills
• Computer literacy with experience in Microsoft Office, access control, and alarm systems

 

Personal Attributes:

• Professional demeanour, sound judgment, and integrity
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and independently
• A flexible and proactive approach to duties

 

Abilities:

• Able to deter a person or persons from entering the premises or to physically escort a person or persons from the premise
• Able to pick up a fire extinguisher and, walking briskly, carry it a minimum distance of 30m and then operate it
• Able to stand, walk or sit for extended periods
• Able to perform lengthy foot patrols day and night in all weather conditions
• Able to work a shift pattern covering 24/7, 365 days per year
• Able to maintain strong concentration, focus, and thorough monitoring of CCTV throughout both day and night shifts

 

Driving:

• A full, current, clean manual driving licence

 

Desirable

• Certificate in Control Room Supervision (BTEC Level 3)
• 3–5 years of security experience
• A CCTV License
• 3 day FAW + Oxygen Therapy
• First Aid Certification

 

Remuneration and Benefits

Annual Salary: £29,084.79
Annual shift allowance: £3,635.52 (12.5% of the basic annual salary)
Overtime: Paid at time and a half of the flat rate.

10 days/8 shifts company sick pay, after successful completion of probation 23 shifts annual leave On joining our Security Team, you will have the opportunity to work within our state-of-the-art control room and have access to a variety of facilities available within the park.

Our benefits include*:

• Discount and recognition platform
• On-site gym (separate employee paid membership required)
• 10% discount at our onsite catering
• Free onsite parking

*Benefits listed are based on working full-time and are subject to change.

 

Note: The Job Description is not intended to be all inclusive. The job holder may be required to perform other related duties to meet the on-going needs of the Company.
Discovery Park will carry out security screening to BS 7858 as part of the security onboarding process. Any offer of employment is contingent of satisfactorily completing this process.

 

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to ian.johnson@discovery-park.co.uk

Position: Facilities Services Manager
Location: Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent
Role: Full-time

 

Company Background

Discovery Park is a leading science and innovation park in the Southeast of England, home to more than 160 forward-thinking companies ranging from ambitious start-ups to global multinationals. Our vibrant community spans the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, technology, and professional services sectors, creating a dynamic environment where innovation thrives.

 

Through our dedicated operational and business support teams, Discovery Park Management Ltd (DPML) delivers comprehensive facilities management across the site. This includes the maintenance of buildings, landscaped grounds, and utilities infrastructure, as well as the provision of essential services such as front-of-house reception, cleaning, logistics, security, and event management.

We are committed to maintaining a welcoming environment for all occupiers and visitors, delivering quality services across the park, whilst continuously seeking opportunities to improve and enhance the way we operate.

 

Our values guide everything we do:

·         Inspirational leadership – leading by example and empowering others

·         People-focused – treating everyone with respect, care, and professionalism

·         Operational excellence – delivering consistently high standards in all we do

·         Community spirit – working collaboratively and supporting one another as one team

 

Main Purposes of the Job

The Facilities Services Manager is responsible for leading the delivery of facilities services across all multi-let facilities and wider estate. The role ensures that services are delivered in line with health and safety requirements, environmental standards, company procedures, relevant legislation and client/tenant requirements. This role is also responsible for maintaining budgetary control and delivering high standards of customer service.

 

Reports to: Head of Facilities & Engineering

Direct Line Management for:

• Security Manager
• Front of House Supervisor
• Estates Manager
• Cleaning Supervisor
• Internal maintenance

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction to the Facilities Services operational managers responsible for Security, Front of House, Estates, Logistics, Cleaning, Grounds Maintenance and Internal Maintenance.
• Support the delivery of the business’s strategic objectives and priorities, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across all teams.
• Set and ensure the achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs) for the teams, taking corrective action where required to maintain and continuously improve standards across the buildings and wider estate.
• Empower and coach direct reports to deliver high levels of performance across facilities services.
• Develop and implement service standards and methods to improve overall efficiency and satisfaction levels.
• Support the delivery of contracted soft services for tenants, either directly or through liaison with the Site Operations Coordinator.
• Oversee third party contracts, ensuring the correct standard of service is provided in accordance with the agreed contract.
• Identify opportunities for service improvements and efficiencies, cost savings or commercial gains.
• Maintain a good working knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation.
• Proactively identify and manage risk, developing effective controls and mitigation, and deal with issues across sites, escalating where appropriate.
• Maintain a safe working environment within the areas of responsibility and ensure all near misses and accidents are reported and investigated to prevent recurrence.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Risk Assessments and Method Statements are in place, regularly reviewed and kept up to date.
• Ensure that, across all areas of responsibility, the team is appropriately trained and records are available.
• Develop and maintain excellent client and customer relationships, taking a proactive approach to ensure the highest standards of service in relation to the operational needs of the building and estate.
• Demonstrate strong management qualities to drive performance and engagement across the business and team.
• Manage, motivate, and develop reporting staff through effective induction, training and development, and annual appraisals.
• Manage a complex varied team covering 24/7 operations.
• Prepare and present reports to the leadership team and clients.
• Use data to monitor performance, predict trends and inform service improvements.
• Use relevant management software to plan, track and manage activity and projects.
• Develop a continuous improvement culture through the reporting teams.
• Manage the Discovery Park fleet.
• Implement quality standards across all areas of responsibility.
• Via a suitable subcontractor, manage external maintenance works, including roof repairs, pressure washing, façade cleaning, and other building envelope maintenance tasks.
• Conduct regular inspections of external structures and surfaces to identify maintenance needs, safety hazards, and potential issues requiring attention.
• Coordinate with external contractors, suppliers, and service providers to schedule and oversee maintenance activities, ensuring timely completion and compliance with quality standards.

 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

As required by the Business and/or directed by Management

Essential

• Previous experience in facilities management.
• Facilities Management qualification, or equivalent work-based experience within a facilities management environment.
• Previous experience managing third parties and contractors.
• Understanding and knowledge of health and safety legislation and environmental protection requirements
• Awareness of workplace health and safety.
• Experience in successful client management and relationships building.
• Ability to provide clear direction, set expectations and drive high levels of team performance.
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to encourage collaboration across teams and align colleagues towards common goals.
• Experience of providing timely and assertive decision making.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues and tenants.

 

Desirable

• NEBOSH Certificate or Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (or equivalent)
• Membership of a relevant professional body

 

Note: The Job Description is not intended to be all inclusive. The job holder may be required to perform other related duties to meet the on-going needs of the Company

Annual Salary: £50,000.00 DOE

Working Week: e.g. 40 hours per week – 8am to 5pm (inclusive of 1-hour unpaid break each day)

 

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave plus Public Bank Holidays
• Free on-site parking
• Employee Discount & Recognition Platform (Discovery Perks)
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• 10% Discount at on-site catering outlets
• 10 days company sick pay in any rolling year, after successful completion of probation*
• Workplace pension (3% employer contribution) for those aged between 22 and state pension age.
• On site Gym

 

Annual Salary: £50,000.00 DOE

Benefits may be subject to change

 

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to: humanresources@discovery-park.co.uk