Asset Specialist Building Services

Job summary

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is one of the government’s largest public service departments with a sizeable annual budget, serving over 20 million citizens.

The estate spans 1.4 million square metres across 800+ sites and supports around 78,000 colleagues.

Our vision includes DWP colleagues, supply chain, partners and, most fundamentally, the customers the Department exists to serve. They are the reason for our existence.​

We are responsible for the day-to-day operation of our vast Estate by managing a private sector supply chain that delivers essential services such as Security Guarding, Maintenance, Property and Leasehold Management, Construction, Cleaning and Facilities Management.

DWP Estates is not just about maintaining buildings - it’s about transformation. Our strategic goals include:

• Transitioning to a smaller, more affordable, and adaptable estate to meet future needs
• Investing in infrastructure through planned replacement works
• Embedding sustainability in line with Government Greening Commitments (GGCs)
• Delivering cost-effective services while maintaining high standards
• Creating a professional, best-in-class working culture across the Government Property profession

Our Estates strategy ambitions have been refreshed to take us through to 2030:

• OPTIMISE: Continue to transition to a more affordable and adaptable DWP estate that creates productive environments

• INVEST: Investment in an improved environment that better meets the needs of customers and colleagues and minimises service disruption

• SUPPORT the drive for sustainability throughout DWP

• DELIVER: Expertly deliver improving, cost-effective services for DWP

• THRIVE: Continue to develop a working culture for DWP Estates that is best in class across government

There is no better time to join the award winning DWP Estates team.

The Department is also committed to delivering Sustainability and Net Zero Carbon improvements across its estate, demonstrating leadership in making the public estate smaller, better, greener. The work you will be undertaking is therefore crucial in us meeting the needs of all those who use our services

This role based within the Asset Management team, reporting to the Head of Asset Intelligence, will be key to ensuring support, providing technical assurance to the Estates functions on all asset and building services related matters. It will also include detailed reviewing of reports, assessments and recommendations provided by the supply chain, ensuring that the relevant standards and regulations are applied to the Estate.

Job description

Government Property Profession Career Framework (Link)

This role sits within the following:

• Job Family – Strategic Asset Management
• Core Role – Property Data Management
• Level – Senior Practitioner

Key accountabilities

• Lead accountability for ensuring definition of processes and standards related to building services (mechanical and electrical). This is delivered by supporting Estates colleagues on technical, engineering and building services matters on the key asset risks such as Fire, Water, Asbestos, Gas, Electricity, Lifts and Ventilation systems.
• Supporting Estates in the identification and technical advice on specifications / systems required for building services installations (mechanical and electrical) and their safety features and requirements to meet legal compliance. Work closely with stakeholders across Estates Design Standards, Service Delivery, Policy and Compliance and Projects Team & other internal/external stakeholders to provide review and support.
• To monitor, review in detail and provide assurance of asset management activities planned and carried out by our Supply Chain partners including auditing and monitoring the accuracy of the asset register for building services assets.
• Build a risk profile on the building services area (mechanical/electrical) to feed into risk profiles for assets & buildings
• Audits project completion activities to ensure that asset registers and PPM records are updated on completion of projects.
• Ensure adherence to relevant policy, standards and statutory requirements.
• Create a dashboard for asset trends as part of asset compliance reporting.
• Maintains a live database of building services related risks/issues, (Risk Register) ensuring action is taken to resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Carries out routine deep dive audits of building services asset compliance across the Estate, assessing the outputs to identify performance trends and potential issues. Addresses identified issues directly with the Supply Chain partner.
• Undertake review of recommendations provided in relation to asset management from the supply chain. This includes advising on/validating recommendations from fire and water risk assessments, remedial works from PPMs, project works and supporting their progression to completion. This will include receiving frequent updates from the Integrator and Supply chain on plans related to recommendations and actions.
• Assess MI to determine and assess asset performance, identifying improvements and the need for interventions.
• Provide technical and building services support during investigations of accidents, incidents and near misses.
• Communicates and escalates information / new requirements / lessons learned to Estates, the Integrator and Supply Chain.
• Be the subject matter expert for the Estates on all technical matters related to building engineering services systems and working with colleagues to shape policy on meeting building user safety compliance.
• Identifies and advises the Estates function, Integrator and Supply Chain partners on appliable technical, industry and compliance standards and how these need to be applied to maintain standards, achieve compliance or improve energy efficiency.
• Escalates any immediate risks/issues identified to the Head of Asset Intelligence, and any other relevant stakeholders.
• Resolves areas of dispute associated with mechanical and electrical assets with the Supply Chain related to the need to carry out remedial actions and/or the priority/timeframe of remedial actions.
• Single point of accountability for providing the necessary approvals for changes to the PPM schedules related to mechanical and electrical assets.
• Provides technical support to the Capital Projects and Major Projects when required.
• Reviews relevant work orders raised to confirm that the technical solution proposed is sound and that cost estimate is reasonable.
• Reviews documentation attached to completed work orders to confirm the technical solution has been fully implemented.
• Drives the management of assets and development of asset strategies, within a large portfolio, in support of achieving defined Sustainability and Net Zero Carbon objective.
• Commitment to Sustainability and Net Zero Carbon improvements across the Authority, demonstrating leadership in making the public estate smaller, greener, better.
• To investigate and propose innovation, improvements and best practice.
• To support and deputise for the Head of Asset Intelligence as required.

Person specification

Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Technical expertise and understanding, capable of advising and resolving complex issues on legal and technical specification requirements associated with building services such as lifts, electrical assets, mechanical across a large portfolio and varied assets.
• Working knowledge of Electrical & Mechanical Building Services to be able to understand how supply chains operate across building services.
• In depth knowledge of asset management and planned preventative maintenance schedules such as SFG20 and the ability to disseminate the need / evaluate any risks.
• Up to date knowledge of the legislation and industry standards in relation to providing a safe Estate.
• Detailed and extensive knowledge of Facilities Management Services, building asset types and their significance on legal compliance.
• Experience in working with partner organisations and supporting effective decision making leading to improved performance.
• Involvement with project management and being persuasive in identifying key areas of work required, risk analysis and prioritisation.
• Influential and able to lead key senior stakeholders, colleagues and customers towards commercial solutions that give a balance of optimal performance whilst delivering on business and portfolio strategy
• Demonstrable experience of acting as subject matter expert within your specialism
• Previous experience of developing cost-effective solutions to ensure continued compliance within the business
• Experience in the use of CAFM systems.

Qualifications/professional memberships

Essential

• An accredited Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in engineering or technology, or equivalent
• Electrical Qualifications such as City & Guilds 236, 2330, 2365 or equivalent
• NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent)
• Membership of an accredited professional organisation (MIET, MIWFM IAM etc.)

Desirable

• Degree qualified with a core competency in Building Services
• Chartered Membership of a relevant institution (e.g. CIBSE)

Qualifications

•An accredited Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in engineering or technology, or equivalent
•Electrical Qualifications such as City & Guilds 236, 2330, 2365 or equivalent
•NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent)

Memberships

•Membership of an accredited professional organisation (MIET, MIWFM IAM etc.)

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £57,946, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £16,786 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

DWP have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:

• Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
• Generous annual leave – at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro–rata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave.
• Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme.
• Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly).
• Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year’s continuous service.
• Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.
• An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.

Important Information – Visa Sponsorship

For these vacancies, we strongly recommend that applicants consult with an immigration specialist or qualified advisor to assess their eligibility for Visa Sponsorship before deciding to apply. Please note that while we consider sponsorship requests in accordance with current DWP guidance and Home Office policy, sponsorship cannot be guaranteed.

Location

Applicants should apply for suitable posts where they can travel to and from their home office location daily within a reasonable time.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Relocation costs will not be reimbursed

Hybrid Working

This role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work.

If a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for the role and for you, you will normally be required to spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted working hours from your DWP office.

If you have a disability, caring responsibilities, or other circumstances that may affect your ability to meet the minimum office attendance requirement, please discuss this with us using the contact details in this advert.

Successful candidates will be posted in merit order based on your location preferences and the geographical requirements of the business

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT

As part of the application process you will be asked to provide a Personal Statement of no more than 1000 words against the essential criteria as outlined above. You will also be asked to provide a short CV.

Your CV should be fairly short and just evidence very brief details of your work history and Qualifications.

While your CV is not formally scored it will be used to validate the evidence of your Personal Statement.

Please do not submit a speculative application where you do not meet at least 50% of the essential criteria as these applications will be unsuccessful. Do not include Behaviour examples within your application as these will not be assessed in the sift and will only be used at interview stage.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

There will be an initial sift of applications based on the Personal Statement only, so please ensure you evidence how you meet the Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience requirement contained in the vacancy in this section. This will form a short list for interview.

STAGE 2 - INTERVIEW

All candidates who are successful at the sift stage will undertake a single virtual video interview.

There, you will be assessed against the experiences listed in the essential criteria.

You will also be asked additional questions to validate your knowledge which will be measured against the essential criteria as specified in the vacancy. Your will also be asked some Behaviour & Strength questions.

Currently the sift is scheduled to take place w/c 9th February 2026 and interview dates either w/c 23rd February 2026 . Interviews are scheduled to take place virtually and dates are subject to change.

Further Information

At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce.

Find out more about working for DWP on the DWP Careers Hub.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

If you are placed on a reserve list but we cannot immediately offer you a post, please note:

• If you are later offered the role you applied for, in a location you have expressed a preference for, and you decline the offer or are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe you will be withdrawn from the campaign and removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances (e.g. a contractual Part Time Working Pattern cannot be accommodated in the initial role offered or in cases of serious ill health).
• If DWP makes an offer of an alternative role or location to that which you originally applied for, and you decline that offer, you will be able to remain on the reserve list.

Disability Confident Scheme

If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards.

Reasonable Adjustments

We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact the Government Recruitment Service via DWPRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Reasonable Adjustments” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Integrity, plagiarism, Civil Service Principles and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles.

Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words.

Examples of plagiarism can include:

• Presenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your own
• Copying content or answers from an online or published source that is not your own

Disclosure and Barring Service and Internal Fraud Database Checks

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check will be carried out.

Important

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. If you are a current employee and are successful you must be able to be released from your current post within four weeks.

Those on protected TUPE/ COSoP terms and conditions applying on promotion or voluntary permanent level move will adopt DWP’s Terms and Conditions and this may have a different impact on pay and allowances. Please review this prior to acceptance of a role.

Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing. Accepting a post will be taken to mean acceptance of revised terms & conditions.

Civil Servants applying on promotion will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or within 10% of existing salary.

Any move to DWP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may, however, be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at the Childcare Choices Website.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Matt Pepper
• Email : matt.pepper@dwp.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dwprecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DWP by email: HR.BUSINESSASSURANCE@DWP.GOV.UK.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Click here to visit the Civil Service Commission.

Attachments

DWP Terms and Conditions January 2024 Opens in new window (docx, 17kB)Success-Profiles-Candidate-Overview Opens in new window (pdf, 635kB)