Maintenance Foreman

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post is: (01/02/2026)

€53,954 €54,535 €54,817 €55,130 €55,426 €55,582 €55,732 €55,885 €56,040 €56,285 €56,471 €56,930

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Reporting relationship

The post holder will report to the Engineering Manager and Maintenance Manager and will work with all other Maintenance Department staff

Purpose of the post The overall purpose of this post is to assist in providing a quality Maintenance service to patients and staff.

Principal duties and responsibilities

General

The Maintenance Foreman will:

• Be responsible for the Development, constant updating and tracking of a new Asset Register system Property Portfolio

• Be the custodian of all relevant maintenance documentation and asset lists which forms part of the new NEIS [National Estates Information System].

• Support and update the Maintenance Managers on all SLAs by 3rd party maintenance companies inclusive of reactive works by surveying-maintained assets regularly.

• Upkeep of a constantly changing asset portfolio inclusive of scheduled maintenance Estate’s asset conditions reactive works and asset life cycle analysis.

• Work under the direction of the Maintenance Manager or other designated Officer.

• Meet regularly with the Maintenance Manager and other designated Managers to plan daily/weekly objectives and planned preventative maintenance programs; to report progress on work and to ensure that issues/queries are addressed on an on-going basis.

• Supervise staff assigned to him/her and assist in the planning, supervision and control of work programs; including the supervision of the time keeping, attendance, productivity and the quality of work and competency of staff under his/her control.

• Participate in any afterhours work such as overtime or on-call as required and as deemed necessary by the Maintenance Manager.

• Carry a bleep or pager or communication device as required.

Professional/Technical

The Maintenance Foreman will:

• Supervise the efficient operation and effective maintenance of all buildings and services within the remit of the Maintenance Department, visiting work locations and overseeing works as delegated by the Maintenance Manager and other designated Managers.

• Supervise and liaise with all trade staff, general operatives and associated trades engaged in the maintenance, repair and alteration of services.

• Supervise and control of external/internal contractors i.e. mechanical, electrical and civil, engaged in works, particularly in relation to extensions and alterations of existing buildings and services.

• Keep the Maintenance Manager and other designated Managers informed on a planned basis, in relation to energy consumption, plant performance, energy conservation, planned preventive evaluation, trades performance and standards.

• Assist the Maintenance Manager and service management in the setting up and implementation of planned maintenance programmes and preventative maintenance programmes, highlighting areas which need corrective attention.

• Oversee the maintenance, decoration, upkeep, repair and development of all buildings including mechanical and electrical services, all machinery plant and equipment.

• Oversee the repair and upkeep of all boundary walls, fences, roadways, paths, grounds, etc., which are the responsibility of the Maintenance Department.

• Be responsible for the ordering or requisitioning of materials etc., required in the execution of their duties.

• Be familiar with new technology and be prepared to participate and cooperate in such training courses considered appropriate by the HSE from time to time.

• Give full cooperation with future ongoing developments within the Maintenance Department and with changes in work practices as a result of new technology.

• Assist the Maintenance Manager and other designated Managers in the preparation of plans for the proper maintenance of all plant and equipment and provide ongoing progress reports.

• Be familiar and comply with the requirements of the Health & Safety Act 2005 and ensure that his/her staff work in a safe manner.

• Be responsible for the safe custody, maintenance and satisfactory working order of all tools, plants and appliances, including maintenance vehicles in use in the various workshops and other departments under his/her control

• Ensure all premises under HSE remit comply with statutory fire, health and safety obligations.

• Assist with testing of all fire detection equipment and firefighting equipment in association with the Fire and Safety Officer.

• Plan and supervise existing or proposed rota arrangements with the Maintenance Manager. The Maintenance Foreman may be required to work overtime or flexi-time occasionally.

• Assist in various programmes on energy conservation.

• Be expected to co-operate with the implementation of new technology.

• Participate as required in carrying out work other than supervision, this may include day to day hands-on repair.

• Carry out such duties as may be assigned to him/her from time to time by a nominated officer, including various other nominated managers.

Education & Training

The Maintenance Foreman will:

• Undertake training as required to enhance his/her ability and safety at work.

• Monitor manual handling and all mandatory training.

• Assist in identifying the training needs of staff under his/her supervision.

Financial

The Maintenance Foreman will:

• Ensure value for money in purchasing of materials and awarding contracts.

• Issue Purchase Orders and process invoices as may be assigned.

• Assist the Maintenance Manager and other designated Managers in the preparation of budgets for energy and general maintenance.

• Adhere to approved procedures for quotations, ordering and processing of payment.

Management / Administration

The Maintenance Foreman will:

• Manage staff, materials, equipment, finances and contractors associated with the Maintenance Department.

• Tender for contracted services, as required.

• Manage the maintenance service within allocated budgetary constraints.

• Plan, organise and control the work such that a continuous and quality service is provided to the hospital.

• Maintain good outward communications with medical personnel, patients, senior management and committees.

• Motivate Maintenance Department staff and develop good staff relations.

• Promote a quality working environment within the Maintenance Department.

• Undertake line management responsibility for personnel in accordance with HSE policies on Managing Attendances and Disciplinary Procedures.

• Keep log books and service records as required and submit for checking. Keep drawings and manuals properly stored and revised when required.

• Maintain records associated with staff, timesheets, work requisitions, roster of duties and work in progress etc.

• Maintain Safety Statements and assist in carrying out risk assessments.

• Act in a higher capacity from time to time as required.

• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must by the latest date for of application:

1. Professional Qualifications, Experience etc.

a)

Hold a third level qualification to a minimum standard of Higher Certificate (Quality and Qualifications Ireland Level 6), in Mechanical, Electrical or Civil Services.

Or

Possess a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 6 (or higher) Advanced Certificate Craft – Carpentry & Joinery (or equivalent qualification).

Or

Possess the National Craft Certificate issued by FETAC.

Or

Possess the Senior Trades Certificate issued by the Department of Education.

And

(b)Have a minimum of 3 years post qualification / apprenticeship experience in maintenance of industrial, commercial and

domestic type buildings.

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to theoffice and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character

Post specific requirements

• Demonstrate depth and breadth of supervisory experience as relevant to the post including:

Experience in the maintenance of large scale and complex buildings and associated plant.

Experience in the construction and maintenance of complex buildings

• Have successfully undertaken or be willing to undertake the Solas Safe Pass Health & Safety Awareness Training Programme, or equivalent approved training programme in line with service need. (Please note if you have not undertaken this training, you will be required to successfully complete this training on taking up the post)

• As this post may involve the driving of HSE owned vehicles, the successful candidate is required to hold a full unendorsed Drivers Licence (Category B).

Other requirements specific to the post • Access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role as this post will involve frequent travel between sites.

• Some overtime may be required to be performed periodically as the service is a 24 hour facility.

• The Maintenance Foreman may be required to participate in emergency call outs.

• The Maintenance Foreman shall be required to carry a HSE mobile phone during working hours.

• Due to the nature of the business of the service, some of the works will be conducted outdoors (on roofs etc.) and in difficult weather conditions. The post holder will be required to work in all weather conditions when requested to do so, or when circumstances dictate.

Additional eligibility requirements:

Citizenship requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(i) EEA, Swiss, or British citizens

OR

(ii) Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Candidates must:

Technical / Professional

• Demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the required discipline.

• Demonstrate knowledge of construction, environment and building technology, mechanical and electrical services including their installations, building maintenance, maintenance management issues, practice and procedures.

• Demonstrate knowledge of current regulations regarding building, fire, electrical, and gas installations.

• Demonstrate knowledge of Building Management Systems.

• Demonstrate sufficient technical knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the post.

• Demonstrate evidence of project management skills encompassing all streams of work appropriate with key responsibilities.

• Demonstrate evidence of experience and ability to perform hands-on maintenance repair work on equipment with tools, if required.

• Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret architects’/engineers’ drawings, specifications and technical directions.

• Demonstrate the ability to develop and write technical engineering reports.

• Demonstrate the ability to design and implement structured policies and systems for the management of service and maintenance of hospital equipment and systems.

• Demonstrate knowledge and experience of managing budgets; including the ability to adhere to deadlines within budgetary levels.

• Demonstrate evidence of experience in control and supervision of staff and record keeping.

• Demonstrate evidence of computer skills including the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, e-mail and the internet, as relevant to the role.

• Demonstrate awareness of relevant standards, policies and legislation for example Health and Safety, Freedom of Information Act 1997, Childcare Act, HIQA Standards.

Leadership & Team Skills

• Demonstrate leadership and team management skills, including the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.

• Demonstrate the ability to work on own initiative; without close supervision.

• Demonstrate the ability to advise multidisciplinary and management teams on equipment related issues.

Planning & Organising Skills

• Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills including awareness of value for money in the performance of work and the ability to carry out duties to best practice.

• Demonstrate experience of the development of work schedules for personnel and contractors.

• Demonstrate experience of the development of planned maintenance programs and method statements.

• Demonstrate experience in working effectively under pressure.

• Demonstrate the ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information, solve problems and make decisions in a timely manner.

• Demonstrate the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team to resolve problems and implement solutions.

Commitment to Providing a Quality Service

• Demonstrate a commitment to providing a quality service; including an awareness and appreciation of the service user such as patients, the general public, medical and non-medical staff.

• Demonstrate the ability to contribute to the development of the service.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.

• Demonstrate the ability to receive and implement instructions in an effective and efficient manner.

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with other staff members to coordinate works and update on progress of works.

Campaign specific selection process

Ranking/shortlisting / interview A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out based on information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore, it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not progressing to the next stage of the selection process.

Those successful at the ranking stage of this process, where applied, will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.

Diversity, equality and inclusion

The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.

Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.

The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.

The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long-term health condition.

Read more about the HSE’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Code of practice

The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).

The CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles to be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice. The Code outlines the standards to be adhered to at each stage of the selection process and sets out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates should they be unhappy with a selection process.

Read the CPSA Code of Practice.