We are looking for an experienced Commissioning Lead to take ownership of all commissioning activities for a major capital investment program in the UK.

This role will lead the commissioning of a state-of-the-art R&D laboratory facility — ensuring all building systems, specialist lab infrastructure, automation controls, and environmental systems are fully tested, verified, and ready for safe operational use.

This is a critical delivery role requiring strong technical expertise, structured planning capability, and the ability to coordinate multiple contractors and stakeholders through complex system start-up and handover phases.

The Role

You will be accountable for:

• Leading the development and execution of the Commissioning Strategy and Master Commissioning Plan
• Defining commissioning scope, methodologies, documentation standards, and success criteria
• Managing commissioning activities across complex building systems, including:
• MEP systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing)
• BMS/EMS systems
• Specialist laboratory systems (fume cupboards, containment, LEVs, gas systems)
• Process utilities and environmental controls
• Fire and life safety systems
• Coordinating multiple commissioning teams across contractors, subcontractors, and specialist vendors
• Ensuring systems are installation-ready and safe for energisation and start-up (including LOTO controls)
• Overseeing functional testing, performance testing, and integrated systems testing (IST)
• Ensuring commissioning documentation is complete and approved (PFCs, test scripts, reports, as-builts, O&M manuals)
• Tracking, managing, and closing punch-list items and technical deficiencies
• Leading risk workshops related to system start-up and managing technical risks through to handover
• Acting as the key liaison between construction, operational readiness, FM, HSE, IT, and laboratory end-users
• Supporting operational training and ensuring effective knowledge transfer
• Driving final system acceptance and transition into steady-state operations

About You

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Building Services, or related discipline
• Proven experience as a Commissioning Lead or Commissioning Manager on large-scale capital projects
• Experience delivering commissioning within laboratory, R&D, or highly serviced technical environments
• Strong understanding of MEP systems, automation controls, environmental systems, and specialist lab infrastructure
• Experience delivering integrated systems testing and complex start-up phases
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and commissioning protocols
• Strong planning, coordination, and organisational capability
• Confident stakeholder manager with the ability to influence across multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Calm, structured, and solutions-focused under pressure

Why This Role?

• Opportunity to lead commissioning for a flagship R&D facility
• High-impact role at the critical transition from construction to operations
• Ownership of system readiness, safety, and performance
• Key leadership position within a major capital investment program

We are an equal opportunities Recruitment Business and Agency. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

www.planet-pharma.com