BACS Operations Supervisor

The Pirbright Institute

The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.

Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds, and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.

Organisation position and purpose

The Pirbright Institute’s control room monitors site conditions, detecting deviations, alarms, failures, or incidents that may affect safety or operations. The BMS team, part of Estates Management Services, oversees around 25,000 alarm and control points of varying criticality. The site has two control rooms—primary and standby—to maintain resilience.

The team works in four 12-hour shifts, each with a Shift Leader, Technician, and Assistant. Together, they monitor systems, manage incidents, and escalate issues to the Biological Safety Officer and Head of Site as needed.

As BMS Supervisor, you will lead and manage the shift teams, acting as the main link between them and Institute stakeholders. You’ll ensure clear communication, coordinate operations, and provide daily updates to the BMS Operations Manager. Your role includes reporting on alarm performance, identifying risks, and supporting continuous improvement of the site’s operational resilience.

Main duties and responsibility:

• Oversee the operation and monitoring of the Institute’s building automation systems, including HVAC, life safety, effluent treatment, refrigeration, power, water, CHP, air systems, and environmental alarms. Escalate faults to engineering teams as needed.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of BMS/SCADA/DCS systems.
• Lead and supervise BMS shift teams, ensuring safe and effective system operation.
• Support the development and compliance of BMS processes with safety, environmental, and industry standards.
• Manage training and competency development for BACS shift teams, focusing on resilience and succession planning.
• Compile and submit reports on KPIs, failures, root cause analysis, and shift activities.
• Maintain shift continuity through regular briefings and team support.
• Provide data for risk registers, condition surveys, and related systems.
• Conduct impact assessments and coordinate responses for critical infrastructure issues.
• Manage and assign PPM tasks, ensuring completion and reporting.
• Promote and maintain a safe working environment.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in service operations.

 Specific requirements

 Essential Criteria:

• BTEC, HND, HNC, ONC in Electronic, Instrumentation, or Process Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of Condition-Based Monitoring and BMS systems (e.g. TREND, Schneider, CMR, Comark).
• Experienced in monitoring and responding to alarms across critical systems (HVAC, effluent, power, control, data, alarms, refrigeration).
• Skilled in managing both reactive and planned maintenance.
• Practical experience with control systems: Trend, Honeywell, Schneider, Siemens, ABB, CMR.
• Extensive background in system automation and controls.
• Proficient in root cause analysis and troubleshooting.
• Solid understanding of plant and equipment operations.
• Able to read and diagnose panel wiring and software flow diagrams.
• Knowledgeable in IT BACS networking.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience supervising engineering teams
• Familiar with electronic maintenance systems
• Knowledge of DDC/PLC systems and programming
• 18th Edition Wiring Regulations qualified
• Proficient in Visio and InfoPath
• Understanding of InduSoft Web Studio HMI/SCADA systems

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days
• Buy and sell annual leave
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
• Pirbright social club
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
• Cycle to work
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• Childcare allowance
• Free onsite parking
• Electric Car charging facilities