Chris Harris
London
Summary
Results-driven M&E Operations Manager with extensive experience in managing cross-functional teams and daily operations. Specialises in developing strategies that enhance profitability and customer satisfaction while ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Skilled in budget management and resource allocation, with a strong background in gas and plumbing. Effectively leads maintenance programmes to optimise system performance and fosters partnerships to improve service delivery.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
M&E Operations Manager
Westminster City Council
Greater London
04.2025 - Current
- Oversee day-to-day delivery of M&E services across multiple sites/estates
- Ensure effective management of planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and reactive works
- Monitor system performance (e.g. heating networks, HIUs, plant rooms, BMS)
- Drive service reliability and minimise system downtime
- Ensured performance met KPIs and SLAs to maintain service standards and accountability
- Managed external contractors and service providers to ensure timely and quality service delivery
- Led contract reviews and cost control initiatives to optimise value-for-money assessments
- Escalate poor performance and drive improvement plans
PDHU Inspector & Project Manager
Westminster City Council
Greater London
01.2024 - Current
- Oversaw the effective management of the Pimlico District Heating Undertaking (PDHU) boiler plant, distribution pipework, and tertiary pipework.
- Managing multiple projects involving the decommissioning of gas supplies in buildings and the transition to electric alternatives.
- This includes overseeing the installation of temporary external boilers, replacement of individual gas boilers with HIUs
- The removal of gas cookers with electric replacements.
- Ensured prompt identification, repair, and management of leaks to minimise service disruptions.
- Oversee planned preventative maintenance (PPM) schedules, ensuring compliance, timely inspections, and completion of any required follow-on works.
- Monitored project progress and performance, identifying and resolving issues to maintain project timelines.
- Managed project budgets, forecasts, and financial reports to ensure financial accuracy and accountability.
- Regularly attend repair meetings to coordinate with leaseholders and residents providing updates and technical input.
- Actively involved in strategic discussions and planning for the future development and modernisation of the PDHU network.
- Conducted resident meetings to explain the transition process.
- Attending resident surgeries to provide regular project updates and address queries.
General Manager
Hyde Housing
London, Greater London
10.2022 - 01.2024
- Managed social housing organisation with up to 92 staff, 20,000 properties, contractors, procurement, and finance budgets.
- Oversaw profit goals against budget and prior year, ensuring controllable costs remained within budget.
- Established open-door communication system, facilitating cross-department engagement.
General Manager
Mears
Wood Green, Greater London
04.2018 - 10.2022
- Led staffing, procurement, finance, and budget management for social housing organisation, optimising operations for 20,000 properties.
- Oversaw profit goals against budget and prior year, ensuring controllable costs remained within limits.
- Established open-door communication system, fostering collaboration across departments.
Gas Contract Manager
Mears
Wood Green, Greater London
09.2013 - 04.2018
- Managed gas repairs for approximately 1200 properties, ensuring timely and effective resolutions.
- Managed a boiler installation programme.
- Ensured compliance by verifying all properties received a valid safety check annually.
- Captured and billed works outside agreed scope to ensure transparency and accountability with the client.
- Ensured budgets were in line.
- Maintained clear and accurate documentation throughout procurement and materials management process.
- Defined department goals and scheduled deadlines to enhance productivity.
- Supervised administrative staff and provided training and orientation to new staff.
Gas Supervisor
Mears
Wood Green, Greater London
06.2011 - 09.2013
- Managing up to 30 Engineers, duties included signing and checking timesheets.
- Quality Control engineers repair work and authorising LGSRs.
- Delegated responsibilities to team members to match their expertise and project specifications.
- Composing and managing call-out rota.
- Assisted in resolving customer complaints by quickly identifying problems and delegating correct resources to rectify.
- Addressed customer complaints to enhance satisfaction and improve service quality.
- Recruiting, interviewing and inductions.
Education
O Level - English Language
Glastronbury High School
London, ENG01-1985
Skills
- Project management
- Budget management
- Performance monitoring
- Regulatory compliance
- Cost reduction and efficiency
- Technical troubleshooting
- Operational support
- Customer relationship management
- Crisis handling
- Team leadership
- Leadership
- Strong IT
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
M&E Operations Manager
Westminster City Council
04.2025 - Current
PDHU Inspector & Project Manager
Westminster City Council
01.2024 - Current
General Manager
Hyde Housing
10.2022 - 01.2024
General Manager
Mears
04.2018 - 10.2022
Gas Contract Manager
Mears
09.2013 - 04.2018
Gas Supervisor
Mears
06.2011 - 09.2013
O Level - English Language
Glastronbury High School