Sean O'Connor

I lead both the operational and technical delivery of lift service, maintenance, and project activities, ensuring high engineering standards, strong customer satisfaction, and robust commercial performance. My responsibilities include:

• Managing service engineers, project teams, and subcontractors, providing day‑to‑day leadership, technical guidance, and performance oversight.
• Overseeing planned maintenance, reactive callouts, breakdown response, and modernisation works to ensure contractual KPIs, SLAs, and safety standards are consistently achieved.
• Acting as the primary technical authority, diagnosing complex faults, advising on corrective actions, and supporting teams with engineering challenges across all product types.
• Reviewing technical documentation, specifications, drawings, and RAMS to ensure compliance with industry standards and company procedures.
• Conducting site inspections, quality audits, and technical assessments to maintain high installation and maintenance standards.
• Managing client relationships, resolving escalations, coordinating site meetings, and ensuring clear communication throughout the project or service lifecycle.
• Supporting tendering and sales teams with technical input, feasibility assessments, and solution development for new installations and modernisation proposals.
• Managing budgets, labour allocation, procurement, and commercial performance, including variations, contract renewals, and margin protection.
• Training and developing engineers and apprentices, promoting best‑practice engineering methods and continuous improvement across the team.

I managed the full delivery of new lift installation projects from sales handover through to final client sign‑off, ensuring safe, efficient, and commercially successful installations. My responsibilities included:

• Leading all pre‑start activities, including technical reviews, site readiness checks, RAMS coordination, and client liaison to ensure all pre‑start requirements and attendances were in place.
• Managing labour allocation for installation teams, including in‑house engineers and subcontractors, ensuring resources matched programme and technical requirements.
• Overseeing procurement of additional materials and equipment, coordinating with suppliers to maintain programme continuity and cost control.
• Managing project programmes, monitoring progress, resolving site issues, and ensuring installations were delivered safely, on time, and to specification.
• Controlling project finances, including monthly WIP reviews, cost tracking, raising purchase orders, managing variations, and preparing progress reports for monthly project meetings.
• Negotiating and agreeing final accounts, ensuring commercial targets and required margins were achieved.
• Maintaining strong client relationships throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring clear communication, issue resolution, and a smooth handover process.

I managed the full delivery of new lift installation projects, taking responsibility from sales handover through to final client sign‑off. The role required strong coordination, technical oversight, and commercial control across multiple concurrent installations.

• Leading all pre‑start activities, including technical reviews, RAMS coordination, site readiness checks, and client liaison to ensure all pre‑start requirements and attendances were in place.
• Managing labour allocation for installation teams, including in‑house engineers and subcontractors, ensuring resources matched programme and technical demands.
• Overseeing procurement of all materials and equipment, coordinating with suppliers to maintain programme continuity and cost efficiency.
• Managing project programmes, monitoring progress, resolving site issues, and ensuring installations were delivered safely, on time, and to specification.
• Controlling project finances, including monthly WIP reviews, cost tracking, raising purchase orders, managing variations, and preparing progress reports for monthly project meetings.
• Raising invoice requests and ensuring accurate financial documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Negotiating and agreeing final accounts, ensuring commercial targets and required margins were achieved.
• Maintaining strong client relationships, ensuring clear communication, issue resolution, and a smooth handover process at project completion.

I managed new lift installation projects across North and South East London, overseeing multiple large‑scale, multi‑unit developments.

I was responsible for managing 10 sites comprising 45 units, ranging from single‑lift projects to major developments with 8, 10, and 13 lifts, handing over each unit in line with phased construction programmes.

• Leading all pre‑start activities, including technical reviews, RAMS coordination, site readiness checks, and client liaison to ensure all pre‑start requirements and attendances were in place.
• Managing labour allocation for installation teams, including in‑house engineers and subcontractors, ensuring resources aligned with programme and technical demands.
• Overseeing procurement of all materials and equipment, coordinating with suppliers to maintain programme continuity and cost control.
• Managing project programmes across multiple concurrent sites, monitoring progress, resolving site issues, and ensuring installations were delivered safely, on time, and to specification.
• Controlling project finances, including monthly WIP reviews, cost tracking, raising purchase orders, managing variations, and preparing progress reports using the corporate system Navision.
• Raising invoice requests and ensuring accurate financial documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Negotiating and agreeing final accounts, ensuring commercial targets and required margins were achieved.
• Maintaining strong client relationships, ensuring clear communication, issue resolution, and smooth phased handovers for each lift.

Bardeck Lift Engineers Ltd

As General Manager, I was responsible for the full day‑to‑day running of the business, combining operational leadership, commercial management, and strategic development. The role required close coordination with engineering teams, strong financial control, and direct involvement in sales and business growth.

• Leading the daily operations of the company, ensuring all departments functioned efficiently and in line with business objectives.
• Managing financial performance, monitoring budgets, controlling costs, and ensuring the company consistently met its financial targets.
• Implementing, reviewing, and improving company processes and procedures to support operational efficiency and compliance.
• Providing daily communication and direction to project engineers and field engineers, ensuring all projects were delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
• Managing and vetting subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring quality, reliability, and value for money.
• Overseeing recruitment activities, including writing job specifications, interviewing candidates, and onboarding new staff.
• Conducting staff appraisals, performance reviews, and supporting ongoing employee development.
• Leading sales activities prior to the appointment of a dedicated Sales Manager, including generating new business for new lifts, modernisations, and repairs.
• Completing detailed tender return documentation, pricing works, and carrying out site surveys to support accurate and competitive proposals.

The UK Lift Company Ltd.

As Modernisation Manager, I was responsible for the full operational and commercial management of the modernisation department. The role combined departmental leadership, financial control, process development, and hands‑on project management across a wide range of lift modernisation and replacement projects.

• Managing the day‑to‑day running of the modernisation department, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with business objectives.
• Overseeing financial performance, monitoring budgets, controlling costs, and ensuring monthly departmental targets were consistently achieved.
• Implementing, reviewing, and improving processes and procedures to support operational performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Providing daily communication and direction to project engineers and field engineers, ensuring all projects were delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
• Managing and vetting subcontractors and suppliers to ensure quality, reliability, and value for money.
• Leading recruitment activities, including writing job specifications, interviewing candidates, and conducting staff appraisals.

.Special Projects Sales Engineer

Pickering’s Europe Ltd.

As Special Projects Sales Engineer, I was solely responsible for the engineering, pricing, and sale of all non‑standard lift applications and major modernisation projects across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Channel Islands. The role required deep technical knowledge, commercial acumen, and full ownership of the tendering and client liaison process from initial enquiry through to final handover.

• Managing the complete tendering and engineering process for non‑standard lift installations and major modernisation projects.
• Interpreting detailed specifications and engineering requirements for new lifts in both new‑build and existing shafts.
• Preparing full technical and commercial proposals, including obtaining quotations for lift packages, components, builders’ works, electrical works, and specialist equipment.
• Producing detailed price‑build sheets, incorporating labour allocation, material costs, mark‑ups, fixed‑price elements, and builders’ discounts to determine final selling prices.
• Acting as the primary point of contact during the tender period, liaising with main contractors, architects, and consultants through to order placement.
• Maintaining responsibility for each project through to final handover, ensuring continuity and a single point of accountability for the client.

Engineering Design and Technical Developmen Technical Support and Problem Resolution Training and Knowledge Transfer

Otis Plc.

Based within the Service Engineering Department at the Service and Training Centre, Twyford Abbey Road, London, I was responsible for the design, development, testing, and support of pre‑engineered packages for both the Service and Modernisation divisions. The role required strong engineering capability, cross‑functional coordination, and direct involvement in product development, technical documentation, and field support.

• Designing pre‑engineered packages for service and modernisation projects in accordance with British Standards and relevant regulations including PUWER and LOHER.
• Procuring materials and components, including cost negotiation, supplier quality control, and identifying new business opportunities.
• Investigating and piloting first‑installation modernisation equipment from Otis Engineering Centres worldwide to ensure compliance with UK and European regulations.
• Developing comprehensive technical documentation including Field Method Manuals, Field Engineering Instructions, Specifications, and Technical Data sheets.
• Managing Requests for Corrective Action (RCA) and Company Trouble Reports (CTR), liaising with Otis branches globally to identify root causes and implement engineering solutions.
• Providing technical support for all new equipment in the UK, including telephone assistance and on‑site troubleshooting to resolve complex issues.
• Delivering customer demonstrations using training rigs, ensuring clear understanding of equipment functionality and maintenance requirements.
• Training Service, Repair, and Modernisation Engineers in the installation, servicing, and troubleshooting of new modernisation equipment.
• Supporting field teams with technical guidance, ensuring safe and compliant installation practice

Core Responsibilities Technical Strengths and Achievements

Otis Plc.

I progressed from Engineer One to Principal Engineer, taking on increasing responsibility for complex repair, modernisation, and troubleshooting work across Otis and competitor equipment. The role required strong technical capability, problem‑solving, and the ability to work independently or in a supervisory capacity when required.

• Installing a wide range of retrofit and non‑retrofit packages on both Otis and competitor lifts, including KONE, Pickering’s, Express Evans, Schindler, and others.
• Carrying out modernisation works including new controllers, door operators, entrances, push stations, indicators, shaft equipment, and full rewires to ensure compliance with British Standards.
• Providing troubleshooting support to repair crews on modernisation and electrical installations, resolving complex technical issues quickly and safely.
• Acting as supervisor during periods of absence, coordinating labour, supporting engineers, and ensuring safe and efficient site operations.
• Ensuring all work met Otis quality standards, safety requirements, and statutory regulations.
• Broad experience across multiple lift manufacturers and technologies, enabling rapid diagnosis and repair of diverse equipment types.
• Trusted to lead complex repair and modernisation tasks requiring advanced electrical and mechanical expertise.
• Recognised for reliability, technical accuracy, and the ability to support and guide less experienced engineers.

Core Responsibilities Skills and Experience Gained

Otis Plc.

As a Maintenance Engineer, I was responsible for the routine servicing, safety checks, and reliability of a wide range of customer lifts. The role required strong technical ability, rapid response to breakdowns, and effective communication with customers and internal teams.

• Carrying out planned preventative maintenance on a wide variety of lift equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Attending breakdown call‑outs as required, diagnosing faults quickly and restoring equipment to service with minimal downtime.
• Communicating directly with customers on site, providing clear updates, managing expectations, and ensuring a high standard of customer service.
• Liaising with the Service Branch to relay customer requirements, site conditions, and technical issues requiring further action.
• Ensuring all work complied with Otis procedures, safety standards, and statutory regulations.
• Strong customer‑facing communication skills developed through daily one‑to‑one interaction with building managers and end users.
• Broad technical exposure to multiple lift types and control systems, forming a solid foundation for progression into repair, modernisation, and engineering roles.
• Experience working independently across a large service route, prioritising workloads and managing time effectively.

Training and Development Skills and Experience Gained

Otis Plc.

I completed a four‑year engineering apprenticeship with Otis, combining full‑time technical education with structured on‑the‑job training. This provided a strong foundation in lift engineering, maintenance, repair, and industry standards.

• Completed a full‑time first year at college followed by three years of day‑release study, gaining formal qualifications in electrical and mechanical engineering.
• Worked alongside experienced Maintenance and Repair Engineers, developing practical skills across a wide range of lift systems and technologies.
• Gained hands‑on experience with Otis equipment as well as competitor products, building a strong understanding of industry procedures, safety standards, and best practices.
• Supported engineers on routine maintenance, breakdown response, repairs, and modernisation tasks, developing technical competence and confidence in the field.
• Solid grounding in lift mechanics, electrical systems, fault‑finding, and safe working practices.
• Early exposure to customer interaction and site communication, supporting engineers in explaining work and coordinating access.
• Strong understanding of industry regulations and Otis procedures, forming the basis for progression into maintenance, repair, and engineering roles.