DART engineer fixing a bench

A day in the life of a DART Engineer at M&B

A day in the life of a DART Engineer at M&B

Date posted: 18/01/2025

Meet Andrew, the leader of M&B’s DART (Direct Area Repair Technician) team, and discover what makes this group so special. From fixing the little things that keep businesses running smoothly to being part of a supportive and close-knit team, the crew of building and electrical engineers does it all—and does it with pride. 

Andrew shares his journey from being the first-ever DART engineer to becoming a manager of a growing team, plus what it takes to succeed in this dynamic and rewarding role. Ready to be inspired? Let’s dive in!

Tell us about your role as the manager of a team of engineers?

I'm the DART Manager, leading a team of building and electrical engineers along with regional Area Managers. My job is all about pushing DART forward, ensuring we deliver top-quality work and great value. 

My week includes everything from hiring new Engineers, meeting with Area Managers, talking to suppliers, and sorting out our new fleet of Ford vans.”

What was your first engineer role at M&B?

I started as the first DART engineer 8 years ago on a 6-month contract to test the service's benefits. With no systems or processes in place, I had to think on my feet every day. 

That initial period flew by, and I found a real passion for DART. Now, 8 years later, I'm still here!”

What has your career looked like with M&B? What are your milestones?

I met our second engineer, Richard, in a pub carpark and our third, Wayne, at another. They joined within a year of me starting, and we're all still here. As DART proved successful, we expanded, and I moved into a team leader role, then into senior management as we grew. 

Richard and Wayne are now Area Managers in the team, along with others who joined early on. One of my proudest achievements is our low turnover rate and the career growth opportunities we've created.”

What support have you received to progress to DART Manager? 

I've had immense support from the management, the wider team (finance, HR, etc.), and within the team. We're a close-knit group working hard to deliver excellent service. 

We've developed a lot of training and toolbox talks, and we have a great support team in the office, who keep us organised.”

How has the DART engineering team evolved?

We started with just me, adding engineers gradually until COVID hit. During lockdown, we supported closed businesses, which built a strong team spirit. 

We continued recruiting even during the pandemic, and now we have nearly 50 building engineers and about 10 electricians, and we’re looking to add more to our team.”

What do the DART engineer team do, and why do you feel it's important?

The DART team handles everything from leaking taps to broken tiles, fencing, painting, and carpeting. We're highly skilled multi-disciplined engineers who can tackle most problems. 

By grouping tasks together, we minimise costs and disruption, making a real difference. We're also committed to sustainability, helping reduce energy wastage with simple fixes like changing bottle cooler seals and installing door curtains on walk-in refrigerators.”

What do you enjoy about your role as an Engineer Manager at M&B?

I love the camaraderie, the variety of work, and the different buildings we work in. People are usually happy to see us because they know we'll do a great job. 

No two days are the same. I also love how the team has evolved and how many of the original members are still here. There's a lot of pride and passion for what we do.”

What has working in the Property Team as part of DART provided you that other jobs have not?

A real sense of purpose and pride, being part of something bigger, and delivering something that matters. Everyone's ideas are valued, making everyone feel part of the team's success. 

But also, working within a role like this, but with no evening, weekend or call-out work. We get our own company vans and company tools. I’m really proud of the opportunities we offer in terms of development and upskilling our team to understand how to help our businesses as much as possible.”

What would you say to someone looking to join M&B as a DART engineer?

You HAVE to have PRIDE in what you do. We pride ourselves on being the best. We don’t settle for "that will do." 

If we wouldn’t leave it like that at home, we won’t leave it like that at work. This attitude is at the heart of a DART engineer.” 

Ready to join the DART engineer team?

At M&B, being part of the DART team isn’t just about fixing things—it’s about making a real impact, working with pride, and being part of a close-knit crew that values growth and quality. 

From Andrew’s journey to the incredible stories of career progression within the team, it’s clear that DART is more than a job—it’s a career with purpose.

If you’re ready to bring your skills, passion, and PRIDE to M&B, join our DART team today. View our current Electrician, Tradesperson, and Multi-Skilled Engineer vacancies.

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