M&E Project Manager

Project Manager – Estates & Development

Location: London
Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and technically capable Project Manager – Estates & Development to join our growing Estates team. Reporting to the Estates & Development Director, you will play a pivotal role in delivering a diverse portfolio of capital projects across a dynamic higher education estate.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead projects from concept through to completion, including refurbishments, fit-outs, specialist teaching spaces, new developments, and strategic property acquisitions. The successful candidate will bring strong construction and mechanical & electrical (M&E) expertise, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, sustainably, and in line with organisational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Capital Projects, Fit-Out & M&E Delivery

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of capital projects, including refurbishments, fit-outs, new developments, and specialist learning environments.

• Manage all project stages from feasibility, design development and procurement through to construction, commissioning, handover and post-occupancy review.

• Oversee mechanical and electrical aspects of projects, including HVAC, electrical infrastructure, lighting, fire systems, BMS, data networks and energy-efficient technologies.

• Coordinate design development to ensure systems are compliant, maintainable and aligned with sustainability objectives.

• Manage commissioning, testing, validation and handover processes, ensuring full operational and maintenance documentation is provided.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure building services support operational requirements and long-term asset management strategies.

Property Acquisition & Technical Due Diligence

• Support the Estates & Development Director in identifying and evaluating new property opportunities.

• Undertake technical due diligence assessments, including reviews of building fabric, M&E systems, statutory compliance and asset condition.

• Prepare and review feasibility studies, test fits and building services assessments to support investment decisions.

• Liaise with consultants, agents and legal advisors to identify risks and support acquisition negotiations.

Procurement & Contract Management

• Lead the procurement of consultants, contractors and specialist suppliers in accordance with organisational and public-sector procurement requirements.

• Prepare tender documentation, evaluate submissions and make recommendations for appointment.

• Administer construction contracts (including JCT and NEC forms), manage variations and monitor contractor performance.

• Ensure projects are delivered to agreed quality, programme and budget requirements.

Stakeholder Management & Governance

• Act as a key liaison between Estates, academic departments, IT, facilities teams and external partners.

• Provide regular project reporting, including programme updates, budget management, risk registers and progress reporting.

• Ensure all projects align with strategic estate objectives, operational requirements and governance frameworks.

Compliance, Quality & Sustainability

• Ensure all works comply with relevant legislation, regulations and industry standards, including building regulations, electrical safety, gas safety, fire safety and environmental requirements.

• Champion sustainability initiatives, energy efficiency measures and low-carbon technologies across the project portfolio.

• Maintain comprehensive project records, including drawings, commissioning certificates, asset information and maintenance documentation.

About You

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience delivering capital projects, refurbishments and fit-outs with significant M&E elements.

• Strong technical knowledge of mechanical and electrical building services and statutory compliance requirements.

• Experience managing commissioning, testing and handover of building services systems.

• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and consultant reports.

• Demonstrable experience in procurement, contract administration and contractor management.

• Strong financial management, budgeting and programme planning skills.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and project leadership abilities.

Personal Attributes

Technically confident with a proactive and solution-focused approach.

Highly organised, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Collaborative and adaptable, with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels of an organisation.

Committed to delivering safe, high-quality and sustainable environments that enhance the experience of students, staff and visitors.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to shape and enhance a diverse estate that directly supports education, innovation and student success. You will work on a varied portfolio of impactful projects while contributing to long-term estate development and sustainability objectives.