M&E Project Manager

Project Manager – Estates & Development

Location: London
Salary: £50,000 – £70,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent

Shape the Future of Our Estate

We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to join our Estates & Development team and play a key role in delivering an exciting programme of capital investment across a diverse higher education estate.

Reporting to the Estates & Development Director, you will lead a varied portfolio of projects including refurbishments, fit-outs, specialist teaching spaces, property acquisitions and estate improvements. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically capable project professional with strong construction and mechanical & electrical (M&E) expertise to make a lasting impact within a dynamic educational environment.

The Role

As Project Manager, you will be responsible for delivering projects from initial feasibility through to completion and handover, ensuring they are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

Working closely with internal stakeholders and external consultants, you will oversee every stage of the project lifecycle, providing technical leadership and ensuring compliance with statutory and organisational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Capital Projects & M&E Delivery

• Lead the successful delivery of refurbishment, fit-out and capital projects across the estate.
• Manage mechanical and electrical (M&E) elements including HVAC, electrical systems, lighting, fire alarms, BMS, ICT infrastructure and energy-efficient technologies.
• Coordinate design development and ensure building services are compliant, maintainable and future-proof.
• Oversee commissioning, testing, validation and handover, ensuring all documentation and operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals are complete.
• Work collaboratively with operational teams to deliver resilient, sustainable building services.

Property Acquisition & Technical Due Diligence

• Support the Estates & Development Director in identifying and assessing new property opportunities.
• Carry out technical due diligence, reviewing building services, statutory compliance and lifecycle requirements.
• Prepare feasibility studies, test fits and technical assessments to inform investment decisions.
• Liaise with consultants, agents and legal advisors throughout acquisition processes.

Procurement & Contract Management

• Lead the procurement of consultants, contractors and specialist suppliers in line with relevant procurement requirements.
• Prepare tender documentation and evaluate technical submissions.
• Administer contracts, manage project costs and variations, and monitor contractor performance.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with academic departments, IT, Facilities Management and external partners.
• Provide regular project reporting, including programme updates, budgets, risks and project performance.
• Ensure projects align with strategic objectives and operational requirements.

Compliance & Sustainability

• Ensure projects comply with all relevant legislation, building regulations and health and safety standards.
• Champion sustainable construction practices, energy efficiency and low-carbon solutions.
• Maintain accurate project records, drawings, commissioning documentation and asset information.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical knowledge with excellent project management skills and a collaborative approach.

Essential

• Proven experience delivering capital projects, refurbishments and fit-outs with significant M&E involvement.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical building services.
• Experience managing commissioning, testing and project handover.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and engineering reports.
• Experience in procurement, contract administration and contractor management.
• Strong financial, programme and risk management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Desirable

• Experience within higher education, public sector or other complex multi-site estates.
• Professional qualification or membership (such as APM, CIOB, CIBSE, IET, IMechE or RICS), or working towards one.
• Knowledge of sustainability, energy efficiency and Net Zero strategies.