Mechanical Contracts Manager in Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Mechanical Contracts Manager | M&E Building Services | Haywards Heath | £80,000–£90,000

Multiple Commercial Projects | Work Directly with the Managing Director | Genuine Autonomy

A growing M&E Building Services contractor is looking for an experienced Mechanical Contracts Manager to lead the delivery of multiple mechanical projects across London and the South East.

Working directly with the Managing Director, you will have the autonomy to make day-to-day project decisions and the opportunity to influence how the mechanical department operates and develops.

The company delivers mechanical and electrical installations across commercial fit-out and refurbishment, education, healthcare, hospitality and high-end residential developments.

Typical overall M&E contract values range from £50,000 to £500,000, with larger projects extending to approximately £1m and beyond.

Projects include heating and chilled water installations, mechanical ventilation, air conditioning, pipework, plantroom installations and associated building services.

The Opportunity

You will take responsibility for your projects from tender handover and pre-construction through to commissioning, practical completion and final account.

The position suits someone who enjoys remaining close to the technical detail while maintaining effective control of multiple programmes, site teams and project budgets.

Key responsibilities include:

• Planning programmes, labour, procurement and materials across multiple mechanical projects, considering lead times and wider construction programmes.
• Reviewing mechanical designs, drawings and specifications with consultants and project teams, resolving technical and installation issues.
• Managing site teams and specialist subcontractors, monitoring progress, installation quality and health and safety.
• Monitoring project budgets and profitability, including committed costs, variations, valuations, cost reporting and final accounts.
• Leading project meetings and maintaining effective communication with main contractors, consultants, clients and suppliers.
• Overseeing testing, commissioning, certification and handover, ensuring installations meet contractual requirements.
• Supporting tender reviews and procurement decisions, working closely with the Managing Director to improve project planning, reporting and delivery procedures.

You will have considerable autonomy across your projects while contributing to improvements within the wider mechanical department, including project handovers, commercial reporting and the early identification of potential risks.

About You

• You will be an established Mechanical Contracts Manager or an experienced Senior Mechanical Project Manager ready to take responsibility for a broader portfolio.
• You should have a background within a Mechanical or M&E Building Services contractor and a thorough understanding of how commercial mechanical installations are delivered.

We are looking for:

• Proven experience managing multiple mechanical building services projects simultaneously.
• Strong technical knowledge of commercial mechanical installations, including HVAC, heating, chilled water, pipework, ventilation and plantroom systems.
• Experience coordinating mechanical design, procurement, installation and commissioning.
• Strong commercial awareness, including cost control, variations, subcontractor management and project profitability.
• Experience working directly with main contractors, consultants, specialist subcontractors and suppliers.
• The confidence to lead site teams, manage competing priorities and take responsibility for project outcomes.
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.

Relevant mechanical building services qualifications and appropriate health and safety training would be advantageous.

A background progressing through mechanical engineering, site management or project delivery would provide an excellent foundation for this position.

What's on Offer?

• £80,000–£90,000 salary, reflective of experience and seniority.
• Benefits Package
• Direct working relationship with the Managing Director.
• Considerable autonomy and responsibility across multiple projects.
• Opportunity to influence project delivery standards and contribute to the development of the mechanical department.
• Long-term career development within a growing M&E Building Services contractor.

Location and Working Arrangements:

The position involves attendance at the company's South Coast office as required, together with regular travel to mechanical building services projects throughout London and the South East.

Interested?

If you are an experienced Mechanical Contracts Manager seeking greater autonomy, or a Senior Mechanical Project Manager ready to take on wider responsibilities, we would welcome your application.

Please apply with your latest CV or contact Rob Green at David Leslie Ltd for a confidential discussion.

Also suitable for: Senior Mechanical Project Manager, M&E Contracts Manager or Senior M&E Project Manager with a strong mechanical background.