At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse mechanical projects from start to finish, ensuring top-notch delivery and client satisfaction.
- Company: Established Blackburn-based contractor with a strong reputation in mechanical and building services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and exposure to varied projects.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a well-respected company with nearly 40 years of experience.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and work on exciting projects across multiple sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical contracting and project management; SMSTS qualified preferred.
The predicted salary is between 46350 - 56650 £ per year.
The Opportunity
Our client is a Blackburn-based mechanical and building services contractor whose project list takes in everything from live hospital plant works to aerospace facilities, school refurbishments to fire and police buildings. That is an unusually wide sector spread for a business of this size, and it means the workload genuinely varies from one project to the next rather than running the same type of scheme on repeat.
This is a permanent Mechanical Project Manager role, taking full ownership of mechanical project delivery from award through to completion and handover. The business operates both as a specialist M&E subcontractor and, on certain schemes, as principal contractor, which gives this role a broader scope and a more direct client relationship than a typical subcontract PM position.
You will be managing site teams and subcontractors, working closely with the commercial function, and representing the business directly with clients and consultants across a portfolio that spans private, public and specialist sectors.
About the Business
Our client has been delivering mechanical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and associated electrical works since the late 1980s, building a reputation across the North of England for technically capable, well-managed project delivery. Their service runs from design and installation through to completion, and on a number of schemes they have taken on full main contractor responsibility, including strip-out, builders works and overall site coordination.
Their sector range is genuinely unusual: healthcare, education, local authority, retail, leisure, nursing homes, religious buildings, emergency services and aerospace facilities all feature in their project history. Recent work has included live plant modification at a major regional hospital, carried out using hot-tapping techniques to maintain continuous service throughout, which reflects the level of technical competence the business is trusted to deliver.
Accreditations include Constructionline, Gas Safe, WaterSafe, CHAS and membership of several recognised building services and plumbing and heating engineering bodies. For a Project Manager who wants variety and a business willing to take on technically demanding, operationally sensitive work, this is a strong fit.
What You'll Be Doing
- Taking full ownership of mechanical project delivery from award through to completion and handover
- Managing directly employed operatives and subcontractors across one or more concurrent projects
- Acting as the primary point of contact for clients and consultants, including on schemes where the business holds main contractor responsibility
- Producing and managing project programmes, identifying risks early and coordinating solutions with the wider team
- Managing procurement of materials, plant and subcontract packages in line with programme and budget
- Overseeing works carried out within live, operational environments, including careful planning around continuity of service
- Ensuring installations are delivered to specification and in compliance with current regulations
- Managing commissioning, testing and handover, including O&M documentation and defect resolution
- Maintaining accurate records and managing variations in conjunction with the commercial team
What We're Looking For
- A solid mechanical contracting background, with experience managing projects from award through to completion at Project Manager level
- Comfortable managing projects within live or operationally sensitive environments
- Experience working in a main contractor capacity is advantageous, though not essential
- Strong on programme management, subcontractor coordination and client-facing communication
- SMSTS qualified (or equivalent)
- Relevant mechanical qualifications
- Full UK driving licence
What's on Offer
- £60,000 - £70,000 depending on experience
- Full company benefits package
- A genuinely varied project portfolio spanning healthcare, education, aerospace, emergency services and more
- Broader scope and direct client exposure on schemes where the business acts as main contractor
- A well-established business with a strong regional reputation built up over almost four decades
Mechanical Project Manager in Blackburn employer: All The Top Bananas
Our client is an exceptional employer located in Blackburn, offering a dynamic work environment where Mechanical Project Managers can thrive on a diverse range of projects across various sectors, including healthcare and aerospace. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the company provides comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a competitive benefits package that reflects their commitment to staff well-being. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and allows for direct client engagement, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Project Manager in Blackburn
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like All The Top Bananas.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like All The Top Bananas love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of All The Top Bananas and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Project Manager in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for All The Top Bananas and the Mechanical Project Manager role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at All The Top Bananas.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at All The Top Bananas.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with All The Top Bananas, making you a more appealing candidate.
