Technical Services Manager in Cowley

Are you fed up with being just a number in a corporate giant - following legacy processes with little room for change? Isn’t it time to use your years of experience to help shape M&E strategy, influence decisions, and have a real impact on future projects? This is a rare opportunity for a Technical Services Manager to join a fast-growing, design-led fit out specialist delivering projects across commercial office and life sciences / laboratory environments.

You will be the first Technical Services Manager to join the business, giving you genuine ownership and influence in developing and embedding M&E processes across the entire organisation. You’ll work alongside strong technical specialists in a business known for its collaborative culture, high standards, and ambitious growth plans.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of the technical (M&E) function from pre-construction through to project completion, acting as a key voice in pitches, design development, and delivery. This role offers exposure to high-value, technically complex projects across London, Oxford, and Cambridge, spanning both office fit out and life sciences environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Pre-Construction & Pitches

• Review and analyse M&E tender returns, providing clear recommendations and value engineering input.
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, CIBSE guidance, and quality standards.
• Review subcontractor drawings, specifications, schematics, lighting layouts, and calculations.
• Lead the technical narrative within pitch submissions and present solutions with confidence.
• Collate and summarise technical and cost information for inclusion in pitch documents.
• Challenge consultants and other disciplines to drive technical quality and best practice.
• Represent the technical function in design team meetings and client discussions.

• Collaborate closely with designers to ensure services design aligns with aesthetics, buildability, and client objectives.
• Provide in-depth analysis of M&E design proposals and construction methodologies.
• Proactively improve designs by proposing alternative technical solutions.
• Build strong relationships with consultants and external engineers.
• Support sustainability objectives, including BREEAM and SKA standards.

• Chair and attend subcontractor coordination meetings during early construction phases.
• Support Project Managers on site to ensure compliance with technical standards and specifications.
• Oversee commissioning and completion of technical standards checklists.
• Act as a senior technical point of contact for client-side technical teams.

• Act as a senior ambassador for the business’s values and technical standards.
• Mentor and coach junior technical team members.
• Drive consistency, best practice, and continuous improvement across the M&E function.
• Play a key role in shaping how technical services operate as the business continues to grow.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree-qualified in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical).
• Proven experience in commercial fit out (life sciences/labs highly desirable).
• Strong background in Design & Build and technical bid support.
• Confident communicator, comfortable engaging with clients and senior stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of Building Regulations, CIBSE, and sustainable building standards.
• CSCS card essential (SMSTS desirable).
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable operating at a senior level.

Why Apply?

• Be the first Technical Services Manager in the business.
• Genuine influence over M&E strategy, standards, and processes.
• Work on a diverse mix of office and life science fit out projects.
• Join a business with a great culture and strong technical specialists.
• Senior visibility and direct access to leadership.
• Salary up to £100,000 + bonus.

If you’re looking to step into a genuinely influential Technical Services Manager role, let’s have a confidential conversation.