Mechanical Project/Contract Manager

Location: Central London

Contract: Initial 6-month contract, with potential for extension

Rate: 300-400 per day, Outside IR35

Working pattern: Office-based, 5 days per week

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Building Services Project / Contracts Manager to join a fast-paced building services environment in Central London. This is a hands-on project and contracts management position, suited to someone with strong mechanical building services experience, particularly across commercial office refurbishments and fit-out projects. The successful candidate will be comfortable managing projects from mobilisation through to completion, coordinating contractors and subcontractors, managing programmes, costs and quality, and maintaining strong relationships with clients and project stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage mechanical building services projects from pre-construction/mobilisation through to completion.
• Take responsibility for project delivery, commercial performance, programme and quality.
• Manage mechanical subcontractors, specialist contractors and suppliers.
• Coordinate closely with clients, consultants, main contractors and other project stakeholders.
• Review and manage programmes, ensuring key milestones are achieved.
• Monitor project costs, variations, valuations and commercial performance.
• Review drawings, specifications and technical information to ensure works are delivered correctly.
• Coordinate mechanical services with electrical, architectural and other building services disciplines.
• Attend project meetings and provide clear updates on progress, risks and commercial matters.
• Identify and resolve technical, programme and delivery issues quickly.
• Manage procurement, materials, labour and subcontractor performance.
• Ensure works are delivered in accordance with relevant standards, specifications and project requirements.
• Support commissioning, testing, handover and close-out.
• Maintain strong client relationships and ensure a high standard of customer service.
• Provide leadership and direction to project teams and subcontractors.

Experience Required

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Project Manager, Mechanical Contracts Manager, Building Services Project Manager or similar.
• Strong background in mechanical building services.
• Demonstrable experience delivering commercial office refurbishment / fit-out projects.
• Experience working in fast-paced environments where programmes and deadlines are critical.
• Strong subcontractor and supply-chain management experience.
• Good commercial awareness, including variations, valuations, costs and project performance.
• Ability to read and understand mechanical services drawings, specifications and programmes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable dealing directly with clients, consultants and senior project stakeholders.
• Able to work independently and take ownership of projects and decisions.

Ideally, You Will Have

• Experience across CAT A / CAT B office refurbishments and commercial fit-outs.
• Experience managing projects in Central London or similar high-pressure commercial environments.
• A track record of delivering projects successfully rather than simply remaining on a single long-term site assignment.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, public health and associated mechanical building services.
• Experience managing multiple contractors and workstreams simultaneously.
• A proactive, commercially minded and solutions-focused approach.

The Person

We are looking for someone who is:

• Fast-paced and decisive - able to react quickly and keep projects moving.
• Commercially aware - understands the financial impact of decisions and changes.
• Client-focused - confident representing the business with clients and consultants.
• Organised - able to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Hands-on - willing to get involved and resolve issues rather than simply delegate.
• Experienced - has a genuine track record of managing mechanical projects and contracts.
• Adaptable - comfortable working across multiple projects and changing priorities.

Important

This role is particularly suited to someone with strong office refurbishment / commercial fit-out experience who has progressed into genuine project and contracts management. It is not aimed at candidates whose experience has primarily involved sitting on one site for several years with limited project or contracts management responsibility.