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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor project teams, ensuring high-quality delivery across multiple mechanical projects.
- Company: Respected mechanical building services contractor with a strong reputation for quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, performance bonus, and generous holiday package.
- Why this job: Join a growing company and play a key role in shaping its future success.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in building services, with strong leadership and commercial skills.
- Other info: Clear path to Director level as the company expands.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 105000 £ per year.
Mechanical Operations Manager - M&E Building Services Contractor based just West of Southampton. £90,000 to £105,000 reflective of experience, plus company car or car allowance, performance bonus and benefits package.
About the Company
An established and highly respected mechanical building services contractor with a strong reputation for delivering high quality projects across the commercial, healthcare, education, and public sector environments, with typical project values ranging from £100k up to £2m. The company promotes a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement, with a focus on consistent delivery, professional development, and maintaining strong relationships with clients and project partners.
The Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Mechanical Operations Manager to join a growing mechanical contracting business in a senior leadership position. As part of the management team, you will be responsible for the operational performance of the business, overseeing all project delivery, commercial control, team development, and client management. This role will suit an individual with a strong background in mechanical contracting who can lead multiple project teams, standardise processes, maintain commercial discipline, and ensure consistent delivery across multiple projects ranging from £100k to £1 million plus. You will work closely with the Managing Director on both day to day operations and longer term planning, playing a key role in strengthening the company’s structure and supporting continued growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Project Management team, ensuring consistent, high quality project delivery.
- Oversee day to day operations across all live mechanical projects.
- Maintain strong control of financial performance, forecasting, variations, procurement, and margins.
- Implement and improve operational processes, project reporting, handover procedures, and documentation standards.
- Support commercial reviews, planning, cashflow, and monthly board reporting.
- Attend key client meetings, support PMs with client relationships, and uphold a high standard of communication and professionalism.
- Ensure compliance with Health and Safety, quality standards, and company procedures.
- Plan resources across estimating, design, procurement, and project delivery.
- Conduct weekly operations meetings, monthly PM reviews, and support annual planning.
- Resolve commercial disputes, final accounts, and supply chain issues efficiently.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new PMs and technical staff.
Experience and Skills Required
- Strong background in mechanical building services or mechanical contracting.
- Experience managing Project Managers and technical delivery teams.
- A minimum of 15 years within the building services sector, with at least 5 years in a senior operational or project leadership role.
- Strong commercial understanding and project financial control.
- Excellent communication and client facing skills.
- Highly organised with strong planning and leadership ability.
- Experience delivering multiple projects between £100k and £1 million plus.
Remuneration Package – Mechanical Operations Manager
- Salary: £90,000 to £105,000 reflective of experience
- Car allowance or company vehicle
- Performance related bonus
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, increasing with service
- Pension
- Clear opportunity to progress into a Director level position as the company continues to grow
If you are an experienced Mechanical Operations Manager, Senior Contracts Manager, Head of Delivery, or Operations Director seeking a long term leadership role within a respected mechanical building services contractor, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please apply online today, or contact Rob at David Leslie Ltd for an informal and confidential discussion.
About David Leslie Ltd
David Leslie Ltd is a family-run construction recruitment consultancy with over 20 years’ experience connecting professionals and employers across the UK. Specialising in the Building, Fit-Out, and M&E Building Services sectors, our approach is built on trust, integrity, and long-term partnerships, ensuring both clients and candidates receive a service that is personal, transparent, and expertly delivered.
Operations Manager – Mechanical Building Services / M&E Contractor in Southampton employer: David Leslie Ltd
Contact Detail:
David Leslie Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager – Mechanical Building Services / M&E Contractor in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mechanical building services sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their projects, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed teams and delivered projects in the past. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a company that values teamwork and professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager – Mechanical Building Services / M&E Contractor in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in mechanical contracting and project management, focusing on relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've led and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading teams, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've mentored others and improved team performance in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at David Leslie Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mechanical building services and the specific projects the company has delivered. Familiarise yourself with their key clients and project values, as this will show that you're genuinely interested in their work and can speak their language.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led project teams in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing team members, as well as any processes you've implemented to improve project delivery. This is crucial for a role that involves overseeing multiple teams.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Since the role requires strong commercial understanding, be ready to discuss your experience with financial control, forecasting, and managing project margins. Bring along examples of how you've maintained financial discipline in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability in managing the company's financial performance.
✨Engage with Client Relationships
Prepare to talk about your experience in client management and how you've built strong relationships in the past. Think of specific instances where your communication skills made a difference, especially in resolving disputes or enhancing client satisfaction. This will show that you can uphold the company's high standards of professionalism.