At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical projects and manage client relationships while driving operational excellence.
- Company: Ambitious mechanical engineering contractor with a clear path to leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, bonus, pension, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a growing team with a genuine succession plan for your career.
- Why this job: Step into a Director role in 18 months and shape the future of the business.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in mechanical services and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Nottingham with UK travel
Salary: £60-£75k + Company Vehicle/Car Allowance + Bonus + Pension
F&E Recruitment is working with an ambitious and growing mechanical engineering contractor to recruit an experienced Contracts Manager / Director Designate. This is a rare opportunity offering a defined 18-month pathway to Director, making it ideal for an ambitious Contracts Manager, Senior Project Manager or Operations Manager looking to step into a board-level leadership role.
The Role
You'll lead the successful delivery of multiple commercial, industrial and healthcare mechanical projects while taking ownership of commercial performance, operational delivery and client relationships. As you develop in the role, you'll progress into full business leadership with responsibility for operational performance and strategic growth.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing multiple mechanical contracts valued between £250k–£5m+
- Leading Project Engineers, Site Managers, Supervisors and subcontractors
- Overseeing project delivery from award through to completion
- Managing commercial performance including CVRs, forecasting, variations and final accounts
- Building and maintaining key client relationships
- Driving operational excellence, mentoring teams and supporting business growth
About You
We're looking for a technically strong and commercially focused mechanical leader with:
- HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services (or equivalent experience)
- 8+ years' experience in mechanical building services or commercial mechanical contracting
- Previous experience as a Contracts Manager, Senior Project Manager or Operations Manager
- Strong knowledge of plant rooms, HVAC, heating systems, pipework and mechanical services
- Excellent commercial, leadership and client management skills
Healthcare, energy centre, renewable or steam system experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
Why Apply?
This is far more than a Contracts Manager position. It's an opportunity to join a successful and growing engineering business with a genuine succession plan, giving you the chance to shape the future of the organisation while progressing into a Director role within approximately 18 months. If you're looking for greater responsibility, influence and a clear route into senior leadership, we'd love to hear from you.
To apply or find out more, contact F&E Recruitment today for a confidential conversation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager / Director Designate in Nottingham
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like F & E Recruitment, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Contracts Manager / Director Designate at F & E Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager / Director Designate in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at F & E Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
