Contracts Manager

Contracts Manager

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
J.F. & H. DOWDS LTD t/a DOWDS

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage MEP contracts, ensuring high-quality delivery and strong client relationships.
  • Company: Join Dowds, a leading engineering and construction company with a commitment to excellence.
  • Benefits: 41 days holiday, company vehicle, early finish Fridays, private medical, bonus, and pension.
  • Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth across multiple sites.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the engineering sector.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in MEP management and strong technical knowledge required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.

Dowds is a long established, multidisciplinary engineering and construction Building Services Engineering company headquartered in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1978, our expertise spans the full lifecycle of complex‑built environments from initial design and systems integration through to installation, commissioning, and handover. Across specific sectors: life science, commercial, education and healthcare. Operating at a gold standard for best managed company and investors in people, our vision is to set the standard for excellence, driving progress, responsibility, and lasting impact.

We are seeking an experienced MEP Contracts Manager to join our Facilities Management team in Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow and West Beith). Reporting to the Operations Manager, the role will manage the delivery of multiple small to medium MEP contracts, from pre‑construction through to handover. The focus is on safe, high‑quality, commercially controlled delivery and strong client relationships, with occasional UK and ROI travel as required.

A key aspect of the role is client relationship management. You will act as the primary point of contact and day‑to‑day representative for our service, maintaining strong, professional relationships through regular communication, scheduled meetings, and site walk‑throughs. Delivering a high‑quality, responsive service and ensuring client satisfaction is fundamental to the success of this role.

What you’ll be responsible for:

  • Managing MEP contracts, ensuring delivery in line with agreed programmes, scope, and performance targets.
  • Promoting and maintaining high standards of health, safety, and environmental compliance across all contracts including RAMS, site inductions, and toolbox talks.
  • Supporting preconstruction and estimating activities by reviewing drawings and specifications and providing technical input as required.
  • Liaising with internal teams and suppliers to ensure availability and quality of resources.
  • Maintaining effective communication with clients, consultants, and site teams.
  • Ensuring works meet contractual, regulatory, and company quality standards.
  • Overseeing testing, commissioning, and handover activities, ensuring all technical requirements are met and documented.
  • Monitoring contract costs and performance, identifying efficiencies and managing risk while maintaining quality and compliance.
  • Managing site teams in a professional and inclusive manner, supporting collaboration, performance, and issue resolution.

What we are looking for:

  • Proven experience as an MEP Contracts Manager, Project Manager, or similar role.
  • Recognised mechanical or electrical qualifications relevant to the role.
  • Strong technical knowledge of MEP building services systems.
  • Experience managing multiple projects concurrently.
  • Strong organisational, planning, and delegation skills.
  • Confident user of IT systems, including project, reporting, and documentation tools.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience delivering projects within healthcare, commercial, or industrial environments.
  • Experience working across multiple sites or regions.
  • Security clearance for certain sites (can be obtained if not already held).

Additional Information:

This role requires a reliable and flexible approach to support operational delivery across multiple sites. Occasional adjustments to working hours may be required to meet service and project demands.

Why Join Dowds:

  • 41 Days Holiday
  • Company Vehicle
  • Early Finish Fridays
  • Private Medical
  • Bonus
  • Pension
  • Plus, many more

Dowds is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Contracts Manager employer: J.F. & H. DOWDS LTD t/a DOWDS

At Dowds, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on delivering high-quality services, our team enjoys generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday, private medical insurance, and early finish Fridays, all while working in a dynamic environment across Edinburgh and beyond. Join us to be part of a company that values its people and fosters lasting relationships with clients and colleagues alike.

J.F. & H. DOWDS LTD t/a DOWDS

Contact Detail:

J.F. & H. DOWDS LTD t/a DOWDS Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and construction sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at Dowds or similar companies.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Dowds and their projects. Understand their values and how they operate. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills! As a Contracts Manager, you'll need to maintain strong client relationships. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.

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 Dowds and ready to take on the challenges of managing MEP contracts.

We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager

MEP Contracts Management
Client Relationship Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Technical Knowledge of MEP Systems
Project Management
Organisational Skills
Planning and Delegation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contracts Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing MEP contracts and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Dowds. Mention your experience in client relationship management and how you ensure high-quality delivery.

Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:Don’t forget to showcase your strong technical knowledge of MEP building services systems. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their expertise and understanding of the industry.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at J.F. & H. DOWDS LTD t/a DOWDS

Know Your MEP Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge of MEP building services systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed, focusing on how you ensured quality and compliance. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have practical experience.

Showcase Your Client Relationship Skills

Since client relationship management is key for this role, prepare examples of how you've maintained strong professional relationships in past positions. Think about times when you had to resolve issues or improve client satisfaction—these stories will highlight your interpersonal skills.

Demonstrate Organisational Prowess

With multiple projects to manage, it’s crucial to showcase your organisational and planning skills. Bring along a project plan or timeline from a previous role to illustrate how you keep everything on track. This will give them confidence in your ability to juggle responsibilities.

Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Prepare for scenario-based questions that might test your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges you could face in managing MEP contracts and how you would address them. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and readiness for the role.