At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse mechanical small works projects from pricing to completion.
- Company: Specialist building services contractor with a strong reputation for quality.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £45,000, direct exposure to leadership, and genuine progression opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop pricing and commercial management skills while supporting an apprentice.
- Why this job: Take ownership, build client relationships, and grow your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Mechanical building services background and experience managing small works projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Company
This is a specialist building services contractor delivering mechanical projects across commercial environments, including offices, retail, live buildings, refurbishments, HVAC upgrades, plant replacement and decarbonisation-led works. The business is established, technically led and growing, with a strong reputation for quality delivery and client relationships. They are not a huge national contractor with layers of management. This is a business where you will have direct exposure to senior leadership, real responsibility and the chance to make a visible impact. The company has offices across the South West and South Wales, with this role being based from Bristol.
Why this role exists
The business is looking to strengthen its small works function. At the moment, smaller mechanical projects sit within a developing department, with works ranging from minor AC upgrades through to refurbishments and mechanical packages up to around £250k. Larger projects, typically from £250k to £3m, sit separately within the main projects team. They now want someone who can take ownership of the small works side, manage delivery properly, build client relationships and help develop the department commercially. This could become a proper Small Works Manager role over time. For the right person, there is a genuine opportunity to come in, take responsibility and help shape the function as it grows.
The Role
You will sit under the Service Director and manage a varied workload of mechanical small works projects, with responsibility for up to around £2m of work per year. Projects could include anything from a £15k air conditioning job, through to a £110k office refurbishment, or a £250k mechanical package. The work will be varied, fast-moving and client-facing. You will be involved across the full process, including pricing, planning, procurement, cost management, health and safety, labour coordination, client communication and quality delivery. This is not just a project monitoring role. You will be expected to understand the work, manage the detail, deal with clients, help price jobs and support future work-winning.
What you'll be doing
- Managing multiple mechanical small works projects at one time.
- Taking responsibility for projects from pricing through to completion.
- Managing labour, subcontractors, materials and programme.
- Keeping control of costs, quality and health and safety.
- Visiting sites and ensuring works are progressing properly.
- Building strong relationships with clients.
- Identifying opportunities for additional work.
- Working closely with the Service Director and senior team.
- Supporting an apprentice within the department.
- Working with part-time service administration support.
The Person
This could suit someone already working as a Small Works Manager, Mechanical Project Manager, Contracts Supervisor or Junior Contracts Manager. It could also suit someone from a strong mechanical background who is ready to step up, provided they have the right attitude, commercial awareness and willingness to learn. You will need:
- A mechanical building services background.
- Experience across HVAC, air conditioning, plant rooms, pipework, heating, ventilation or wider mechanical works.
- Experience managing or coordinating small works, live-site projects, refurbishments or commercial mechanical packages.
- Confidence dealing with clients, engineers, subcontractors and internal teams.
- Good organisation and the ability to manage several jobs at once.
- A practical understanding of cost, labour, materials, programme and quality.
- The ambition to develop commercially, including pricing and helping win work.
You do not need to be the finished article, but you do need to be self-sufficient, proactive and willing to take responsibility.
The Package
Salary: £45,000 starting salary, progressing depending on experience. Bristol-based role. Direct exposure to senior leadership. Genuine progression into a Small Works Manager function. Varied mechanical projects across commercial environments. Opportunity to develop pricing, commercial management and work-winning experience. Support from an apprentice and part-time service administrator.
What do you do now?
This is a good opportunity for someone who wants more ownership, more commercial exposure and the chance to grow with a business rather than simply inherit a fixed role. If you are looking for a mechanical small works role where you can take responsibility, build client relationships and develop into a broader management position, click apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.
Small Works Manager in Bristol employer: Nimble Recruitment
This company is an excellent employer for those seeking a dynamic role in mechanical small works management, particularly in the vibrant city of Bristol. With a strong focus on employee growth and direct access to senior leadership, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of projects, build client relationships, and shape the future of the department. The supportive work culture encourages professional development and offers a varied workload that keeps every day engaging and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Works Manager in Bristol
✨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 Nimble 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 Small Works Manager at Nimble Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Works Manager in Bristol
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 Nimble 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!
