Mechanical Contracts Manager in Oxford

The Client

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established building services contractor delivering high-quality mechanical, electrical and public health engineering projects across a range of commercial, industrial and public sector environments. The business provides a full design, installation and project management service, covering design, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance, with a strong focus on technically led building services and renewable energy solutions. Projects can range from around £1.5m upwards, with larger schemes reaching circa £5m to £6m, covering sectors such as healthcare, commercial, education, industrial and wider public sector buildings. This is a company that genuinely cares about the quality of work it delivers.

Why This Role Exists

This role exists because of growth, new project wins and the need to strengthen the senior mechanical delivery team. The business has a strong pipeline of work and is now looking for an experienced Mechanical Contracts Manager who can take ownership of mechanical projects from estimate handover through to completion and final account. This is not a role for someone who wants to sit behind a desk and simply pass messages between site, client and office. It needs someone who understands mechanical services properly, can lead from the front, manage labour and subcontractors, deal with clients, control costs and make sure projects are delivered safely, profitably and to the right standard.

Overview

You will be responsible for managing mechanical services installation projects from handover of estimate through to completion and agreement of final accounts. The role will involve managing projects across commercial, industrial and public sector buildings, with a focus on quality, programme, cost control, health and safety, client management and technical delivery.

• Taking mechanical projects from estimating handover through to completion
• Managing project delivery, programme, quality and commercial performance
• Procuring plant, materials and subcontractor packages
• Managing labour requirements and controlling associated costs
• Carrying out regular site visits to monitor progress and standards
• Preparing and managing applications for payment
• Costing and managing variations
• Forecasting spend and keeping projects within budget
• Preparing work in progress reports for senior management
• Managing health and safety requirements, including RAMS
• Liaising with clients, consultants, architects, builders, surveyors and internal teams
• Attending project, client and technical meetings
• Supporting tender submissions where required
• Managing certification, commissioning information and O&M manuals
• Building and maintaining strong client and supply chain relationships

This is a proper mechanical delivery role. You will need to be technically credible, commercially aware and comfortable taking responsibility for live projects.

The Person

The company is looking for someone with a strong mechanical building services background and proven experience managing mechanical installation projects. You are likely to suit this role if you:

• Have experience managing mechanical services projects within building services
• Have worked across commercial, industrial, healthcare, education or public sector projects
• Understand HVAC and wider mechanical building services systems
• Have experience managing mechanical packages from around £1.5m upwards
• Are commercially aware and comfortable managing cost, programme, variations and final accounts
• Can manage labour, subcontractors, suppliers and site teams effectively
• Are confident dealing with clients, consultants and internal project/design teams
• Have strong communication and organisational skills
• Are practical, methodical and able to solve problems properly
• Can work independently without needing to be micromanaged
• Hold a current CSCS Gold or Black management card
• Hold SMSTS
• CAD experience would be useful, but it is not essential.

The Package

The salary is up to £75,000, depending on experience. The wider package includes:

• Car allowance
• 25 days holiday
• Senior role within a growing building services contractor
• Good-quality mechanical projects
• Direct access to senior decision-makers
• Genuine autonomy and influence
• A stable business with a strong pipeline of work
• The opportunity to join a company that cares about quality, not just turnover

Why It Might Be Worth a Conversation

If you are already working as a Mechanical Contracts Manager or Senior Mechanical Project Manager, you may not be actively looking. That is completely fine. This is the kind of opportunity that could be worth a confidential conversation if you feel your current role has become too restrictive, too corporate, too reactive or simply no longer offers the progression you want. The business is looking for someone who can take ownership, add value and help deliver mechanical projects properly. For the right person, this could offer a strong long-term move with more visibility, more responsibility and more influence.

How To Apply

If this sounds like the sort of opportunity you would be open to discussing, please apply or get in touch for a confidential conversation. You do not need to have an up-to-date CV to make an initial enquiry. If the role is potentially of interest, we can have an informal conversation first and take it from there.