Head of Projects

Emtec Climate Solutions; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A HVAC specialists firm in the UK is seeking a Head of Projects to oversee HVAC project operations from handover to final account. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership capabilities, manage a team, and ensure project delivery is on time and within budget. Additionally, the role offers autonomy in a growing business with a focus on operational excellence and client satisfaction.

Benefits

Company bonus

25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Health & wellbeing programme

Qualifications

• Proven track record of on-time and margin-positive project delivery.
• Experience managing bids, proposals, and client negotiations.
• Demonstrable experience in leading, developing, and managing a team.

Responsibilities

• Own the full project lifecycle across multiple HVAC installations.
• Drive performance against program, margin, and quality targets.
• Act as the key contact and escalation point for clients during project delivery.

Skills

Proven leadership of high-value HVAC or mechanical projects

Strong background in M&E, FM, construction, or technical project environments

Strong financial acumen and commercial awareness

Advanced understanding of HVAC systems

Education

Minimum HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services

Project management qualification (e.g. APM, PRINCE2)

Job description

Overview

As Head of Projects, you’ll take full ownership of all HVAC project operations, from handover to final account. This senior role combines strategic oversight and hands-on leadership. You’ll shape the direction of the projects division, lead your team of Project Managers, Coordinators and site-based personnel, ensuring every job runs on time, on budget, and to a standard we’re proud to put our name on.

This is a senior role that requires strong operational, commercial and financial acumen. In return, you will have autonomy, influence and the chance to lead a core function within a growing business.

Your Responsibilities

• Project delivery and operations: Own the full project lifecycle across multiple HVAC installations
• Drive performance against program, margin, and quality targets
• Implement structured project governance: pre-start checklists, risk registers, cost forecasts
• Lead weekly project reviews and reporting across timelines, costs, and risks
• Oversee all documentation, RAMS, commissioning records, O&M files and close-out materials

Team leadership

• Lead and manage a team of Project Managers, Coordinators and site teams
• Set clear KPIs and hold your team to account
• Proactively manage performance and skill development within the team

Commercial and financial control

• Take full P&L ownership of the project portfolio
• Monitor project costs, procurement, and variation management
• Collaborate with Finance on forecasting, reporting, and cash flow
• Ensure robust purchase order and budget control processes are followed

Client and stakeholder management

• Act as the key contact and escalation point for clients during project delivery
• Maintain high service levels and communication throughout the project
• Ensure engineers and subcontractors are fully briefed and resourced, before deployment

Systems and continuous improvement

• Ensure full project visibility using JobLogic and digital dashboards
• Provide weekly updates to senior leadership on project performance, risks and corrective actions
• Identify and fix root causes of delays, failures or margin erosion

Essential Experience

What we’re looking for:

• Proven leadership of high-value HVAC or mechanical projects
• A track record of on-time and margin-positive project delivery
• Multi-project portfolio management with P&L accountability
• Strong background in M&E, FM, construction, or technical project environments
• Experience managing bids, proposals, and client negotiations
• Demonstrable experience in leading, developing and managing a team
• Managing budgets, risk and JCT/NEC

Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced understanding of HVAC systems, drawings, commissioning, and compliance
• Strong financial acumen and commercial awareness
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, project tracking tools, spreadsheets, and cloud-based systems

Personal attributes

• Highly organised and results focused
• Able to influence and build strong internal and external relationships
• Calm under pressure with a proactive, problem-solving mindset
• Passionate about driving improvement and building something better
• Exceptional communicator with clients, stakeholders, and technical teams

Qualifications (preferred but not essential)

• Minimum HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services
• Project management qualification (e.g. APM, PRINCE2)
• Memberships such as CIBSE, BESA, or similar

What We Offer

• Company bonus
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Long term career progression and development opportunities
• A culture built on collaboration, ownership, and doing the right thing

About Emtec Climate Solutions

We’re not just another HVAC contractor – we’re specialists in high-performance heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems across commercial and industrial sectors. Based in Warrington, we’re scaling fast with a bold growth plan: £4M to £10M turnover in three years and a sharp focus on improving EBITDA through operational excellence.