M&E Contracts Manager- Essex

Hill McGlynn Recruitment; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company benefits package

Job summary

Hill McGlynn Recruitment is assisting an established M&E contractor in Essex to appoint an experienced M&E Contracts Manager. The role oversees multiple mechanical and electrical contracts across commercial and industrial sectors, delivering projects safely, on time and within budget.

You will lead project teams, coordinate clients and subcontractors, manage programmes and costs, and drive continuous improvement within a supportive, career‑focused environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as M&E Contracts Manager or similar in an M&E contracting environment.
• Strong mechanical or electrical background with a good technical understanding.
• Proven experience delivering commercial or industrial M&E installation projects.
• Experience managing multiple M&E contracts or projects simultaneously.
• Strong commercial awareness including budgets, procurement, variations, valuations and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the successful management and delivery of multiple mechanical and electrical contracts from initial award through to completion and final handover.
• Oversee contract programmes, budgets, resources and project performance to ensure works are delivered on time and within budget.
• Manage and coordinate M&E Project Managers, Site Managers, supervisors, operatives and specialist subcontractors.
• Oversee mechanical and electrical installations, including HVAC, heating, ventilation, plumbing, pipework, electrical distribution, containment, lighting and associated building services.
• Ensure all M&E installations are delivered in accordance with contractual requirements, approved drawings, technical specifications and relevant industry regulations.
• Monitor contract performance, identifying potential programme delays, technical challenges and commercial risks, implementing effective solutions where necessary.

Skills

Contract management

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Drawings interpretation

Education

Engineering degree or Building Services qualification

City & Guilds / NVQ

HNC/HND

Job description

M&E Contracts Manager

Location: Essex
Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 per annum + Package
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About the Role

We are currently working with an established and growing Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) contractor seeking an experienced M&E Contracts Manager to join their team in Essex.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Contracts Manager with a strong background in mechanical and electrical building services to join a reputable contractor offering a supportive working environment, a varied portfolio of projects and opportunities for long-term career progression.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the management and delivery of multiple mechanical and electrical contracts across commercial and industrial environments, ensuring projects are completed safely, on programme, within budget and to a high standard.

You will work closely with clients, Project Managers, Site Managers, subcontractors and commercial teams, taking responsibility for contract performance, project delivery and maintaining strong client relationships.

Our client is looking for a proactive and commercially aware individual who can confidently manage multiple contracts, coordinate multidisciplinary teams and ensure both operational and commercial objectives are achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the successful management and delivery of multiple mechanical and electrical contracts from initial award through to completion and final handover.

• Oversee contract programmes, budgets, resources and project performance to ensure works are delivered on time and within budget.

• Manage and coordinate M&E Project Managers, Site Managers, supervisors, operatives and specialist subcontractors.

• Oversee mechanical and electrical installations, including HVAC, heating, ventilation, plumbing, pipework, electrical distribution, containment, lighting and associated building services.

• Ensure all M&E installations are delivered in accordance with contractual requirements, approved drawings, technical specifications and relevant industry regulations.

• Monitor contract performance, identifying potential programme delays, technical challenges and commercial risks, implementing effective solutions where necessary.

• Work closely with Quantity Surveyors and commercial teams to manage project costs, variations, valuations, procurement and financial performance.

• Review project budgets, cost reports and forecasts to ensure contracts remain commercially viable and profitable.

• Oversee procurement activities, including subcontractor appointments, material requirements, plant procurement and supplier negotiations.

• Attend and lead contract progress meetings with clients, consultants, main contractors and internal stakeholders.

• Maintain strong client relationships, ensuring effective communication and a professional approach throughout the contract lifecycle.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, company procedures and site-specific requirements.

• Oversee the implementation of Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS), ensuring safe working practices are maintained.

• Coordinate mechanical and electrical disciplines to ensure effective integration of building services installations.

• Maintain accurate contract documentation, including progress reports, financial updates, programmes and contractual correspondence.

• Oversee testing, inspection, commissioning, snagging and final handover requirements.

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, maximise profitability and support future business growth.

• Provide regular contract performance updates to senior management, highlighting progress, risks and upcoming requirements.

• Support the development of project teams, ensuring high standards of performance and delivery across all contracts.

Experience & Qualifications

• Previous experience working as an M&E Contracts Manager, Building Services Contracts Manager, M&E Project Manager or in a similar management position within an M&E contracting environment.

• Strong mechanical or electrical background with a good technical understanding of both disciplines.

• Proven experience delivering commercial or industrial M&E installation projects.

• Good technical knowledge of mechanical and electrical building services, including HVAC, heating, ventilation, plumbing, electrical distribution and associated systems.

• Demonstrable experience managing multiple M&E contracts or projects simultaneously.

• Experience overseeing contracts from initial award through to completion and final account.

• Strong commercial awareness, including experience managing budgets, procurement, variations, valuations and cost control.

• Good understanding of construction contracts, ideally including JCT and/or NEC forms of contract.

• Experience managing Project Managers, Site Managers, subcontractors and multidisciplinary teams.

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings, technical specifications and contractual documentation.

• Good understanding of relevant building regulations, industry standards and construction health and safety requirements.

• Strong negotiation, leadership, organisational and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with clients and project teams.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, make informed decisions and maintain contract deadlines.

• Relevant mechanical, electrical or building services qualifications, such as City & Guilds, NVQ, HNC/HND or a degree in Engineering or Building Services, desirable.

• SMSTS or SSSTS qualification advantageous.

• Full UK driving licence preferred.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary of £50,000 - £65,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

• Additional company benefits package.

• Full-time, permanent employment offering long-term stability.

• Opportunity to oversee a variety of commercial and industrial M&E contracts.

• Supportive and professional working environment with an experienced management team.

• Opportunities for ongoing training, professional development and career progression.

• Opportunity to take ownership of contracts and contribute directly to the commercial success of the business.

• Join an established contractor with a strong pipeline of upcoming projects.

• Potential progression into Senior Contracts Management or Commercial Management positions.

About the Company

Our client is an established M&E contractor providing mechanical and electrical installation services across a range of sectors.

The business has developed a strong reputation for delivering reliable, high-quality installations while maintaining a professional and collaborative approach to project delivery.

With a continued focus on growth and developing long-term client relationships, the company is looking to strengthen its contracts management team with an experienced M&E Contracts Manager.

Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their responsibilities, contribute ideas and develop their careers within a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

This is an attractive opportunity for an experienced M&E Contracts Manager looking to join a growing business where they can take responsibility for multiple projects, influence commercial performance and progress professionally.