Mechanical Contracts Manager- Essex

Hill McGlynn Recruitment; Basildon; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company benefits package

Long-term career progression

Job summary

Hill McGlynn Recruitment is seeking an experienced Mechanical Contracts Manager to oversee multiple contracts in Essex. You will lead project teams, manage programmes, budgets and client relationships to deliver high-quality mechanical installations on time and within budget.

The role demands strong leadership, a solid technical background in HVAC and plumbing, and proficiency with contract forms (JCT/NEC). A driving licence and SSSTS/SMSTS are advantageous.

Qualifications

• Experience as Mechanical Contracts Manager or similar in M&E contracting.
• Strong commercial awareness including budgets, procurement and cost control.
• Good technical understanding of building services (HVAC, ventilation, plumbing).
• Proven ability to manage multiple contracts and project teams.
• Knowledge of JCT and NEC forms of contract.
• SMSTS/SSSTS qualification advantageous.
• Full UK driving licence preferred.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the management and delivery of multiple mechanical contracts from award through to handover.
• Oversee programmes, budgets, resources and project performance to ensure timely delivery.
• Coordinate Mechanical Project Managers, Site Managers, supervisors and subcontractors.
• Oversee mechanical installations, HVAC, piping and building services.
• Ensure installations meet drawings, specifications and regulations.
• Monitor contract performance, risks and commercial considerations.
• Attend and lead contract progress meetings with clients and stakeholders.
• Maintain strong client relationships and clear communications throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Ensure RAMS and health & safety compliance on site.

Skills

Negotiation

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Contract management

Commercial awareness

Education

City & Guilds / NVQ / HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services

SMSTS or SSSTS (advantageous)

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Location: Essex

Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 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 Mechanical Contracts Manager to join their team in Essex.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially aware Mechanical Contracts Manager looking 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 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 organised individual who can confidently manage multiple contracts, coordinate project teams and ensure both operational and commercial objectives are achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the management and successful delivery of multiple mechanical 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 Mechanical Project Managers, Site Managers, supervisors, operatives and specialist subcontractors.
• Oversee mechanical installation works, including HVAC, heating, ventilation, plumbing, pipework, plant rooms and associated building services.
• Ensure mechanical 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Liaise with electrical and other construction teams to ensure effective coordination of building services installations.
• Maintain accurate contract documentation, including progress reports, financial updates, programmes and contractual correspondence.
• Oversee mechanical testing, pressure testing, flushing, 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.

Experience & Qualifications

• Previous experience working as a Mechanical Contracts Manager, Mechanical Project Manager or in a similar management position within a mechanical or M&E contracting environment.
• Strong mechanical background with proven experience delivering commercial or industrial mechanical installation projects.
• Good technical understanding of mechanical building services, including HVAC, heating, ventilation, plumbing, pipework, plant rooms and associated systems.
• Proven experience managing multiple mechanical 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 drawings, technical specifications and contractual documentation.
• Good understanding of relevant building regulations, mechanical installation standards and construction industry 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 qualifications, such as City & Guilds, NVQ, HNC/HND or a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services, desirable.
• SMSTS or SSSTS qualification advantageous.
• Full UK driving licence preferred.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary of £55,000 - £60,000 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 mechanical 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 Mechanical 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 Mechanical Contracts Manager looking to join a growing business where they can take responsibility for multiple projects, influence commercial performance and progress professionally.