Mechanical Manager

SMS Group | Ship Repair | Marine Interiors | Marine Engineering | SC SQEP; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

SMS Group in Southampton seeks a Mechanical Manager to lead mechanical maintenance, repair, fabrication, installation and modification projects across marine environments. You will drive safety, quality and performance with hands-on leadership across workshop, site and project teams.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will manage budgets, deliver quotations, plan labour, coordinate subcontractors and mentor engineers while supporting business growth and customer liaison in a fast-paced marine

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in marine/mechanical engineering sectors.
• Strong supervisory and budgeting capabilities.
• Ability to read technical drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise mechanical operations across multiple projects.
• Prepare accurate quotations, estimates and costings.
• Review technical specifications, drawings and scopes of work.
• Monitor project budgets, programmes and deliverables.
• Coordinate labour, materials, plant and subcontractors.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Estimating

Supervisory experience

Education

Mechanical engineering qualification or apprenticeship

Job description

Mechanical Manager

Location: Southampton, UK

Salary: £60,000

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Mechanical Manager to join our team in Southampton.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands‑on leader with strong mechanical, operational and commercial experience to take ownership of mechanical maintenance, repair, fabrication, installation and modification projects across marine and heavy engineering environments.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will lead and develop the mechanical team across workshop, site and project activities, ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently, on time and to the highest quality standards.

You will also play a key role in:

• Estimating and quotation preparation
• Operational planning and labour allocation
• Project coordination and delivery
• Client and subcontractor liaison
• Team leadership and workforce development
• Health, safety and quality compliance
• Supporting business growth and identifying new opportunities

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise mechanical operations across multiple projects
• Prepare accurate quotations, estimates and costings
• Review technical specifications, drawings and scopes of work
• Monitor project budgets, programmes and deliverables
• Coordinate labour, materials, plant and subcontractors
• Maintain strong client relationships and support business development
• Mentor and develop mechanical employees and supervisors
• Ensure all works comply with HSE, quality and company standards

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within marine, mechanical engineering, ship repair, civil engineering or maintenance industries
• Previous supervisory or management experience
• Strong estimating and commercial awareness
• Mechanical engineering qualification, apprenticeship or equivalent experience
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Marine or dockside mechanical systems experience
• Experience working within permit-controlled environments, confined spaces and hot works
• Client-facing project delivery experience