Mechanical Project Manager

David Leslie Ltd; Horsham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Car

Car Allowance

Holidays and Leave

Pension

Employee wellbeing benefits

Training & Development

Job summary

David Leslie Ltd, West Sussex-based M&E contractor, is seeking a Mechanical Project Manager to lead mechanical delivery on South East projects. The role blends office planning with regular site involvement, focusing on successful commissioning and handover.

You will oversee coordination of mechanical installations, manage budgets and programmes, and support a progressive career path within a supportive team. Strong tech knowledge and commercial acumen are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of HVAC, heating, plumbing, public health, gas and controls.
• Experience coordinating subcontractors, labour resources and programmes.
• Understanding of procurement, variations, costs and project commercial performance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee mechanical building services projects from planning to handover.
• Coordinate site teams, subcontractors and installation activities.
• Review drawings, specs and design information with consultants and designers.
• Monitor programmes, resources, installation quality and safety.
• Manage procurement, variations and commercial risks to protect profitability.
• Maintain project records and communicate changes clearly.
• Attend meetings with main contractors, clients and stakeholders.
• Support commissioning and handover activities.

Skills

HVAC Knowledge

Project Coordination

Site Management

Commercial Awareness

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Plumbing and Heating

Job description

Mechanical Project Manager | M&E Building Services | West Sussex | £60,000-£67,000 + Car or £6,000 Car Allowance + Benefits

Established Contractor | £250k-£2m Projects | Tier 1 Main Contractor Experience | Career Progression

An established M&E Building Services contractor is looking for a Mechanical Project Manager to join its project delivery team in West Sussex.

The business provides mechanical, electrical and public health services, supporting customers with the design, installation and ongoing performance of their building services systems. Its work spans commercial buildings, education, healthcare and residential environments.

Projects typically range from approximately £250,000 to £2 million, offering varied mechanical building services work across planning, installation, commissioning and handover.

You will join a friendly, professional business that values practical knowledge, clear communication and good workmanship. The company invests in its people through training, apprenticeships and continued professional development, providing opportunities to develop your skills and take on greater responsibility.

For a capable Mechanical Site Manager with strong technical knowledge, organisational ability and developing commercial awareness, this offers an opportunity to build on existing site experience while taking greater responsibility for project delivery.

The Opportunity

As Mechanical Project Manager, you will oversee multiple mechanical building services projects, working primarily with Tier 1 main contractors across the South East.

You will combine office-based planning and commercial responsibilities with regular site involvement, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the required standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing mechanical projects from initial planning and mobilisation through to commissioning and handover.
• Coordinating site teams, specialist subcontractors, labour resources and installation activities.
• Reviewing technical drawings, specifications and design information with consultants and designers.
• Monitoring project programmes, progress, resources, installation quality and health and safety.
• Managing procurement, variations and commercial risks to protect project profitability.
• Monitoring project expenditure, controlling costs and preparing monthly financial forecasts.
• Maintaining accurate project records and communicating technical or programme changes.
• Attending operational, progress and commercial meetings with main contractors, clients and project stakeholders.
• Supporting commissioning, completion documentation and final project handover.

You will work closely with experienced colleagues, maintaining a visible presence on site while managing the planning, coordination and commercial responsibilities associated with your projects.

Good organisation and commercial awareness will be essential. You should be comfortable balancing programme commitments, technical requirements and project costs while maintaining constructive working relationships.

About You

You will be an established Mechanical Project Manager or an experienced Mechanical Site Manager ready to progress into a Project Management position.

Previous experience working with Tier 1 main contractors is essential, together with a strong understanding of mechanical installations, programme coordination, site management and commercial responsibilities.

We are looking for:

• Proven experience managing or supervising mechanical installations within an M&E or Mechanical Building Services contractor.
• Previous experience working on projects for Tier 1 main contractors.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, heating, plumbing, public health, gas and associated controls.
• Experience coordinating subcontractors, labour resources and project programmes.
• A practical understanding of procurement, variations, costs and project commercial performance.
• Confidence interpreting mechanical drawings, specifications and installation requirements.
• An understanding of NEC and JCT construction contracts.
• NVQ Level 3 in Plumbing and Heating or a related mechanical discipline.
• SMSTS, SSSTS or equivalent construction health and safety knowledge.
• Competent IT skills, strong organisation and clear communication.
• A full UK driving licence.

For established Mechanical Project Managers, we would ideally like to see at least two years' experience in a comparable position.

Experienced Mechanical Site Managers will also be considered where they can demonstrate the technical knowledge, leadership ability and commercial understanding required to progress into Project Management.

You should enjoy working collaboratively, take a practical approach to resolving problems and communicate clearly when decisions or support are needed.

The successful applicant will be required to complete a DBS check.

What's on Offer?

• £60,000-£67,000 basic salary, reflective of experience and seniority.
• Company Car or £6,000 annual car allowance.
• 22 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service.
• Company pension.
• Employee assistance programme and Bupa cash plan.
• Training and continued professional development.
• Opportunity for experienced Mechanical Site Managers to progress into Project Management.
• A friendly, supportive working environment within an established M&E Building Services contractor.

Location and Working Arrangements

The position has a West Sussex office base, with regular travel to projects across the South East.

The role combines office-based planning and project management with regular site visits, maintaining close involvement in technical delivery, programme coordination and commercial performance.

Also suitable for: Mechanical Contracts Manager, Mechanical Site Manager seeking progression, Mechanical Building Services Project Manager or M&E Project Manager with a strong mechanical background