Mechanical Project Manager - Freelance

O'Neill & Brennan; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ownership of major project recovery

Hands-on role

Immediate start

Job summary

O'Neill & Brennan is seeking an experienced Mechanical Project Manager to lead the recovery and completion of the mechanical services package on a residential development. The role is site-based, hands-on, and requires strong building services expertise to take over an existing project, resolve technical issues and drive delivery against a challenging programme.

You will assess existing installations, manage labour and subcontractors, coordinate procurement, prepare RAMS and safety plans, and

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Project Manager within the building services sector.
• Strong background in mechanical building services installation and project delivery.
• Experience managing residential developments or large-scale residential projects.
• Experience managing project recovery or taking over incomplete installations is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of testing, commissioning and handover procedures.

Responsibilities

• Undertake detailed site surveys and inspections of existing mechanical installations.
• Identify defective, incomplete and non-compliant works, developing detailed snagging and remedial schedules.
• Review installations against design drawings and regulations.
• Develop and implement a project recovery strategy and completion programme.
• Take day-to-day responsibility for delivery of all outstanding mechanical works.
• Coordinate Mechanical Supervisors, direct labour, agency labour and subcontractors.
• Maintain a strong site presence, overseeing installation quality and progress.
• Develop, monitor and update short-term and long-term programmes.
• Identify risks and implement recovery measures to meet deadlines.
• Work with Quantity Surveyor on costs, variations and forecasting.
• Audit plant, equipment and materials and manage procurement needs.
• Coordinate procurement and delivery of mechanical equipment.
• Prepare RAMS and ensure CDM compliance and safety procedures.
• Oversee QA, inspections, remedial works and handover documentation.
• Manage mechanical testing and commissioning strategy.
• Coordinate flushing, pressure testing, water treatment, balancing and testing.
• Produce O&M manuals and as-built drawings and certificates.
• Act as main contact for stakeholders with progress, cost and programme updates.

Skills

Project management

Mechanical systems

Residential projects

CDM RAMS

Procurement & commissioning

Education

HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical Engineering

SMSTS

CSCS Card

First Aid at Work

Job description

We are working with an established mechanical services contractor to appoint an experienced Mechanical Project Manager to take ownership of the recovery and completion of the mechanical services package on a residential development.

Following the insolvency of the original mechanical services contractor, our client has been appointed to take over the outstanding works, including the assessment of existing installations, identification of defective and incomplete works, remedial activities, testing, commissioning and final handover.

The successful candidate will take full responsibility for managing the remaining mechanical works, developing recovery programmes and coordinating labour, specialist subcontractors, procurement and commissioning activities through to completion.

This is a highly hands‑on, site-based role requiring a strong mechanical building services background, excellent project management skills and the ability to take control of an existing project, resolve technical issues and drive delivery against challenging programme deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake detailed site surveys and inspections of existing mechanical installations.
• Identify defective, incomplete and non-compliant works, developing detailed snagging and remedial work schedules.
• Review existing installations against design drawings, specifications and relevant regulations.
• Develop and implement a project recovery strategy and completion programme.
• Take day-to-day responsibility for the delivery of all outstanding mechanical works.
• Manage and coordinate Mechanical Supervisors, direct labour, agency labour and specialist subcontractors.
• Maintain a strong site presence, overseeing installation quality, productivity and progress.
• Develop, monitor and update short-term and long-term programmes.
• Identify programme risks and implement recovery measures to achieve completion deadlines.
• Work closely with the Quantity Surveyor to manage project costs, variations, dayworks and financial forecasting.
• Audit existing plant, equipment and materials on site and manage outstanding procurement requirements.
• Coordinate the procurement and delivery of mechanical equipment, including fan coil units, commissioning sets, heat meters, grilles, valves and controls.
• Prepare and maintain RAMS, ensuring compliance with CDM requirements and site health and safety procedures.
• Oversee quality assurance, inspections, remedial works and defect rectification.
• Develop and manage the mechanical testing and commissioning strategy.
• Coordinate flushing, pressure testing, water treatment, balancing and functional testing.
• Manage the production of O&M manuals, as-built drawings, commissioning certificates and handover documentation.
• Act as the main point of contact for project stakeholders, providing regular progress, cost and programme updates to senior management.

Experience

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Project Manager within the building services sector.
• Strong background in mechanical building services installation and project delivery.
• Previous experience managing residential developments or large-scale residential projects.
• Experience managing project recovery, remedial works or taking over incomplete installations would be highly advantageous.
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical systems, including HVAC, ventilation, heating, domestic water services and associated controls.
• Experience managing Mechanical Supervisors, site operatives and specialist subcontractors.
• Strong knowledge of testing, commissioning and mechanical services handover procedures.
• Experience developing and managing project programmes and recovery schedules.
• Commercially aware, with experience managing budgets, variations, dayworks and cost forecasting.
• Strong understanding of construction health and safety requirements, RAMS and CDM regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to take ownership of a challenging project and drive works through to successful completion.

Qualifications

Essential / Desirable:

• HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering.
• Relevant mechanical building services qualifications.
• SMSTS.
• CSCS Card.
• First Aid at Work.
• Experience with project programming software.
• Relevant commissioning and mechanical services experience.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and package.
• Opportunity to take ownership of a major mechanical project recovery.
• Responsibility for driving an existing residential development through to completion.
• Hands‑on involvement across installation, remedial works, commissioning and handover.
• Opportunity to join an established mechanical services contractor.
• Immediate start available.

O'Neill and Brennan values diversity and promotes equality, All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation