Mechanical Site Manager

James Lewis Recruitment; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Mechanical Site Manager for a £3m CAT B lab conversion project in Cambridge. The role is full-time, site-based, overseeing day-to-day operations on a phased programme. Candidates must have SSSTS certification and M&E site experience, with a focus on delivering high-quality, safe environments. This position involves coordinating trades and managing project logistics within a semi-occupied building.

Qualifications

• Must hold SSSTS certification.
• Experience in M&E site management, especially in occupied environments.
• First Aid certification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day site operations, driving safety, quality and programme.
• Coordinate M&E trades and specialist lab contractors.
• Monitor install quality and manage snag/defect close-out.
• Interface with building management to minimise disruption.

Skills

M&E site experience

Confident with Microsoft Office

SSSTS

First Aid

Job description

Mechanical Site Manager — CAT B Lab Conversion (Semi-Occupied, Phased)

Project: £3m CAT B lab conversion (office → laboratory)
Role Type: Site-based, full time (M-F, 07:30-16:30)
Team Setup: You as the on-site lead, with a Project Manager visiting 2-3 days/week and an Operations Manager visiting at least once per week.
Duration: 18-month phased programme (each work area unoccupied during its phase)

The Project

Delivery of a high-spec CAT B laboratory conversion within a semi-occupied building. Scope includes new and modified plant room, VRF AC, ductwork, fan coil units, domestic plumbing, toilets, kitchens, clean rooms, and specialist lab equipment—covering HVAC and plumbing packages end-to-end.

What you'll be doing

• Lead day-to-day site operations, driving safety, quality and programme on a live environment project.
• Coordinate M&E trades and specialist lab contractors; sequence phased works to protect building users.
• Chair daily briefings and weekly progress meetings; maintain look-ahead plans with PM and Ops.
• Set, brief and enforce RAMS, permits to work, isolations/LOTO, and site logistics.
• Monitor install quality, sign-off inspections/ITPs, and manage snag/defect close-out.
• Keep crisp records: diaries, progress photos, red-lines, material call-offs and short-interval plans.
• Interface with building management and stakeholders to minimise disruption in semi-occupied areas.
• Support testing, commissioning, demonstrations and handover documentation.

You'll need

• SSSTS — essential
• M&E site experience — preferred (office D&B/lab/fit-out experience advantageous)
• First Aid — desirable
• Confident with Microsoft Office (Outlook/Excel/Word) and basic digital site tools
• A track record running M&E sites in occupied or semi-occupied environments

Hours & Logistics

• 07:30-16:30, Monday-Friday (site-based)
• Phased delivery over 18 months; work areas unoccupied during each phase

If you're a hands-on M&E Site Manager who can run a tight, safe programme in a live environment and deliver lab-grade quality, we'd like to hear from you