Mechanical Site Manager

James Lewis Recruitment; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the UK is looking to hire a Mechanical Site Manager for a live data centre expansion in Gloucester. This freelance role involves overseeing mechanical installations during a critical four-week contract. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering and critical infrastructure projects, with leading supervisory skills and relevant qualifications like SMSTS. This position offers a competitive day rate, with responsibilities including project coordination and compliance oversight.

Qualifications

• Experience in critical infrastructure projects such as pharma, hospitals, or high-spec industrial/commercial.
• SMSTS or SSSTS with strong supervisory background.
• CSCS valid at supervisory/management level.

Responsibilities

• Oversee mechanical delivery on site during a data centre expansion.
• Coordinate direct and subcontract labour for installations.
• Ensure compliance with safety and programming requirements.

Skills

Critical infrastructure experience

Project coordination

Mechanical installation

Supervisory skills

Education

HNC, HND or Degree in Mechanical Engineering / Building Services

Job description

Mechanical Site Manager – Data Centre (Freelance)

Gloucester | £325‑£350 per day CIS | 4‑week contract | Start ASAP

Overview

You will join a live data centre expansion in Gloucester – a restructure and extension of an existing data hall on a 52‑week programme, with completion targeted mid‑January 2025. Working full‑time on site, you will collaborate with project managers, site managers and a quantity surveyor to drive the mechanical installation and commissioning over the final four‑week period.

Key Scope

• Creation of new white space and associated mechanical services
• Integration of new generators and associated cooling/ventilation requirements
• New LV/HV infrastructure interfaces with mechanical plant
• New chillers and associated groundworks/bases for external plant
• Internal steel frames and new rooms requiring mechanical services (ventilation, cooling, drainage)
• Works around new and modified building openings (louvres, penetrations, firestopping)
• Raised access floor and mezzanine areas requiring mechanical distribution and terminations

Mechanical SM Remit (What you’ll be doing)

• Take ownership of day‑to‑day mechanical delivery on site
• Coordinate direct and sub‑contract labour across pipework, ductwork and plant installation
• Oversee installation of chillers, pumps, valves, headers, pipework, ductwork, AHUs, FCUs/CRACs and associated supports
• Ensure works are sequenced, safe and aligned with programme and permit‑to‑work systems
• Support pressure testing, flushing, commissioning and witnessing of mechanical systems
• Maintain accurate records, site diaries, ITPs and compliance with company procedures
• Liaise with the wider project team (PMs, QS, electrical and civils leads) to keep mechanical works aligned with overall milestones

Qualifications

• Critical infrastructure background – e.g. pharma, hospitals, critical plant, high‑spec industrial/commercial
• HNC, HND or Degree in Mechanical Engineering / Building Services (or equivalent experience)
• SMSTS (or SSSTS with strong supervisory track record)
• Valid CSCS (supervisory/management level)
• F‑Gas or strong HVAC/plantroom experience (desirable)
• First Aid
• Full UK driving licence

Apply

If you’re an experienced Mechanical Site Manager looking for an immediate start, a strong day rate and a chance to add data centre experience to your CV, apply with your CV and availability.