Contracts Manager – Mechanical / M&E Projects
Role Purpose
We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead the commercial, technical and operational delivery of multiple mechanical and M&E projects within regulated environments such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing and high-tech industrial facilities. The role carries full accountability for contract performance from pre-construction through installation, commissioning and final handover.
Key Responsibilities
Contract & Commercial Management
* Take full ownership of the commercial performance of assigned contracts, including forecasting, cost control, margins and cash flow.
* Manage variations, change orders, contract obligations and commercial risk.
* Work closely with commercial teams on valuations, progress claims, reporting and final accounts.
* Ensure contractual requirements, scope boundaries and deliverables are fully met.
Project & Programme Delivery
* Lead the successful delivery of multiple concurrent mechanical/M&E projects.
* Oversee project planning, sequencing and coordination across engineering, procurement, fabrication, installation and commissioning.
* Maintain programme integrity, identify risks to schedule and drive corrective actions where needed.
* Ensure all works are executed safely, efficiently and to the required standard.
Technical & Engineering Oversight
* Provide direction on mechanical and process engineering matters, ensuring technical issues are resolved promptly.
* Review installation methodologies, drawings, design intent and technical submissions.
* Oversee mechanical systems delivery including HVAC, process pipework, clean utilities and cleanroom services.
* Support commissioning teams with FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ readiness and system turnover activities.
Quality, Compliance & Documentation
* Ensure works comply with specifications, client standards, regulatory requirements and internal quality systems.
* Oversee the preparation and management of turnover documentation, red-line drawings, deviations and NCRs.
* Maintain strong governance across document control, QA records and close-out packs.
* Drive a culture of high compliance and technical accuracy across all teams.
Client & Stakeholder Leadership
* Act as the senior point of contact for clients across all contract matters.
* Lead progress meetings, commercial reviews and coordination sessions.
* Build strong, collaborative working relationships with client engineering, operations and construction teams.
* Set clear expectations and communicate project status, risks and required actions effectively.
Team & Supply Chain Management
* Provide leadership to Project Managers, Engineers, Supervisors and site personnel across multiple projects.
* Oversee subcontractor selection, negotiation, performance management and compliance.
* Support, mentor and develop junior team members to strengthen long-term capability.
* Promote a positive and accountable team culture aligned with project demands.
Health, Safety & Risk Governance
* Ensure all project activities adhere to safety legislation, company policies and safe systems of work.
* Lead on risk identification and mitigation across commercial, technical and operational areas.
* Promote and uphold a strong safety culture across all sites and teams.
Essential
* Strong contractor-side background delivering mechanical, process or M&E projects.
* Proven experience managing multiple contracts within regulated environments.
* Excellent commercial acumen with solid understanding of forecasting, variations and contractual risk.
* Strong technical understanding of mechanical systems including pipework, HVAC, utilities and cleanroom services.
* Confident, senior-level client-facing communication style.
* Experience supporting commissioning, turnover and QA processes.
* Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage subcontractors.
Desirable
* Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services or Construction Management.
* Experience within life sciences, semiconductor or high-tech industrial sectors.
* Familiarity with P6/MS Project, BIM coordination and digital QA tools.
* Flexibility to travel between project sites when required.