Project Manager

Job Title: Project Manager (Mechanical or Electrical Bias)
Location: Oxford
Salary: £70,000 - £75,000 per annum, plus excellent car allowance and company benefits package
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Company Overview:

A well-established leader in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) industry, this company specializes in delivering high-quality, complex projects across a range of sectors, including commercial, industrial, and residential. The company is renowned for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in execution, with a strong focus on creating long-term partnerships with clients and providing a supportive environment for their employees.

Project Overview:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly skilled Project Manager to lead a large-scale MEP project on a new build factory development. The project has an MEP value of £10 million and will involve the delivery of both mechanical and electrical systems across the full lifecycle and is set to begin in November 2024, with an expected completion date in December 2025.
This is a key role in managing all aspects of the project, from initial planning and design coordination through to execution and final handover. The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing workstreams, managing project teams, liaising with clients, subcontractors, and consultants, and ensuring the project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Planning & Delivery:
Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including timelines, work schedules, and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with the client’s goals and expectations.
Oversee the design and installation of MEP systems, ensuring that the project scope, specifications, and client requirements are clearly understood and delivered effectively.
Manage the procurement process, including sourcing materials, equipment, and subcontractors to ensure the project runs smoothly and is completed on time.
Coordinate with engineers, and other stakeholders to resolve any design or technical issues and ensure all work is completed to agreed specifications.
Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the project, ensuring all project teams (mechanical, electrical, subcontractors, and labour) are working efficiently and to the highest standards.
2. Budget & Cost Management:
Manage the project budget, tracking costs and ensuring that the project stays within financial parameters.
Prepare and submit accurate cost forecasts, including managing variations, changes, and claims throughout the project lifecycle.
Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies without compromising on quality, safety, or functionality.
Ensure accurate documentation for invoicing, cost tracking, and reporting, with timely submission of payments to contractors and suppliers.
3. Team Leadership & Stakeholder Communication:
Lead and motivate the project team, ensuring that all members are aware of their responsibilities and are working toward the same project goals.
Ensure clear communication across all levels, from site operatives to senior management, clients, and external stakeholders.
Monitor and report on project progress, including weekly updates on schedule, cost, quality, and any issues that require resolution.
Hold regular project meetings to review project milestones, potential risks, and corrective actions as necessary.
Foster a collaborative working environment, ensuring that the project is delivered through teamwork and shared success.
4. Health, Safety & Quality Assurance:
Ensure the project adheres to all health and safety regulations, maintaining a proactive safety culture and addressing any safety concerns promptly.
Conduct regular site inspections and audits to ensure that quality standards and safety protocols are being adhered to.
Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations (e.g., building codes, electrical codes, mechanical standards), and oversee any necessary testing, commissioning, or certifications required for MEP systems.
Lead the preparation of method statements and risk assessments, ensuring that all work is carried out in compliance with the company’s HSE policies.
5. Risk & Issue Management:
Proactively identify project risks (both technical and operational) and develop mitigation strategies to minimize potential disruptions.
Manage any issues that arise during the project, ensuring that they are addressed quickly and effectively to avoid delays or cost overruns.
Handle any changes in project scope and ensure proper change management procedures are followed.
6. Client & Stakeholder Management:
Serve as the primary point of contact for the client, building strong relationships and ensuring their needs and expectations are met throughout the project.
Provide regular updates to the client and stakeholders, keeping them informed of progress, risks, and any critical issues.
Work collaboratively with the client’s representatives to resolve any issues or concerns that arise during the project lifecycle.

Key Requirements:

Experience:
Proven experience as a Project Manager on large-scale MEP projects, ideally with a mechanical or electrical bias. Experience in industrial, commercial, or manufacturing projects is highly desirable.
Experience managing projects with a value of £5M or greater.
A strong understanding of both mechanical and electrical systems, with the ability to oversee both workstreams effectively.
Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams, including subcontractors, and working with clients, architects, and engineers to deliver successful projects.
Qualifications:
A relevant degree or professional qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Services Engineering (or related field) is highly desirable.
Project Management qualifications such as PRINCE2, APM, or PMP would be advantageous.
SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) or equivalent health and safety certification is required.
Skills:
Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to manage teams across multiple disciplines and drive performance.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with clients, stakeholders, and subcontractors at all levels.
Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities to meet deadlines and budget constraints.
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to resolve technical or operational challenges on-site.
Proficiency in project management software, with the ability to use tools like MS Project, Asta PowerProject, or similar to monitor and manage project progress.
Personal Attributes:
A proactive, solutions-oriented approach to managing projects.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and make decisions under pressure.
A collaborative and inclusive leadership style that fosters teamwork and drives project success.

Benefits:
Competitive salary of £70,000 - £75,000 per annum.
Excellent benefits package, including pension, private medical insurance, and life insurance.
Company vehicle or car allowance, plus fuel card.
25 days annual leave, plus public holidays.
Ongoing career development opportunities, including professional qualifications and training.
A dynamic work environment within a growing company, offering long-term career progression and development