Project Manager

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

Company Overview:

A leading provider of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services, this company is known for delivering high-quality, innovative building services solutions across a variety of sectors, including commercial, industrial, and residential projects. The company’s reputation is built on its commitment to safety, sustainability, and excellence in both design and execution, with a focus on fostering long-term relationships with clients and providing employees with a rewarding and supportive working environment.

Project Overview:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Project Manager with a mechanical or electrical bias to oversee the delivery of a new-build business park project in Oxfordshire. The project will involve significant MEP works for a modern, multi-unit commercial development, and the successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of the project’s MEP scope.
This is a high-profile project, and the Project Manager will be instrumental in ensuring its successful delivery from pre-construction through to handover. The role requires a candidate with a strong understanding of both mechanical and electrical systems, excellent project management skills, and a proven track record in leading complex projects in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Planning & Coordination:
Develop and manage comprehensive project plans that include timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk assessments.
Collaborate with the design team, architects, and consultants to ensure the MEP systems are designed to meet project requirements, codes, and specifications.
Oversee the procurement of materials, equipment, and subcontractors, ensuring that all resources are available when needed and within budget.
Lead coordination efforts between various stakeholders (client, subcontractors, suppliers, and the project team), ensuring seamless communication and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
Monitor and manage project timelines, ensuring milestones are achieved and the project progresses on schedule.
2. Team Leadership & People Management:
Lead and manage the on-site project team, including mechanical and electrical engineers, subcontractors, and other technical staff.
Provide clear direction and leadership, ensuring all team members are aligned with the project goals and are performing efficiently.
Conduct regular meetings with site teams to review progress, address any issues, and ensure any risks are mitigated.
Support professional development and mentoring for junior project staff and engineers, helping them to progress in their careers while ensuring high standards of performance.
3. Budget & Cost Control:
Manage the project budget, including cost planning, forecasting, and tracking of expenditure, ensuring the project stays within financial constraints.
Ensure accurate invoicing and cost control, tracking variations, and managing any changes to scope or budget throughout the project lifecycle.
Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives that do not compromise on quality, safety, or timelines.
Assist in the preparation of monthly financial reports for senior management and clients, ensuring complete transparency and accountability.
4. Health, Safety & Compliance:
Ensure the project is compliant with all relevant health and safety regulations, ensuring that all site personnel are fully trained and follow the company’s health and safety protocols.
Conduct regular site inspections and risk assessments, addressing any safety concerns and taking corrective actions to maintain a safe working environment.
Ensure that all work is performed to industry standards and building codes and meets all necessary compliance requirements.
Promote a strong culture of safety, ensuring safety procedures are followed, and incidents are reported and addressed promptly.
5. Quality Assurance & Risk Management:
Monitor the quality of all MEP installations to ensure they meet the highest standards and adhere to contract specifications.
Oversee testing and commissioning activities, ensuring that all systems are fully operational and meet client expectations.
Identify and manage risks, developing mitigation strategies to resolve any potential issues before they affect the project timeline, budget, or quality.
Ensure thorough documentation of all works completed, inspections carried out, and quality control checks.
6. Client & Stakeholder Liaison:
Act as the primary point of contact for the client, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring that their requirements and expectations are consistently met.
Provide regular updates to the client and senior management, highlighting project progress, challenges, and any potential risks.
Resolve any issues that arise during the project and ensure that the client’s needs are addressed promptly and professionally.
Manage subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring they meet performance standards and deliver work on time and within budget.

Key Requirements:

Experience & Qualifications:
Proven experience as a Project Manager within the building services sector, with a strong focus on MEP projects, ideally within commercial, industrial, or mixed-use developments.
Mechanical or electrical bias with strong knowledge of either mechanical or electrical systems (e.g., HVAC, lighting, power distribution, fire alarms, etc.).
Significant experience in managing projects with a value of £5M+, ideally in new-build projects or large-scale developments.
Degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Services Engineering, or a related field.
Project management qualifications, such as PRINCE2, APM, or PMP, would be an advantage.
SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) or equivalent health and safety certification is required.
Skills & Competencies:
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, and budgets simultaneously.
Leadership and people management abilities, with experience in motivating and leading multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with clients, contractors, and senior stakeholders.
Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asta PowerProject, or similar), and the ability to produce detailed reports and schedules.
Problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to handle complex challenges and find solutions in a fast-paced environment.
Strong negotiation skills when dealing with contractors, suppliers, and clients.
Personal Attributes:
Highly organized, with a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
Proactive and able to take ownership of tasks and solve problems independently.
Ability to manage pressure and remain calm under challenging circumstances.
A collaborative and team-oriented approach, with a strong focus on achieving shared goals and maintaining positive working relationships.
A commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

Benefits:

Competitive salary of £70,000 - £75,000 per annum.
Car allowance or company vehicle.
Comprehensive benefits package, including pension, private medical insurance, and life insurance.
25 days of annual leave plus public holidays.
Professional development opportunities including further training and career progression.
A dynamic and collaborative working environment, with the opportunity to work on high-profile building services projects