Mechanical Project Manager
Overview
Most mechanical PM roles look similar on paper. This one is worth reading because the environment sets it apart. The work takes place in live, operational settings – retail, industrial, commercial and airport – where the buildings cannot simply stop to accommodate the installation. That changes the planning, coordination and site management demands in ways that make this a more interesting and more demanding role than the title alone suggests.
It's a permanent position with a well-established Blackburn-based contractor, suited to an experienced Mechanical PM who is confident working across varied environments and capable of leading teams without a rigid framework around them.
About the Business
Founded on a combination of technical ability, clear communication and commercial pragmatism, this contractor has grown steadily by doing what they say they will do, on time and to budget. The team is experienced and close-knit, with many long-standing staff across both site and office functions.
Their sector spread is broad: retail environments including live high-street stores and retail parks; industrial and commercial sites including major distribution centres and process facilities; airport terminals with full security clearance requirements; sustainability and FM works including national rollout programmes; and leisure and education projects. Across all of these, the expectation is the same: works delivered safely, to specification, with minimum disruption to the end client.
They hold CDM Principal Contractor status and have a strong health and safety record supported by robust RAMS processes and a team that takes compliance seriously without making it the enemy of getting things done. For a PM who values working somewhere that operates professionally at every level, that matters.
What You’ll Be Doing
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Leading mechanical packages from pre-start through to handover across a varied project portfolio spanning retail, industrial, commercial and airport environments
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Managing mechanical labour, subcontractors and supply chain in live, operational settings where minimising disruption is as important as programme and quality
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Reviewing technical drawings and specifications at pre-start and throughout delivery, attending progress and client meetings as the principal site representative
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Acting as Principal Contractor representative under CDM 2015 where required, maintaining full compliance with site safety and permit procedures
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Managing change, tracking variations and maintaining accurate commercial and contractual records throughout the project lifecycle
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Coordinating with electrical teams, design consultants, main contractors and end clients to keep work fronts moving and information flowing
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Planning short-term programmes, access requirements, materials and plant logistics around live operational constraints
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Overseeing quality checks, snagging and readiness for testing, commissioning and handover
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Travelling to project sites across the North-West as required
Skills & Experience Required
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Proven experience as a Mechanical Project Manager within building services or a comparable M&E environment
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Comfortable delivering in live, occupied or operational environments — retail, active industrial or commercial settings preferred
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Solid knowledge of mechanical building services: HVAC, pipework, plantroom installations, public health
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Strong on programme management, subcontract coordination and health and safety compliance
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CDM awareness essential; SMSTS or equivalent preferred; CSCS card required
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Full UK driving licence
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A structured, solutions-focused approach with the ability to communicate clearly at all levels from operatives through to client representatives
Benefits
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£55,000 – £65,000 depending on experience
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Full company benefits package
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Technically varied and genuinely interesting workload across multiple live sectors
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Long-standing client relationships that provide a stable and consistent pipeline of work
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A close-knit, experienced team with a strong reputation for delivery built over many years
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Real autonomy to manage your projects and make decisions without unnecessary overhead