Mechanical Engineering Manager – Building Services

James Lewis Recruitment

Mechanical Engineering Manager (Building Services) — £80,000

We’re hiring a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead a high-performing team delivering complex building-services projects to exacting standards—on brief, on time, and on budget. If you’re a hands-on leader who can set the technical bar, coach engineers, and keep programmes and profitability on track, this one’s for you.

What you’ll do

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Lead the engineering function: set standards, mentor/measured coaching, oversee subcontractors and internal teams, and plan headcount to meet programme.

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Own design governance: ensure designs meet codes, legislation and internal processes; drive safe-by-design across the full lifecycle.

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Deliver quality outputs: specifications, calculations, reports and coordinated documentation ready for internal/external issue.

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Coordinate projects end-to-end: fee proposals/cost plans, pre-start briefings, design/coordination meetings, client liaison, and milestone delivery.

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Control information & QA: enforce document control (QMS), use current standards, track hours vs budget and support PMs on profitability.

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Grow the pipeline: maintain client relationships, support bids/BD and represent the business at industry events.

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Champion H,S,Q & Risk: model best practice, manage risk and ensure a safe workplace for employees and subcontractors.

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Build people & culture: recruit, develop and recognise your team; share knowledge across functions and promote a collaborative, high-standards culture.

About you

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10+ years in a comparable mechanical/building-services leadership role.

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Proven delivery across residential, commercial, healthcare, education and defence.

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Expert at prioritising, hitting deadlines and safeguarding margin.

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Clear, confident communicator and presenter; strong stakeholder management.

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Proficient with Microsoft 365, load estimation (e.g. Camel), thermal modelling, and sustainability tools (e.g. Green Star / NABERS or equivalent).

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Detail-driven, innovative, with a strong work ethic and a passion for coaching others.

What you’ll bring

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A track record of turning complex briefs into compliant, buildable, safe designs.

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The ability to standardise and continuously improve engineering processes.

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Commercial awareness—linking design decisions to programme and profit.

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A collaborative leadership style that raises performance across the team.

What’s on offer

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£80,000 salary plus benefits.

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Autonomy to shape the engineering function and processes.

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A supportive culture that backs professional development and progression.

Ready to lead from the front? Send your CV and a brief note on your most relevant projects and team size you’ve managed. Let’s build something excellent