Mechanical Contracts Manager

The Mechanical Contracts Manager holds operational and commercial accountability for a portfolio of mechanical contracts running in parallel across data centre and mission-critical programmes. Sitting above individual project teams, the role sets the delivery strategy for each contract, allocates people and resources across the portfolio, and ensures every package is executed safely, to programme, to specification and at or above target margin.

The Mechanical Contracts Manager is the senior mechanical representative to clients, main contractors and design teams, and the point of escalation for Project Managers, Site Managers and Engineers. The role combines deep technical knowledge of critical cooling, process pipework and building services with strong contractual and financial control, carrying each contract from pre-construction and mobilisation through installation, commissioning, handover and final account.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Take overall ownership of several concurrent mechanical contracts, setting clear delivery objectives and holding project teams accountable for safety, programme, quality and financial outcomes.
• Direct and support Project Managers, Site Managers, Engineers and Supervisors, deploying and rebalancing resources across the portfolio as priorities and workloads change.
• Establish the delivery approach for each contract at mobilisation, including organisation charts, team structure, site set-up, logistics and key milestones.
• Carry out regular structured reviews of each project, challenging performance, identifying emerging risks early and agreeing corrective actions with project leads.
• Drive the consistent application of Sensori processes, systems and standards on every contract in the portfolio.
• Protect and grow margin by working closely with Quantity Surveyors and the Commercial team on cost-value reconciliations, forecasts, cash flow and monthly reporting.
• Review contract conditions, scopes and specifications at tender and award stage, highlighting risk, exclusions and opportunities before commitment.
• Oversee the identification, notification, pricing and agreement of variations, compensation events and claims, ensuring entitlement is recorded and pursued in line with contract terms.
• Approve subcontract and supply packages, ensuring scopes are complete, correctly bought and aligned to the main contract.
• Lead negotiations on commercial matters with clients and main contractors, through to agreement of the final account.
• Ensure each contract has a robust, resource-loaded mechanical programme integrated with the main contractor and client master schedules.
• Monitor progress against baseline, lead recovery planning where slippage occurs and secure the resources needed to protect critical milestones.
• Oversee procurement strategies for long-lead plant such as chillers, CRAH and CRAC units, air handling units, dry coolers, pumps and coolant distribution units, safeguarding delivery dates against the programme.
• Coordinate with Planning, Procurement and Logistics teams to support off-site manufacture, prefabricated pipework modules and just-in-time deliveries where these add value.
• Provide senior technical direction across HVAC, chilled and condenser water, process cooling, liquid cooling, plumbing, drainage, fuel oil and fire protection interfaces.
• Ensure design coordination, technical submittals, RFIs and shop drawings are managed effectively so that installation is never held for information.
• Uphold quality standards through inspection and test plans, QA/QC audits, NCR close-out and right-first-time installation.
• Oversee the path to mechanical completion, including pressure testing, flushing and cleaning, and ensure systems are ready for staged commissioning through to integrated systems testing.
• Ensure handover documentation, O&M manuals, as-built drawings and test certification are complete and accepted by the client.
• Champion a strong safety culture across the portfolio, leading by example on site and holding teams to Sensori EHS standards.
• Ensure safe systems of work, RAMS, permits, lifting plans and temporary works arrangements are in place and followed on every contract.
• Review EHS performance, incident reports and audit findings across all projects, ensuring root causes are addressed and lessons are shared.
• Promote sustainable construction practices, including waste reduction and responsible handling of refrigerants and hazardous substances.
• Build long-term, trusted relationships with clients, main contractors, consultants and commissioning agents at senior level.
• Represent Sensori at leadership, progress and commercial meetings, presenting clear and accurate reporting on the status of each contract.
• Resolve disputes and escalations constructively, protecting both the relationship and Sensori’s contractual position.
• Identify opportunities for repeat business and support business development and tender teams with delivery input and lessons learned.
• Lead, motivate and develop the mechanical delivery teams under the portfolio, setting objectives and conducting performance reviews.
• Identify future resource and capability requirements and support recruitment and succession planning for key roles.
• Coach and mentor Project Managers, Site Managers and Engineers, building the next generation of mechanical leaders.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline, or a recognised mechanical trade background with substantial progression into senior management.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in mechanical contracting, including at least 3 years in a Contracts Manager or senior Project Manager role responsible for multiple concurrent projects.
• Proven delivery of large-scale mechanical packages on data centre, pharmaceutical, life sciences or other mission-critical projects.
• Strong commercial acumen, with demonstrable experience of cost control, forecasting, change management and final account agreement.
• In-depth technical knowledge of critical cooling systems, process pipework, HVAC and associated controls.
• Sound understanding of standard forms of construction contract and subcontract.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage at client director level.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel between sites as required.

Desirable

• Chartered or working towards chartered status with a recognised engineering institution.
• Recognised site safety management qualification (e.g. SMSTS, IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH).
• Experience of liquid cooling technologies, including coolant distribution units and technology cooling system loops.
• Familiarity with digital project platforms such as Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud or equivalent.
• Experience delivering projects in more than one European country.