Mechanical Pre-construction Manager

Job Title: Mechanical Pre-Construction Manager
Location: West Lancashire, UK
Salary: 65,000 - 70,000 per annum (depending on experience) + Car Allowance + Benefits

Overview:

A leading building services contractor is seeking a skilled and experienced Mechanical Pre-Construction Manager to join their team. This is a pivotal role for a candidate with a strong background in mechanical engineering within a building services environment, with experience in managing pre-construction phases of mechanical installations across a variety of sectors including commercial, residential, and industrial projects. The company is also open to considering senior mechanical estimators looking to transition into a managerial role. If you are a hands-on, driven professional with a strategic mindset and operational experience, we would like to hear from you.

Role Responsibilities:

• Pre-Construction Management: Oversee all aspects of mechanical pre-construction activities, ensuring projects are designed, estimated, and tendered according to client specifications and within agreed timescales.
• Team Leadership: Lead a team of mechanical engineers, estimators, and designers during the pre-construction phase, fostering a collaborative and proactive working environment.
• Project Planning: Work closely with senior project managers, clients, and external stakeholders to define project scope, budgets, and timelines. Provide input on risk management and mitigation strategies.
• Cost Estimation & Value Engineering: Lead the preparation of accurate mechanical cost estimates for tendering purposes, identify potential value engineering opportunities, and ensure optimum cost control while meeting design and functional requirements.
• Tender Documentation: Coordinate and manage the preparation of tender documents, including specifications, schedules, and relevant technical reports. Ensure all mechanical designs comply with health, safety, and industry regulations.
• Client & Stakeholder Interaction: Liaise with clients, architects, consultants, and subcontractors to ensure the mechanical design and installation requirements are understood and fully integrated into the overall project scope.
• Supplier & Subcontractor Engagement:Manage relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors, obtaining competitive pricing and ensuring the effective procurement of materials and services.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Ensure that all mechanical work complies with legal, environmental, and health and safety standards, and identify and mitigate potential risks throughout the pre-construction process.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements within the pre-construction phase, driving efficiencies, reducing costs, and ensuring high standards of quality.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Operational Experience: A strong background in mechanical engineering within the building services sector, including experience managing pre-construction processes on large, complex projects.
• Estimating & Cost Management: Extensive experience in mechanical estimating, with a clear understanding of cost management, pricing strategies, and value engineering.
• Project Knowledge: A broad understanding of building services systems (HVAC, plumbing, heating, and ventilation) and their application within building projects.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and motivate a team, ensuring successful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Technical Expertise: In-depth technical knowledge of mechanical systems, designs, and industry standards, with a focus on delivering cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage relationships with internal teams, clients, and subcontractors.
• Software Proficiency: Competence with project management software, cost estimating tools, and Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel).
• Health & Safety Awareness: A strong commitment to health and safety best practices in the workplace and during the design and construction phases.

Qualifications:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Professional memberships such as MCIBSE or equivalent would be beneficial.
• Experience in managing mechanical pre-construction activities, ideally within a building services contractor or MEP contractor environment.