Contracts Manager

OVERVIEW & ROLE DESCRIPTION

Overview

Due to growth we are currently recruiting for a Contracts Manager on behalf of an engineering consultancy focused on urban infrastructure, heat networks, and decarbonisation projects.

Operating for almost 15 years now, they also have a Facilities Management & Building Optimisation department which provides hands-on, reliable facilities management for heating, cooling and power systems across residential and commercial buildings.

Their services include everything from energy centre operations to HIU (Heat Interface Unit) maintenance, with a dedicated mobile team delivering responsive, year-round support. They are trusted by some of London’s largest housing associations. They currently maintain over 50 heat networks and support more than 10,000 homes

The Contracts Manager shall be responsible for managing the successful delivery of heat network improvement and refurbishment projects from concept through to completion. Acting as the principal interface between the consultancy, operations teams, contractors and clients, the role ensures projects are delivered safely, commercially, technically and operationally.

The position bridges the gap between MEP & Sustainability Consultancy and the Operations & Maintenance teams, ensuring technical designs are translated into practical, efficient construction projects while maintaining uninterrupted service to residents.

The Contracts Manager will typically oversee Heat interface unit (HIU) replacement programmes, Plant room refurbishments, Boiler replacement projects, Heat pump retrofit projects, Energy centre upgrades & repair programme, Pipework replacement, Heat meter replacement programmes, BMS upgrades, Controls optimisation, Water treatment improvement works, Heat network decarbonisation projects, Distribution network modifications and Metering and monitoring improvements.

This is a permanent position, covering London, working Monday to Friday 37.5 hours per week. It is paying £60k – £72k per annum depending on experience. You will receive pension, life cover, training & development opportunities and 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays. This will increase to 25 after a year’s service.

Responsibilities

• Manage the delivery of multiple heat network upgrade and refurbishment projects simultaneously.
• Develop project execution plans, programmes and delivery strategies.
• Coordinate projects from feasibility through design, procurement, construction and handover.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to the required quality standards.
• Monitor project performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Chair project meetings and provide regular progress reporting.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, managing agents, residents, design consultants, M&E contractors, principal contractors, principal designers, and internal engineering and operations and maintenance teams.
• Administer construction and maintenance contracts, including correspondence, change control and contractual compliance.
• Monitor contractor performance against contractual KPIs and service level agreements.
• Support procurement and contractor selection, reviewing quotations and technical proposals.
• Review designs for buildability and operational practicality, incorporating lessons learned from existing assets.
• Coordinate Energy Centre operations during works, including shutdowns, temporary services and installation sequencing, while minimising disruption to residents.
• Oversee commissioning, testing, validation and system recommissioning.
• Ensure a smooth handover to maintenance teams, with complete operational documentation, asset information and condition reports.
• Manage project costs and forecasts, contractor valuations, variations, commercial negotiations and contingency.
• Promote a positive safety culture and ensure works comply with CDM Regulations, relevant legislation and industry guidance.
• Build trusted client relationships, provide strategic advice and identify opportunities for future improvement works.

Skills & Attributes

• HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Building Services Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Experience delivering mechanical and electrical construction projects.
• Strong understanding of commercial building services.
• Strong commercial awareness.
• Experience managing contractors and subcontractors.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of contract administration.
• Experience managing project programmes and budgets.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Good understanding of CDM Regulations and construction safety.
• Experience with communal or district heat networks would be beneficial.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Note:- Apex M&E Solutions are acting as an Employment Agency

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Building Services Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Experience delivering mechanical and electrical construction projects.
• Strong understanding of commercial building services.
• Strong commercial awareness.
• Experience managing contractors and subcontractors.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of contract administration.
• Experience managing project programmes and budgets.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Good understanding of CDM Regulations and construction safety.
• Experience with communal or district heat networks would be beneficial.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the delivery of multiple heat network upgrade and refurbishment projects simultaneously.
• Develop project execution plans, programmes and delivery strategies.
• Coordinate projects from feasibility through design, procurement, construction and handover.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to the required quality standards.
• Monitor project performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Chair project meetings and provide regular progress reporting.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, managing agents, residents, design consultants, M&E contractors, principal contractors, principal designers, and internal engineering and operations and maintenance teams.
• Administer construction and maintenance contracts, including correspondence, change control and contractual compliance.
• Monitor contractor performance against contractual KPIs and service level agreements.
• Support procurement and contractor selection, reviewing quotations and technical proposals.
• Review designs for buildability and operational practicality, incorporating lessons learned from existing assets.
• Coordinate Energy Centre operations during works, including shutdowns, temporary services and installation sequencing, while minimising disruption to residents.
• Oversee commissioning, testing, validation and system recommissioning.
• Ensure a smooth handover to maintenance teams, with complete operational documentation, asset information and condition reports.
• Manage project costs and forecasts, contractor valuations, variations, commercial negotiations and contingency.
• Promote a positive safety culture and ensure works comply with CDM Regulations, relevant legislation and industry guidance.
• Build trusted client relationships, provide strategic advice and identify opportunities for future improvement works.