Contracts Manager; Mechanical Bias

Livingston Building Services are a leading provider of M&E Services, providing our clients with innovative M&E engineering solutions. Our continued success requires commitment from everyone, whatever their role. Everything we do we need to do well, enabling us to consolidate our position as a leading player in an extremely competitive market. In return for your commitment, the company will continue to implement its vision to create environments for people to thrive.

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Contracts Manager (Mechanical Bias) to work within our Operations team in Livingston, Scotland. This senior position will assume overall responsibility for the commercial and operational management of multiple high-value mechanical contracts, working closely with the Operations team to drive project success and profitability.

The Contracts Manager will be responsible for the end-to-end commercial management of mechanical contracts, including financial forecasting, risk management, client relationship management, business development activities, and the coordination of sub-contractors and materials procurement. This role requires a strategic approach to contract delivery whilst maintaining hands-on involvement in day-to-day operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Management:
  Lead commercial forecasting, cost control, and profitability analysis across multiple contracts
• Contract Administration:
  Manage all contractual obligations, variations, and claims processes
• Client Management:
  Maintain and develop strong client relationships, managing expectations and ensuring service excellence
• Team Leadership:
  Support and develop project teams, setting objectives and ensuring performance standards
• Risk Management:
  
  Identify, assess and mitigate commercial and operational risks
• Sub-contractor Management:
  Oversee sub-contractor relationships, performance, and commercial arrangements
• Procurement Coordination:
  Work with procurement teams to develop effective material and labour schedules
• Programme Management:
  Ensure project delivery to time, cost, and quality parameters
• Health & Safety Compliance:
  Ensure full compliance with H&S legislation and internal management systems
• 5+ years’ experience in M&E contracts management within the construction industry
• Extensive experience in HVAC, plumbing, heating systems, and mechanical installations
• Proven track record managing contracts valued between £100k - £5m+
• Experience in design and build projects (highly advantageous)
• Construction-related academic qualification (HND/Degree level preferred)

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Asta Power Project or MS Project programming
• Strong IT literacy in MS Word and Excel (advanced level)
• Understanding of NEC/JCT contracts
• Commercial acumen with strong financial management skills
• Certifications Required
• Valid CSCS card
• SMSTS certification
• First Aid at Work
• Full UK driving licence

Personal Attributes

• The successful candidate will be a confident leader with exceptional commercial awareness and technical expertise. You will demonstrate:
• Strategic thinking with strong commercial acumen
• Excellent communication skills for client presentations and stakeholder management
• Leadership capabilities with experience developing and motivating teams
• Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Problem-solving approach with initiative and vision
• Flexibility in working hours and locations as projects demand
• Professional demeanour when representing the company to clients and stakeholders
• Business development mindset with ability to identify and pursue new client opportunities

Working Arrangements

• Flexible approach required:
  Site-based work as projects demand, with Livingston office base
• Standard
  
  Hours:
  
  8am - 5pm Monday to Thursday, 8am - 4pm Fridays (one-hour lunch break)
• Travel:
  Willingness to work away from home when required
• Hybrid/Flexible working opportunities available

Remuneration

• Based on experience and knowledge.
• Discretionary company performance-related bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays (increases with service)
• Extra half-day off for your birthday
• 5% Employer pension…