Mechanical Project Manager - Heathrow Airport

Designer Group is seeking an experienced Mechanical Project Manager to support the delivery of mechanical building services works at Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5.

This is a site-based delivery role suited to someone with strong mechanical project management experience in M&E contracting, aviation, infrastructure, industrial, pharmaceutical, mission critical or large-scale commercial environments.

You will take ownership of mechanical project delivery within a live airport environment, working closely with site management, engineering, commercial, procurement, quality, safety, subcontractors and client-side stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving the mechanical scope from planning and procurement through installation, testing, commissioning and handover.

You will manage project teams, oversee subcontractor performance, track progress against programme, resolve technical and commercial issues, and ensure works are delivered safely, efficiently and to the required technical standard.

Experience working in live, operational, security-controlled environments would be highly advantageous. Previous airport, terminal or airside experience would be a strong advantage.

What you will do

• Lead the delivery of mechanical works at Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5.
• Manage supervisors, engineers, subcontractors and specialist suppliers.
• Oversee mechanical building services packages including HVAC, pipework, public health, ventilation, plantroom works, mechanical containment, drainage and associated systems.
• Drive programme delivery and ensure key milestones are achieved.
• Identify project risks early and work with the wider team to resolve them.
• Work closely with the Project QS to manage cost control, variations, reporting and commercial performance.
• Support procurement planning, RFIs, technical submittals, material approvals and subcontractor coordination.
• Review drawings, specifications and design information to resolve buildability, coordination and installation issues.
• Coordinate mechanical works with electrical, controls, fire, architectural, structural and specialist trade packages.
• Chair and attend project meetings with internal teams, subcontractors, consultants and client representatives.
• Monitor labour, materials, plant and resources to support efficient project delivery.
• Ensure mechanical works are completed in line with quality standards, commissioning requirements and handover expectations.
• Support testing, commissioning, system validation, documentation and client handover.
• Maintain strong relationships with the client, delivery teams, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
• Promote and uphold Designer Group’s health, safety, quality and environmental standards at all times.
• Ensure all work is delivered in line with site rules, airport protocols, access requirements and live environment constraints.

Requirements

What we are looking for

• 5+ years’ experience in mechanical project management.
• Background working with an M&E contractor, mechanical contractor, principal contractor or major subcontractor.
• Proven experience delivering mechanical projects from construction through commissioning and handover.
• Strong understanding of mechanical building services, site installation, technical coordination and project delivery.
• Experience managing subcontractors, supervisors, engineers and site-based project teams.
• Ability to manage programme, procurement, RFIs, technical submittals, progress reporting and project risks.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to work closely with quantity surveying and commercial teams.
• Good knowledge of health and safety requirements in a live construction or operational environment.
• Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, delivery-led site environment.
• High attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.

Experience that would be advantageous

• Previous experience working at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City Airport or another live airport environment.
• Experience working in Terminal 5 or another live terminal environment.
• Airside, landside, aviation, rail, transport, infrastructure or secure-site project experience.
• Experience delivering mechanical packages within airport terminals, baggage areas, plantrooms, logistics facilities, commercial buildings or critical infrastructure.
• Experience with HVAC, ventilation, chilled water, heating, domestic water services, drainage, public health, plant replacement, pipework and mechanical systems.
• Experience working in live operational environments with strict access, safety, security, quality and programme controls.
• Experience with testing, commissioning, handover and system completion processes.
• Experience using BIM, coordinated services drawings, technical submittals and design review processes.
• Mechanical trade background, building services engineering qualification or construction management qualification.
• Experience working with permits, access controls, shift working, live services, shutdown planning and stakeholder-heavy delivery environments.

About you

You will be a confident Mechanical Project Manager who enjoys taking ownership of site delivery.

You will be practical, organised and commercially aware, with the ability to lead teams, manage subcontractors and keep projects moving.

You will be comfortable working in a controlled, live environment where safety, coordination, communication and planning are critical.

You will also be able to build strong working relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal teams.

Benefits

Why join Designer Group?

Designer Group is a leading international mechanical and electrical engineering contractor delivering high-quality projects across Ireland, the UK and Europe.

We work with major clients across sectors including aviation, data centres, commercial, industrial, pharmaceutical, life sciences and infrastructure.

This role offers the opportunity to work on a high-profile aviation project at Heathrow Terminal 5, while joining a business with strong growth, a solid project pipeline and clear opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Health cover.
• Employer pension contribution.
• Commercial vehicle or car allowance, depending on role requirements.
• Career development and progression opportunities.
• Continuous professional development and training support.
• Supportive team environment.
• Opportunity to work on major projects across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
• Access to a growing international business with a strong pipeline of work.

Apply now

If you are an experienced Mechanical Project Manager looking for your next challenge in a live aviation environment, we would like to hear from you.

Apply today to join Designer Group and help deliver high-quality mechanical projects at Heathrow Terminal 5.

Designer Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity.

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