Contracts Manager (Data Centres)

Group Metropolitan is looking for an experienced Contracts Manager to join our Mechanical division, supporting a portfolio of established Data Centre clients across London and the surrounding M25 area.

This role will take responsibility for the successful delivery of multiple mechanical projects, smaller works packages and variations within live Data Centre environments.

You will take ownership of projects throughout the full lifecycle, from early-stage design and pre-construction through to delivery, commissioning and final handover. Working closely with our internal Design, Estimating and Commercial teams, you will ensure projects are appropriately resourced, commercially managed and delivered safely, on programme and to the highest quality standards.

As a senior and highly client-facing member of the team, you will build and maintain strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders, coordinating with designers, consultants, subcontractors, manufacturers, commissioning teams and commercial teams throughout project delivery.

The position will predominantly support our Data Centre customer base with sites primarily located in and around London and the M25. Occasional travel to other client locations may also be required.

We're looking for someone who combines strong mechanical project delivery experience with commercial awareness, excellent client management and the ability to successfully manage multiple projects and priorities concurrently.

Location: Site-based / Canary Wharf
Department: Mechanical
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 07:00–16:00, Monday to Friday (1-hour paid lunch)

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the successful delivery of multiple mechanical projects, smaller works packages and variations across our Data Centre client portfolio.
• Manage projects throughout the full lifecycle, from initial concept and design through to construction, commissioning, handover and close-out.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, acting as a key point of contact and ensuring a consistently high standard of service and project delivery.
• Coordinate effectively with internal Design, Estimating and Commercial teams, alongside external consultants, subcontractors, manufacturers, specialist suppliers and commissioning teams.
• Take ownership of project programmes, ensuring key milestones are achieved, potential delays are identified early and appropriate corrective action is taken.
• Chair project and client meetings, ensuring discussions, actions and deadlines are accurately recorded and followed through.
• Oversee project documentation and technical submissions, including RFIs, TQs and technical submittals, driving items through to close-out.
• Maintain commercial oversight of projects, identifying and managing variations, delays, EOT requirements and contractual risks, working closely with the Commercial/QS team to protect the business.
• Identify and manage design, delivery and commercial risks, escalating and implementing mitigation measures where required.
• Ensure projects are appropriately resourced and effectively coordinate subcontractors, suppliers and project teams.
• Lead by example in relation to HSEQ, ensuring compliance with company procedures, ISO standards and legislative requirements.
• Manage, support and develop members of the wider project team, including carrying out PDRs for direct reports and supporting departmental development.
• Identify opportunities to secure additional works, add value, reduce costs and maximise project profitability while maintaining strong client relationships.
• Represent Group Metropolitan professionally at all times and actively promote our values of Safety, Quality, Integrity and People.

Requirements

• Proven experience working at Contracts Manager level or demonstrable experience ready to progress into a Contracts Manager position.
• Experience delivering mechanical projects within Data Centres, critical environments or similarly complex live environments.
• Demonstrable experience managing multiple projects, smaller works packages and variations concurrently, with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Strong understanding of the full project lifecycle, including design coordination, pre-construction, delivery, commissioning and handover.
• Strong commercial awareness, with experience managing variations, delays, programme impacts and commercial risks alongside Quantity Surveying/Commercial teams.
• Understanding of JCT contracts and contractual obligations.
• Strong programme management skills, with the ability to manage key milestones, identify potential risks and take appropriate action to maintain project delivery.
• Good knowledge of CDM Regulations, including Principal Contractor and Principal Designer responsibilities.
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to chair meetings, manage expectations and drive actions through to completion.
• Experience coordinating subcontractors, suppliers, consultants and internal project teams.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing, delegating to and developing members of the wider project team.
• Commercially minded, organised and proactive, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• A strong commitment to Health & Safety, quality and project governance.
• Ability and willingness to work predominantly site-based across London and the M25, with travel to other client locations where required

Benefits

• Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) – following 12 months of continuous employment, you will be eligible to become a beneficiary of our Employee-Owned Trust scheme.
• Private Healthcare for you and your dependents
• Private Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Pension Scheme
• Length of Service Reward Scheme
• TradePoint Discount Scheme