Senior Mechanical Contracts Manager

Senior Mechanical Contracts Manager - full time, on-site, permanent, based in Cork, Ireland.

Since the 1950s, a leading engineering and construction contractor has supported the pharmaceutical, semiconductor, industrial, food, commercial, and retail sectors with expert project delivery and high-quality craftsmanship. The business delivers and manages complex, technically demanding projects for global organisations, helping enable the infrastructure and technologies that keep people, communities, and businesses connected. A strong focus is placed on investing in people through training and education, while maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and governance across all operations.

About the role:

Due to continued growth, we are seeking a Senior Mechanical Contracts Manager who is a proactive self-starter, highly organised, and an effective leader. The ideal candidate can anticipate challenges, put robust contingency plans in place, and drive delivery with integrity and excellence—building trust with clients and colleagues alike.

Key responsibilities

• Manage multiple mechanical contracts concurrently, overseeing project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and delivery from start to finish.
• Coordinate with design and engineering teams to ensure projects meet client requirements and are delivered on time and within budget.
• Carry out regular site visits and inspections to track progress, resolve issues, and ensure safety and quality compliance.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors, negotiating contracts and agreements where required.
• Lead the commercial and financial performance of projects, including cost control, forecasting, and reporting.
• Ensure all works comply with relevant legislation, codes, standards, and health & safety regulations.
• Assist with preparing proposals and bids for new work.
• Implement structures and processes to monitor, review, and control project expenditure against budgets or agreed costs.
• Apply cost and value procedures and produce accurate commercial reports for senior leadership in a timely manner.
• Partner closely with Directors and Site Managers to recommend strategies, identify risks early, and drive effective resolutions.
• Produce monthly progress updates for senior management/directors.
• Support broader business needs through collaboration with leadership teams.
• Foster strong, productive partnerships with internal stakeholders and external clients.

Candidate requirements

• Mechanical background with a degree in Mechanical Engineering (or a related discipline).
• 10+ years’ experience as a Project/Contracts Manager within the Mechanical HVAC industry.
• Essential: proven experience managing mechanical packages on Life Sciences or large-scale semiconductor/data centre projects for an M&E contractor.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, HVAC, and process systems (design, installation, and operation).
• Excellent project management capability: planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across clients and supply chain partners.
• Confident managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Willing and able to travel within Europe.
• Full driving licence.