Freelance Mechanical Project Manager

Warden Tyne Solutions are currently recruiting for an experienced Freelance Mechanical Project Manager for a major hyperscale data centre development in the North East.

The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating mechanical installation packages, driving subcontractor progress and ensuring complex plant, pipework and water services are installed in accordance with project requirements and programme commitments.

Roles & Responsibilities

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Mechanical Package Delivery: Manage the day-to-day execution of mechanical installation works, ensuring activities meet the required standards for safety, quality and programme.

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Subcontractor Performance: Coordinate mechanical subcontractors, supervisors and installation teams, monitoring productivity and addressing issues affecting progress.

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Installation Sequencing: Plan and coordinate work areas, installation priorities and labour requirements to maintain a consistent flow of work across the package.

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Programme Control: Track progress against planned activities, identify constraints and delays, and agree practical actions to maintain key milestones.

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Plant & Cooling Systems: Coordinate installation of mechanical plant and cooling infrastructure, including chillers, buffer vessels, pumps, valves and closed-loop chilled water systems.

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Pipework Installation: Monitor the installation and coordination of mechanical pipework, distribution systems, supports and associated components in line with drawings and specifications.

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Water Services: Oversee relevant potable water, drainage and associated mechanical service installations within the package.

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Design & Technical Queries: Work with engineers, design teams and subcontractors to resolve drawing discrepancies, technical queries and site installation challenges.

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MEP Interface Management: Liaise with electrical and other package leads to coordinate plant connections, service routes, access requirements and installation interfaces within tightly packed areas.

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Materials & Procurement: Forecast material and equipment requirements, monitor deliveries and flag procurement risks before they affect planned installation activities.

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Quality & Inspection: Ensure mechanical installations meet project specifications and inspection requirements, with defects and remedial works recorded and closed out.

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Forward Planning: Maintain short-term plans and lookaheads, ensuring labour, equipment, information and work areas are ready ahead of scheduled activities.

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Reporting & Coordination: Provide accurate progress updates, identify emerging risks and maintain clear records of outstanding actions and technical issues.

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Health & Safety: Promote safe installation practices and ensure subcontractors comply with site procedures, risk assessments and method statements.

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Testing & Commissioning Readiness: Coordinate completion checks, pressure testing, flushing, cleaning and associated documentation to prepare systems for commissioning and handover.

The Person

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Proven experience as a Mechanical Project Manager within an Principal Contractor, MEP contractor, mechanical contractor or building services environment.

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Strong data centre experience is essential, ideally on hyperscale or other mission-critical developments.

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Good technical knowledge of mechanical building services, particularly chilled water systems, chillers, buffer vessels, pumps, valves and associated pipework.

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Experience managing mechanical subcontractors, site installation teams, materials and programme commitments.

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Strong planning and coordination skills, with the ability to identify constraints and prepare work areas and resources ahead of installation.

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Meticulous attention to detail when coordinating mechanical services with electrical and other building services in congested areas.

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Confident liaising with other package leads, design teams and site management to resolve clashes and keep work progressing.

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Proactive approach to identifying technical issues, programme risks and potential rework.

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Understanding of mechanical quality assurance, testing, commissioning preparation and handover documentation.

Terms:

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Competitive day rate (negotiable)

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Salary role on offer (if desired)

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Outside IR35, subject to assessment.

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CIS available.

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7-day payment terms (temp contractor)