Job Title Mechanical Projects Director

Location Glasgow, Scotland

Organisation James Ramsay

Reporting to Managing Director

Contract Type Permanent, Full-Time

Cruinn Consulting is pleased to be supporting our client, James Ramsay, in this critical senior appointment.

the company

Based in Glasgow, James Ramsay has been “Always On” since 1920—delivering expert engineering solutions across heating, pipework and process systems. They are trusted by clients across the UK to deliver sophisticated, reliable solutions in steam systems, fabrication, installation and maintenance. They have one of Scotland’s largest engineering teams and following a period of growth, we are seeking a Mechanical Projects Director to lead a division of around 70 people.

the role

This senior leadership role is a board position and is responsible for the operational management, leadership and continuous improvement of James Ramsay’s Mechanical Projects team. You will oversee project delivery, team development, client relationships and operational performance across all live projects. The role will require you to:

• Lead and develop the Mechanical team – including project managers, engineers and workshop staff – promoting the positive James Ramsay culture.
• Oversee daily and weekly labour planning and resource allocation across all live projects.
• Ensure operational excellence and compliance across all mechanical installations and development across the team.
• Review new jobs for technical, commercial, operational and H&S risks prior to handover.
• Support Project Managers with technical, contractual, commercial and H&S guidance throughout project lifecycles.
• Attend prestart meetings on complex/high-value projects and ensure early planning and task allocation.
• Oversee fabrication priorities and conduct quality checks on workshop output.
• Manage reactive maintenance coordination in conjunction with designated PMs.
• Provide monthly operations updates and participate in senior leadership meetings.
• Monitor job progress (operational and financial), margin trends and escalation points requiring board-level support.
• Conduct annual appraisals and support training and development across the team.
• Build and sustain long-term, trusted partnerships with key clients and suppliers.
• Active member of the Board; help set the strategy and strategic direction of the company.

about you

You are an experienced, empathetic people manager and a hands-on leader who is comfortable dealing with multiple priorities and a fast-paced, reactive environment. You can manage competing requirements for limited resources and bring a calm, focused manner to allocate these according to client needs. You have strong commercial awareness and are an excellent communicator who is experienced in dealing with clients and both white- and blue-collar engineering teams. You’ll be approachable, collaborative and will enjoy being accountable for your own results. You will have a technical grounding in mechanical services and project delivery. You will recognise yourself in James Ramsay's company values:

Specialist – Experienced in your field.

Safe – Prioritising safety above all else, without compromise.

Motivated – Driven by quality, accountability and a desire to go above and beyond.

Committed – Caring for your team and clients.

Rational – Delivering practical solutions to our clients.

essential experience

• Proven experience in a senior projects or operations leadership role within mechanical services, technical services or HVAC.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high- performing teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a client-first mindset.
• Deep knowledge of contract management, H&S compliance and technical project delivery.
• Experience managing large-scale or complex mechanical installations.

desirable experience

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional registration.
• Training in leadership, H&S or relevant management certifications

As the dedicated recruitment partner, all applications and initial conversations for this position will be handled by the Cruinn Consulting team. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!