Client Overview
Kier Group, a leading UK construction and infrastructure services company, appointed Maxwell Stephens to recruit an experienced Contracts Manager for its Mechanical & Electrical Services Maintenance division.
The role was field-based, covering London and the South, with responsibility for managing the delivery of M&E maintenance services across a varied client portfolio.
The successful candidate needed to combine strong technical knowledge with commercial awareness, team leadership and a clear understanding of contractual performance. They would be responsible for ensuring that mobile engineers and subcontractors delivered services safely, efficiently and in line with agreed KPIs, SLAs and compliance requirements.
The Challenge
Kier required a Contracts Manager who could take ownership of a complex maintenance portfolio and ensure consistent service delivery across multiple sites.
The role demanded more than technical competence. The successful candidate also needed to demonstrate strong leadership, effective client management and the ability to improve performance over time.
Key requirements included:
M&E Services Expertise
A strong background in mechanical and electrical maintenance, with the ability to understand operational priorities across a diverse portfolio of buildings.
Contract Management
Experience managing contractual obligations, service levels, risk and performance across multiple client accounts.
Team Leadership
The ability to lead, motivate and develop mobile engineers and subcontractors while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
Health & Safety Compliance
A strong understanding of relevant health and safety requirements, supported ideally by qualifications such as IOSH.
Financial Management
Experience monitoring budgets, controlling costs and managing the financial performance of service contracts.
Client Relationship Management
The confidence to build strong relationships with clients, communicate clearly and resolve issues quickly and professionally.
Continuous Improvement
A proactive approach to reviewing processes, identifying inefficiencies and introducing improvements that could strengthen performance and customer satisfaction.
Public & Private Sector Experience
The ability to operate effectively across both private and public-sector environments, where contractual, governance and compliance requirements could differ significantly.
Our Recruitment Approach
Maxwell Stephens implemented a targeted recruitment strategy focused on professionals with proven experience in M&E maintenance, contract management and mobile engineering operations.
Using our specialist Facilities Management network, we identified candidates with a strong track record of managing complex technical contracts across multi-site environments.
The selection process focused on both technical and leadership capability.
Candidates were assessed on their ability to:
- manage mechanical and electrical maintenance services
- lead engineers and subcontractors
- deliver against KPIs and SLAs
- manage commercial and financial performance
- maintain strong health and safety standards
- communicate effectively with clients and senior stakeholders
- identify opportunities for continuous improvement
Particular attention was given to candidates who could balance operational detail with commercial and client-facing responsibilities.
Following a detailed assessment process, Maxwell Stephens successfully placed a highly experienced Contracts Manager with Kier Group.
Outcome & Impact
The successful appointment strengthened the performance of Kier’s M&E Services Maintenance operation across London and the South.
Improved Contract Performance
The new Contracts Manager provided stronger oversight of service delivery, helping ensure contractual obligations, KPIs and SLAs were consistently met.
Stronger Team Leadership
Effective management of mobile engineers and subcontractors improved coordination, accountability and service consistency across the portfolio.
Better Risk & Compliance Management
The candidate’s strong understanding of health and safety and contractual risk helped ensure maintenance activities were delivered safely and in line with required standards.
Enhanced Financial Control
Closer monitoring of budgets and contract performance supported more effective cost management and helped ensure services were delivered within agreed financial parameters.
Increased Operational Efficiency
A proactive approach to process improvement helped identify opportunities to streamline maintenance activity and improve service delivery.
Stronger Client Relationships
Clear communication and a responsive approach helped maintain positive client relationships and ensured operational issues were addressed quickly.
Greater Focus on Continuous Improvement
The candidate introduced a more improvement-focused mindset, helping identify ways to enhance performance, efficiency and customer satisfaction over time.
Outcome
The successful placement demonstrates Maxwell Stephens’ ability to recruit technically strong Facilities Management professionals for complex, field-based M&E contracts.
The appointment combined technical services expertise, contract management, team leadership, compliance, financial control and client engagement, helping Kier strengthen service delivery across London and the South.
Looking for an experienced M&E Contracts Manager to lead a complex maintenance portfolio? Contact Maxwell Stephens to discuss your recruitment requirements.
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Kier M&E Contracts Manager Recruitment Case Study | Maxwell Stephens
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See how Maxwell Stephens recruited an M&E Contracts Manager for Kier to improve contract performance, compliance, team leadership and client service.