Site Manager – Mechanical Ventilation / Ductwork
Project Details
- Location: Finland
- Project: Large-scale Data Centre
- Duration: 6 months
- Working Pattern: 6 days per week
- Working Hours: 10 hours per day / approximately 60 hours per week
- Contract: Freelance
Job Purpose
The Site Manager is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end installation of the mechanical ventilation and ductwork systems for a large-scale data centre.
The Site Manager will act as the main point of contact with the client, manage the site supervisors and subcontractors, and maintain an overview of all site activities.
The role also includes responsibility for project progress, programme, variations, budgets, QA/QC, HSE and commissioning, with regular reporting to senior management.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage on-site ventilation supervisors and subcontractors, ensuring workforce deployment aligns with the project programme.
- Coordinate day-to-day installation activities with site supervisors.
- Conduct progress meetings and briefings with supervisors and subcontractors regarding targets, material deliveries and site access constraints.
- Lead client meetings and act as the main site contact.
- Report project progress internally to senior management.
- Interpret and enforce mechanical design drawings, 3D BIM models such as Navisworks/Revit, and technical specifications.
- Oversee the delivery, inspection, rigging and final positioning of high-value ventilation equipment.
- Implement and manage robust QA/QC procedures, including pressure testing and cleanliness inspections of ductwork.
- Ensure compliance with ductwork standards such as DW144, DW143 and SMACNA.
- Establish and manage snagging / punch-list processes and ensure defects are closed quickly.
- Coordinate red-line drawings, manufacturer documentation and certification for final O&M manuals.
- Enforce strict HSE standards and a zero-harm culture across the site.
- Review and approve subcontractor RAMS – Risk Assessments and Method Statements.
- Ensure safe execution of high-risk activities including working at height, confined spaces and lifting operations.
- Conduct regular site safety walks and address hazards immediately.
- Support and manage ventilation system commissioning through Level 2 to Level 3 commissioning.
- Coordinate interfaces with electrical, mechanical, controls/BMS and commissioning teams.
- Monitor programme, manpower, productivity and subcontractor performance.
- Manage and report project variations and additional works.
Experience Required
- 5+ years of experience in Mechanical / HVAC / Ventilation Site Management.
- Strong hands-on knowledge of ductwork installation and ventilation systems.
- Minimum 2 years of experience on Data Centres, cleanrooms, pharmaceutical facilities or major high-tech industrial projects.
- Experience managing supervisors, subcontractors and installation teams.
- Good knowledge of DW144, DW143, SMACNA and ASHRAE standards.
- Experience with BIM and construction software such as Navisworks, Revit, Procore, BIM360, Autodesk Build, Fieldwire or Visilean.
- Experience with scheduling tools such as Primavera P6 or MS Project is advantageous.
- Strong understanding of QA/QC, snagging, commissioning and HSE processes.
- Valid site management safety qualifications are required; additional permits for high-risk activities are advantageous.
- Degree or diploma in Construction Management, Project Management, Building Services, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline is preferred.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable working within the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of a hyperscale data centre project and be able to translate complex engineering requirements into clear actions for site teams.