mechanical design manager

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Manager to lead, coordinate, and oversee the development, review, and delivery of mechanical (M&E) design information throughout RIBA Stages 3 to 6. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in managing consultant outputs, ensuring design compliance with the Employer’s Requirements (ERs), planning conditions, Building Regulations, and supporting a smooth transition to construction and client handover. This role includes close collaboration with the Client’s Design Guardian and other stakeholders to maintain design integrity and technical compliance at all stages of the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design Management & Review: Lead the technical review of mechanical drawings and specifications submitted by consultants (e.g., HVAC, public health, BMS). Ensure alignment with the Employer’s Requirements, Performance Specifications, and statutory requirements. Track design progress and ensure timely delivery of coordinated information in line with construction programme milestones. Identify design risks, gaps, and scope overlaps early, and propose corrective actions.
• Coordination & Compliance: Ensure mechanical designs meet the requirements of Building Regulations (including Part L, Part F, Part G, and Part B), BREEAM, and other relevant statutory guidance. Validate that all planning conditions relevant to mechanical services (e.g., noise output, low carbon strategy) are satisfied within design outputs. Coordinate with other disciplines (electrical, structural, architectural, façade) to ensure fully integrated and clash-free designs. Ensure the adoption of appropriate standards including CIBSE Guides, BSRIA BG/6, BS EN standards, and project-specific criteria.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the main liaison between the mechanical consultant team, internal delivery team, and the Client's Design Guardian. Represent the Principal Contractor in design workshops, coordination meetings, and quality control reviews. Ensure that the final design supports operational requirements for handover, soft landings, and future maintenance.
• Technical Assurance & Handover Readiness: Prepare and manage technical tracker registers (e.g. RFI log, Technical Submission Tracker, Compliance Matrix). Ensure all mechanical design deliverables meet the correct level of detail (LOD) and information (LOI) for Gateway submissions or Building Safety Regulator (BSR) compliance (if applicable). Review and validate mechanical O&M content, commissioning strategies, and as-built documentation ahead of practical completion.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of mechanical systems in multi-residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and employer’s requirements with precision.
• In-depth knowledge of UK regulations, including Building Regulations, BSR requirements, and planning obligations.
• Proven track record in managing consultant teams and leading technical reviews.
• Strong communication and leadership skills to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and proactive problem-solving abilities.

Desired Qualifications & Experience:

• Degree in Building Services Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards status with CIBSE or IMechE.
• Minimum 5–10 years’ experience in design management or consultancy roles.
• Experience with BIM Level 2 projects and use of Common Data Environments (CDE).
• Familiarity with commissioning procedures and Soft Landings Framework (BG 54).

Desirable Knowledge Areas:

• London Plan and energy strategy implications (e.g. SAP, overheating assessments).
• Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 submission requirements for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs).
• Design implications of Net Zero Carbon, Low Carbon Technologies, and Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP).
• Familiarity with digital tools such as Navisworks, BIM360, and Revizto for coordination reviews.