Head of Design / Lead Mechanical Design Engineer in Woking

A growing Mechanical Building Services contractor specialising in Design & Build commercial projects is looking to recruit an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead its design function.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in their career, with a clear progression pathway towards Head of Design or Design Director within 12 months.

The business is looking for a mechanically biased design professional who can lead and develop the existing Design Engineering and CAD teams while remaining technically involved in projects where required.

The Role

Based at the company's head office in Woking, you will take responsibility for overseeing mechanical design across a portfolio of commercial Design & Build projects.

This is a leadership position that requires more than producing designs. You'll need to take a proactive approach to identifying potential issues at the outset, considering how mechanical services will integrate with the building structure and other disciplines.

From understanding beam positions and service routes to identifying coordination challenges before they become problems on site, you'll play a key role in ensuring designs are practical, buildable and commercially viable.

You'll lead the design engineers and CAD teams, provide technical guidance and work closely with pre-construction, commercial and project delivery teams to ensure a smooth transition from design through to installation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the mechanical design function across multiple commercial projects.
• Manage, mentor and develop Design Engineers and CAD teams.
• Oversee mechanical design from initial concept and pre-construction through to detailed design and delivery.
• Review designs to ensure they are technically compliant, coordinated and buildable.
• Identify potential design issues early, including structural constraints, beam positions, service routes, ceiling voids and plant space requirements.
• Coordinate mechanical services with structural, architectural and electrical disciplines.
• Provide technical guidance on HVAC, ventilation, heating, cooling and associated mechanical systems.
• Review drawings, specifications, calculations and technical submissions.
• Work closely with estimating and pre-construction teams to develop practical and commercially viable solutions.
• Identify risks and opportunities for value engineering.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors to resolve technical challenges.
• Support project teams with design-related queries during construction.
• Ensure design information is issued accurately and in line with project programmes.
• Drive improvements in design processes, coordination and departmental standards.
• Take a hands‑on approach to design where required, particularly on complex or challenging projects.

Experience & Requirements

• Strong background delivering commercial Design & Build projects.
• Previous experience in a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Lead Design Engineer or similar position.
• Experience leading or managing Design Engineers and CAD teams.
• Strong technical understanding of HVAC and mechanical building services.
• Excellent knowledge of design coordination, service integration and buildability.
• Ability to identify and resolve technical challenges before they affect construction.
• Experience working closely with pre-construction, estimating and project delivery teams.
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational abilities.

The Opportunity

This is a particularly attractive opportunity for an ambitious Senior Mechanical Design Engineer who wants to progress into a senior leadership position.

The successful candidate will initially take a leading role within the design function, with the expectation of progressing towards Head of Design or Design Director within approximately 12 months, subject to performance and business requirements.

You'll have the opportunity to shape the design department, develop the existing team, improve processes and influence how projects are designed and delivered across the business.

Package

• Additional benefits package.
• Head office based in Woking, Surrey.
• Leadership responsibility across Design Engineers and CAD teams.
• Clear progression pathway towards Head of Design or Design Director.
• Opportunity to influence the future direction of the design function.
• Varied portfolio of commercial Design & Build projects.

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