At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead large-scale data centre projects and manage multidisciplinary teams to drive innovation.
- Company: HDR, a forward-thinking engineering firm focused on diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Employee ownership, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment that values your unique perspective and contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of technology and infrastructure.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in data centre projects, strong leadership, and client relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures; it is about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive.
From high-performance data centres driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment.
This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence. Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better.
About The Role
As a Project Principal, you will have the opportunity to manage large-scale multidisciplinary teams on mission-critical projects, carry out sales and business development activities to actively support business growth, and ensure projects are delivered technically correct and on time.
About You
We are seeking someone with proven experience delivering major data centre projects across EMEA, someone with a deep understanding of mission-critical MEP, power, cooling, and commissioning. You will need strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire large diverse delivery teams. You will have exceptional stakeholder and client relationship experience and skills, accompanied by commercial acumen with a track record of delivering projects on budget and on programme.
Responsibilities
- Lead full lifecycle delivery of large-scale data centre projects (typically £100m+)
- Manage multidisciplinary engineering, construction, commissioning, and operational teams
- Act as a senior client partner resolving challenges and ensuring expectations are exceeded
- Drive programme excellence: scope, cost, quality, risk, safety, and schedule
- Oversee contractor performance, procurement strategy, and commercial governance
- Champion technical standards and ensure all systems meet the highest levels of resilience and availability
- Report at executive level, ensuring transparent and proactive communication at all stages
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering
- Demonstrated leadership, business development, and strategic planning skills
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
- Extensive experience, especially in designing and managing projects, minimum 10 years' experience within a design consultancy working on data centre/mission critical projects
- MS Office and MS Project experience is required
- Strong leadership and people management skills and experience
- Incorporated Status in chosen discipline preferred and ongoing pursuit of Chartered status and business qualifications if not already achieved
- Able to establish rapport and good working relationships within the project team and Clients
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust, and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Primary Location: United Kingdom-England-Manchester
Other Locations: United Kingdom-England-London
Industry: Building Engineering
Schedule: Full-time
Employee Status: Regular
Business Class: Program Management
Job Posting: Sep 16, 2026
At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.
Project Principal in Manchester employer: HDR
At HDR, we pride ourselves on being a 100-percent employee-owned company that fosters a culture of inclusion and collaboration. Our Glasgow location offers a dynamic work environment where you can engage with experienced engineers, gain hands-on design experience, and access numerous opportunities for professional growth and advancement in the power sector. Join us to make a meaningful impact on energy systems while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values your contributions and authentic self.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Principal in Manchester
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Project Principal role you’re after at HDR.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at HDR a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at HDR.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Project Principal at HDR, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Principal in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Project Principal, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at HDR a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to HDR specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at HDR
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with HDR, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like HDR want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
