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- Tasks: Lead design coordination and ensure compliance for a cutting-edge R&D campus.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leader in innovative construction and design.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a transformative science and technology project.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in multidisciplinary design coordination.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation and continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Help deliver a next‑generation R&D campus. Laing O'Rourke is supporting the creation of a world‑class research and technology environment at the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) in Oxford - a highly collaborative campus blending laboratories, teaching spaces, clinical/innovation suites, and advanced workplace environments. We're seeking a Deputy Design Manager with a Mechanical Engineering background to drive coordination and assurance across complex MEP systems and specialist lab infrastructure.
If you're an experienced electrical engineer (or early‑stage design manager) ready to step into broader design leadership on a flagship UK science & technology project, this is your platform.
What You’ll Do- Design Coordination & Technical Assurance: Lead the coordination and review of electrical and MEP design packages for buildability, compliance, maintainability, and safety. Integrate specialist requirements typical of laboratories and research facilities (e.g., resilient power, life‑safety systems, containment, structured cabling/data, UPS/backup, controls integration). Track client, statutory, and contractual requirements and maintain robust design assurance records.
- Programme, Delivery & Interfaces: Develop design programmes, dependencies, and reporting—keeping multidisciplinary teams aligned to key milestones. Chair or contribute to design reviews, technical workshops, and interface meetings (architectural, structural, MEP, specialist vendors). Support onsite delivery: respond to technical queries (TQ/RFI), collaborate on QA, and enable commissioning and handover.
- Governance, Risk & Compliance: Contribute to risk and opportunity management for electrical and integrated building systems. Ensure alignment with statutory compliance and external assurance (e.g., Building Regulations, British Standards, HTMs/ISO where applicable). Evidence compliance with Laing O'Rourke governance, procedures, and digital tools.
- People & Collaboration: Partner with the Design Manager to drive project‑wide design strategy. Coach and support apprentices/trainees/graduated design managers and foster a collaborative culture with consultants and specialist supply chain partners.
- Qualifications (Recommended): Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related discipline). Chartered or working towards chartership with a recognised professional body.
- Experience & Mindset: Multidisciplinary design coordination experience; comfortable working with consultants and specialist subcontractors. Exposure to science/technology/healthcare or other complex building types is beneficial. Strong communicator who enjoys problem‑solving, structured planning, and stakeholder engagement. Digital‑first mindset; comfortable using modern design management and BIM‑enabled workflows. Commitment to safety, sustainability, and delivering high‑performance, future‑ready buildings.
- Impact: Help deliver a cutting‑edge environment that accelerates research, teaching, and innovation.
- Growth: Step beyond single‑discipline engineering into end‑to‑end design leadership on a landmark UK project.
- Culture: A supportive team that values collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and high performance.
- Flexibility: Hybrid working with time split across Oxford site offices and other LOR locations as needed.
Ready to make an impact? Apply now and help us shape a transformative science & technology campus in Oxford.
Deputy Design Manager - Mechanical - Science & Research employer: Laing O'Rourke
Contact Detail:
Laing O'Rourke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Design Manager - Mechanical - Science & Research
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent developments, especially in science and technology. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in mechanical engineering and design coordination make you the perfect fit for the Deputy Design Manager role. Keep it concise and focus on your problem-solving abilities and collaborative mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team and contributing to groundbreaking projects like the EIT.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Design Manager - Mechanical - Science & Research
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Deputy Design Manager role. Highlight your mechanical engineering background and any relevant project experience, especially in multidisciplinary design coordination.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this project and how your experience makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your commitment to safety and sustainability!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a strong communicator, it's essential to demonstrate this in your application. Use clear and concise language, and provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders or led teams in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering principles, especially those related to MEP systems and laboratory environments. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've led design coordination or tackled complex technical challenges.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, prepare examples that highlight your experience in collaboration. Think about times when you’ve successfully engaged with consultants or managed stakeholder expectations.
✨Prepare for Design Reviews
Familiarise yourself with the design review process and be ready to discuss how you would approach chairing or contributing to these meetings. Bring examples of how you've handled technical queries or facilitated discussions in past projects.
✨Emphasise Your Digital Mindset
This role values a digital-first approach, so be prepared to talk about your experience with BIM-enabled workflows and modern design management tools. Highlight any specific software or technologies you’ve used to enhance project delivery.