At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead MEP design projects, ensuring technical and commercial risks are identified early.
- Company: Established building services contractor with a strong project pipeline.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and the chance to influence project outcomes.
- Other info: Work on high-value, technically challenging projects across London and the South East.
- Why this job: Shape engineering strategies and ensure successful project delivery from the start.
- Qualifications: Experience in MEP design and strong communication skills required.
A leading UK building services contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Engineering Manager / Design Manager to join its Engineering team. The role will have a strong focus on projects during the PCSA and preconstruction stages, taking responsibility for assessing the MEP design, identifying technical and commercial risk, and ensuring projects are sufficiently developed before moving into contract.
You will work closely with clients, main contractors, consultants, preconstruction and commercial teams to interrogate the design and ensure outstanding technical issues are identified and resolved at an early stage. The objective is simple: de-risk the project before contract and ensure the delivery team inherits a coordinated, buildable and commercially robust MEP design. Projects will predominantly be Commercial shell and core, Education, Leisure and Healthcare schemes.
Role & Responsibilities
- Take technical ownership of MEP projects through the PCSA and preconstruction stages.
- Review consultant designs and specifications to assess completeness, compliance and buildability.
- Identify design gaps, ambiguities, discrepancies and technical risks before contract.
- Ensure outstanding design issues are captured, tracked and resolved by the relevant consultants.
- Review projects from both an engineering and commercial risk perspective, identifying areas that could impact programme, cost or delivery.
- Lead design reviews and technical workshops with clients, main contractors, consultants and specialist subcontractors.
- Challenge designs where appropriate and develop alternative solutions to improve buildability, efficiency and value.
- Establish clear design responsibilities, deliverables and information requirements.
- Work closely with estimating, commercial, procurement and project teams throughout the PCSA.
- Support the development of MEP design from early-stage consultant information through to a position suitable for contract and delivery.
- Ensure technical assumptions, exclusions and outstanding design items are clearly understood prior to contract.
- Manage external consultants and specialist subcontractor design where required.
- Support the transition from preconstruction into the delivery team, ensuring technical risks and design strategy are clearly communicated.
The Candidate
The successful candidate will ideally come from an MEP / Building Services contractor background and have experience taking major projects through PCSA or preconstruction. You could currently be operating as an Engineering Manager, Design Manager, MEP Design Manager, Technical Manager or Principal Design Engineer.
You will ideally have:
- Strong mechanical and/or electrical building services knowledge.
- Previous experience working for an MEP contractor.
- Experience reviewing and developing consultant-led MEP designs.
- A strong understanding of the PCSA and preconstruction process.
- The ability to identify technical, buildability, programme and commercial risk within a design.
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary MEP design.
- Confidence challenging consultants and driving design issues through to resolution.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work with clients, main contractors, consultants and internal commercial/project teams.
- A relevant Building Services, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering qualification would be advantageous.
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to join an established and highly regarded building services contractor with a strong pipeline of projects across London and the South East. Rather than simply managing design during construction, you will have genuine influence over projects before they enter contract, helping shape the engineering strategy, identify risk and ensure projects are set up correctly for successful delivery. The business offers a strong package, long-term career progression and the opportunity to work across technically challenging, high-value MEP projects.
Design Engineering Manager employer: Michael Taylor Search & Selection
Join a leading international construction contractor in London, where you will be part of a dynamic and supportive commercial team dedicated to delivering high-value projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will gain invaluable experience working alongside seasoned professionals on complex MEP packages, while enjoying a collaborative work culture that prioritises innovation and career advancement. This is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking meaningful employment in a thriving environment that values your contributions and fosters professional development.
Contact Details:
Michael Taylor Search & Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineering Manager
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
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✨Engage with Online Communities
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✨Apply Through Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Design Engineering Manager, 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 Michael Taylor Search & Selection 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 Michael Taylor Search & Selection 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 Michael Taylor Search & Selection
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Michael Taylor Search & Selection, 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 Michael Taylor Search & Selection 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.
