Mechanical Project Lead in Vauxhall

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Project Lead to join a leading Tier 1 MEP contractor on one of the UK's most significant hyperscale data centre developments. The successful candidate will join during the preconstruction phase, taking full responsibility for the mechanical delivery of a major hyperscale data centre through construction, commissioning and final handover.

You will oversee a team of mechanical engineers, supervisors and site operatives, ensuring all mechanical installations are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme and to the highest quality standards. The initial project offers approximately three years of secured work, with two further hyperscale data centres planned across the City. This is an excellent opportunity for an established Mechanical Project Lead to take ownership of a large-scale, technically complex project while leading an experienced mechanical delivery team.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for mechanical project delivery from preconstruction through to commissioning and final handover.
• Lead and manage a team of mechanical engineers, supervisors, subcontractors and site operatives.
• Oversee the installation and coordination of major mechanical systems, including HVAC, chilled water, cooling infrastructure, pipework and associated building services.
• Manage mechanical construction programmes, resources, labour allocation and subcontractor performance.
• Work closely with the Project Director, Construction Managers and wider MEP leadership team.
• Coordinate with electrical, CSA, design and commissioning teams to ensure successful integration of all building services.
• Oversee procurement, technical submissions, RFIs, design coordination and installation methodologies.
• Ensure all mechanical works comply with project specifications, quality standards and health & safety requirements.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges, programme risks and construction coordination issues.
• Lead mechanical progress meetings, monitor project milestones and report directly to senior project leadership.
• Oversee testing, commissioning, quality assurance and handover activities.
• Mentor and develop the mechanical delivery team, ensuring effective performance throughout the project lifecycle.

Experience & Requirements

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Project Lead, Mechanical Project Manager, Senior Mechanical Project Manager or Mechanical Contracts Manager within a recognised MEP contractor.
• Strong background delivering major mechanical packages on large-scale construction projects.
• Previous experience within data centres, mission-critical facilities, major commercial developments or similarly complex environments.
• Demonstrable experience managing teams of mechanical engineers, supervisors, subcontractors and site operatives.
• Strong technical understanding of HVAC, chilled water systems, cooling infrastructure, mechanical plant and associated building services.
• Experience managing mechanical installations from preconstruction through to commissioning and handover.
• Excellent knowledge of construction programmes, procurement, technical coordination and health & safety requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams while maintaining programme, quality and safety standards.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive salary/package or freelance day rate, dependent on experience. For permanent employees, the comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Competitive travel allowance
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Private healthcare
• Company pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Long-term career progression opportunities
• Additional company benefits

Freelance opportunities are also available on an outside IR35 basis.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Flagship Project: Take mechanical delivery responsibility on a major hyperscale data centre development.
• Long-Term Security: Approximately three years of initial project delivery, with further projects offering potential long-term continuity.
• Leadership Responsibility: Oversee an established team of mechanical engineers, supervisors and operatives on a technically complex project.
• Senior Leadership Exposure: Work directly alongside the Project Director and experienced operational leadership team.
• Technical Complexity: Gain exposure to advanced cooling infrastructure, critical mechanical systems and high-specification data centre installations.
• Career Progression: Join a growing Tier 1 MEP contractor with an expanding portfolio of major UK projects and opportunities to progress into senior operational leadership.

If you're an experienced Mechanical Project Lead or Senior Mechanical Project Manager looking to take the next step in your career, leading mechanical delivery on a major hyperscale data centre with a highly competitive package and long-term opportunities, we'd welcome a confidential conversation. Apply today or get in touch to discuss the opportunity in more detail.