M&E Design Manager

About the role

1st Step Solutions is supporting one of the UK's leading engineering services companies in finding an M&E Design Manager in Essex. The client delivers mechanical and electrical building services across many sectors and complex projects throughout the UK. The role suits an experienced design professional who can own the M&E design process, coordinate multidisciplinary teams and deliver projects safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the M&E design process across allocated projects, from concept and tender through detailed design, construction and handover.
• Coordinate mechanical and electrical design activities to ensure fully integrated solutions.
• Manage external consultants, specialist subcontractors and suppliers, and review designs for technical compliance, buildability, value engineering and commercial viability.
• Ensure designs comply with legislation, British Standards, Building Regulations and project requirements.
• Lead design coordination meetings, manage design risks, interfaces, changes and technical queries, and support procurement by reviewing specialist subcontractor and supplier proposals.
• Review and approve technical submissions, specifications, drawings, calculations and design information, and ensure design information is issued in line with the programme.
• Work with project managers, quantity surveyors, commercial teams and site management, and support the resolution of technical issues and RFIs during construction.
• Monitor design progress, report key issues to senior management, and ensure commissioning, testing and handover requirements are built into the design.

Required profile

• Proven experience as an M&E Design Manager, Building Services Design Manager or similar in construction or building services.
• Experience with a main contractor, M&E contractor, specialist contractor or engineering consultancy.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants.
• Experience on commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, residential or other technically complex projects.
• Strong understanding of buildability and practical construction requirements.

Required skills

• Strong technical knowledge of mechanical and electrical building services.
• Design coordination, BIM and multidisciplinary interfaces.
• Knowledge of British Standards, Building Regulations and industry legislation.
• Good communication, stakeholder management and organisational skills.

What we offer

• Permanent position with a competitive salary depending on experience.
• Pension and 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Professional development, training and career progression opportunities.
• Employee support schemes.