Mechanical Design Lead

Mechanical Design Lead / Senior MEP Design Manager

Mechanical Design Lead / Senior MEP Design Manager (Freelance). London EC1.

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a Senior MEP Design Manager (Mechanical bias) to join a major Tier 1 main contractor on a flagship £110m development in Central London.

Based near Liverpool Street, this role will see you take full ownership of the mechanical design package, driving performance, coordination, and delivery across a complex, multi-phase scheme.

The Project

This high-profile project comprises two core elements:

Cat A refurbishment & fit-out of 13 existing floors (approx. 7,000 sqft per floor)

New build extension – a 3–4 storey structure delivered on the existing front plaza

Running through to mid-2027, the programme presents a technically challenging environment with significant emphasis on MEP coordination, sequencing, and integration within both refurbishment and new build contexts.

The Role

This is a senior leadership position within the design team, specifically focused on the mechanical works package. You will sit above the MEP/design engineers and CAD teams, taking responsibility for driving the mechanical design programme, ensuring outputs are delivered on time, coordinated, and aligned with construction requirements. This role requires someone hands-on, assertive, and delivery-focused — not afraid to push teams and demand results.

Key responsibilities include:

* Leading and managing the mechanical design package from pre-construction through delivery

* Overseeing internal and external MEP designers, consultants, and CAD teams

* Driving the timely production and release of mechanical design information and drawings

* Ensuring full coordination between mechanical, electrical, and architectural disciplines

* Managing design sequencing in line with construction and installation programmes

* Identifying and resolving design clashes, buildability issues, and technical challenges

* Acting as the key point of contact between design, commercial, and site delivery teams

* Holding design teams accountable to programme milestones and deliverables

The Candidate

We are seeking a strong, senior-level MEP Design Manager with a clear mechanical bias and a proven track record delivering complex commercial schemes.

You will be:

* Highly experienced in managing mechanical packages on large-scale projects

* Confident, forthright, and capable of driving design teams to meet demanding deadlines

* Strong in design sequencing, coordination, and programme integration

* Comfortable operating in a fast-paced Tier 1 contractor environment

* Technically competent with a deep understanding of HVAC systems, plant, and building services integration

* An effective communicator who can challenge, influence, and lead from the front

This role suits someone who thrives in a high-pressure delivery environment and can take full control of the mechanical design function to ensure successful project outcomes. If you’re a Senior MEP Design Manager with a mechanical focus looking for a long-term freelance role on a landmark London scheme, this is a fantastic opportunity to step into a key leadership position