M&E Design Manager

We’re working with a forward-thinking, sustainability-driven engineering and contracting business. They deliver Net Zero, low energy building design, mechanical & electrical contracting, and integrated building services solutions across education, healthcare, commercial, residential, social housing and retrofit sectors. They pride ourselves on innovation, environmental impact, and full life-cycle project delivery.
As they grow, they’re looking for an experienced M&E Design Manager to lead the design team and ensure robust, efficient mechanical & electrical systems for a range of sustainable building projects.
Your Role & Key Responsibilities
As M&E Design Manager, you will:
* Lead and manage the mechanical and electrical design function, ensuring projects are delivered to time, cost, and quality expectations
* Oversee design of HVAC, plumbing, ventilation, electrical distribution, controls, lighting, and energy systems in buildings across diverse sectors
* Drive continuous improvement—evaluate and introduce new technologies, methods, processes, and standards across company’ M&E portfolio
* Oversee the transition of schematic / conceptual designs (2D or preliminary) into full 3D models (e.g. in CAD / BIM systems)
* Supervise creation of accurate component and assembly drawings, specifications, and produce Bills of Materials (BoMs) ready for procurement and construction
* Apply design for manufacture, value engineering, life-cycle cost analysis, and sustainability criteria in all design decisions
* Liaise with external specialists, suppliers, subcontractors and manufacturers to agree specifications, coordinate interfaces, and drive constructability
* Engage with cross-functional teams (architecture, structural, energy, sustainability) both internally and with external stakeholders, including international collaborators
* Identify process efficiency and design improvements in current systems and designs
* Support or oversee prototyping, commissioning, and performance evaluation of systems where required
* Mentor and develop junior designers and engineers, driving best practice, standards, and knowledge sharing
Qualifications & Experience Required
Essential
* Degree / HND / NVQ / equivalent qualification in Mechanical / Electrical Engineering, Building Services, or similar field
* Significant experience in mechanical and/or electrical building systems design in a building services or contracting environment
* Proven track record managing a design team or function (leading multiple concurrent projects)
* Strong design capabilities in HVAC, ventilation, plumbing, lighting, power, controls, and electrical distribution
* Hands-on experience in producing detailed drawings, system layouts, specifications, and BoMs
* Comfortable with value engineering and cost-/performance tradeoff decisions
* Strong technical software skills (CAD, BIM, modeling, analysis tools)
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with ability to work with international and multi-disciplinary teams
* Self-motivated, detail-oriented, proactive, creative, and able to manage a complex workload
Desirable
* Experience in the sustainability / low-energy / Net Zero / retrofit building sector
* Previous exposure to or knowledge of building services in healthcare, education, or social housing
* Familiarity with M&E contracting processes, site coordination, and construction interface
* Understanding of controls systems (BMS), IoT, metering and energy monitoring
* Some experience in electrical engineering or basic electronics theory
* Experience of prototyping, commissioning, testing or performance evaluation
What's On Offer
Opportunity to play a critical leadership role in delivering Net Zero and sustainable building solutions
Exposure to diverse, high-impact projects across multiple sectors
Collaborative, innovative and values-driven culture
Professional development, training and mentorship
Flexible/hybrid working arrangements (office + project sites)
Competitive remuneration and benefits package