MEP Design Lead 

Major Data Centre Project, Portugal

Our client is a leading engineering and construction main contractor delivering major new-build data centre projects across Europe. They provide full turnkey solutions from initial design and groundworks through to structural build, MEP installation, commissioning, and handover. With a strong track record in large-scale, mission-critical projects, they are now seeking an experienced MEP Design Lead to join a major data centre project in Portugal.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead engagement with the client’s design team for project-wide MEP design and services coordination.
• Manage the in-house design team and external consultants to ensure timely design progression in line with construction schedules.
• Plan and lead design and engineering workshops, proactively resolving design issues ahead of site activities.
• Oversee the Technical Submittal (TS) process to ensure compliance with project specifications and timely approvals.
• Manage design queries and RFIs, maintaining accurate documentation and coordinating updates through weekly design meetings.
• Oversee Issued for Construction (IFC) releases and updates, ensuring all teams work from current approved designs and that changes are properly managed.
• Lead weekly design and engineering coordination meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain a design risk register, communicating key risks and mitigation plans to senior management and the client.
• Manage design and submittal processes for FFE packages within administrative areas to ensure timely delivery.
• Prepare and deliver weekly design progress reports, highlighting risks and proposed mitigation measures.
• Coordinate contractor construction drawings and models, ensuring they are reviewed, approved, and issued in line with project timelines.
• Oversee as-built drawing and model submissions in accordance with project handover requirements.
• Ensure all O&M manuals and documentation are submitted and uploaded to approved client platforms.
• Manage and coordinate LEED design requirements, liaising with the client’s design team and consultants to ensure compliance and timely reporting.
• Ensure project quality plans and QA/QC procedures are implemented and followed on site.
• Liaise with Temporary Works Designers (TWD) and the client’s PSDA management team on temporary works, traffic management, and design risk assessments.
• Coordinate with OFCI vendors appointed by the client, ensuring delivery aligns with project specifications and schedules, and manage technical submittals and discrepancy resolution.

Requirements:
Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
Minimum 10+ years’ experience in design management or engineering leadership roles on large-scale construction or data centre projects.
Proven experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants.
Strong understanding of technical design processes, QA/QC procedures, and change control.
Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
Familiarity with LEED, BIM, and project collaboration platforms is highly desirable.

A competitive salary is offered along with bonus, allowances and an international assignment package suitable for candidates on rotation or relocating to Portugal