MEP Design Manager

Our client is a €1bn turnover Tier 1 main contractor operating across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. They deliver major, complex construction projects with a particular emphasis on Data Centres, Distribution Centres, and large-scale commercial builds.

Role Overview:
As part of their ongoing expansion across mainland Europe, the company is now seeking an experienced MEP Design Manager to join their team on a new-build hyperscale data centre project in Portugal.
This is a key office- and site-based role responsible for the management and delivery of all MEP design activities, ensuring coordination, compliance, and integration across mechanical, electrical, and public health systems. The successful candidate will play a central role in ensuring designs are accurate, buildable, and aligned with the project programme and client requirements.

Key Responsibilities:
Lead the development and delivery of all MEP design packages for the project.
Coordinate design activities between mechanical, electrical, and public health disciplines.
Ensure design solutions meet client requirements, technical standards, and regulatory compliance.
Review and approve design drawings, specifications, and calculations.
Manage the interface between design teams, subcontractors, and project delivery teams.
Identify design risks, constraints, and opportunities, and provide mitigation strategies.
Support value engineering initiatives to optimise cost, programme, and buildability.
Chair design coordination meetings and provide regular updates to the Project Director and Project Manager.
Liaise with clients, consultants, and specialist suppliers to ensure smooth delivery and integration of designs.

Key Requirements:
Proven experience managing MEP design on large-scale construction projects, ideally data centres, advanced industrial facilities, or similar high-value technical builds.
Strong understanding of MEP design principles, coordination, and integration processes.
Familiarity with mechanical systems (HVAC, chilled water, pumps, ductwork), electrical systems (power distribution, UPS, generators, controls), and public health systems (plumbing, drainage, fire protection).
Experience managing design teams, workflows, and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent organisational, communication, and leadership skills.
Relevant engineering degree or professional qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Services.
Previous experience working on major European projects is highly desirable.

Package:
In return, our client can offer a strong basic salary plus car, accommodation, bonus, and a full benefits package. This is a permanent role based in Portugal; accommodation is provided, but the position is not offered on a rotational basis.

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