MEP Lead – Data Centre Projects

Location: Onsite, Manchester, UK

Job Type: Full-Time

Industry: Data Centre Construction & Engineering

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Lead to oversee the design, coordination, and execution of MEP systems for state-of-the-art data centre developments at our Manchester site. In this critical leadership role, you will ensure that our mission-critical facilities are built to the highest standards of safety, reliability, energy efficiency, and scalability.

Key Responsibilities

• Onsite Project Oversight: Manage the end-to-end MEP lifecycle directly from our Manchester location, guiding the project from construction through to testing, commissioning, and handover.
• Technical Leadership: Provide expert guidance on critical power distribution, HVAC systems, cooling infrastructure, fire suppression, and building management systems (BMS).
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate daily with onsite project managers, engineers, architects, and subcontractors to eliminate clashes and keep the project schedule on track.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure all onsite installations strictly adhere to local UK regulatory standards, industry best practices (such as Uptime Institute Tier standards), and stringent health and safety protocols.
• Resource & Vendor Management: Oversee onsite contractor performance, review technical submittals, and manage local resource allocation to deliver the project within budget constraints.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience managing MEP systems specifically within data centre construction or mission-critical environments.
• Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services, or a related field (relevant UK certifications are a strong plus).
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of high-availability power systems (UPS, generators, switchgear) and advanced cooling architectures (chilled water systems, CRAH/HAC units).
• Location & Availability: Must be able to work permanently onsite in Manchester on a full-time basis.
• Soft Skills: Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities with a proven track record of managing site teams.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: Highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Private healthcare, pension scheme, and performance-related bonuses.
• Career Growth: Opportunity to anchor high-value, cutting-edge digital infrastructure projects in the heart of Manchester.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Nick Rands