Mechanical Design Manager – Main Contractor (Residential Projects)
Location: London & Surrounding Areas
Type: Permanent | Full-Time
Salary: £80,000 + Package

About the Company

We have a vacancy with an established Main Contractor who have a strong reputation for delivering high-quality residential developments across London and the South East. Their clients include major developers and local authorities, with projects ranging from mid-rise apartment schemes to large-scale regeneration developments. As their project pipeline continues to grow, they are seeking a Mechanical Design Manager to join their in-house team.

The Role

This is a key technical role, responsible for overseeing the mechanical design process from initial client brief through to delivery on site. The Mechanical Design Manager will take ownership of early-stage engineering input, ensuring all designs meet regulatory, safety and performance standards, with a specific focus on compliance with Building Safety Act requirements, including Gateway 2 and Gateway 3.

Working closely with external consultants and the internal project delivery team, you will review and verify design calculations, manage the flow of technical information, and coordinate with M&E subcontractors during the installation phase.

Key Responsibilities

* Develop and interpret client briefs into high-level mechanical engineering strategies.

* Carry out preliminary engineering calculations such as heat loss/gain, pipe sizing, and flow rate assessments.

* Act as the technical lead through RIBA Stages 3 to 5, ensuring compliance with current regulations, including Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 requirements under the Building Safety Act.

* Manage and coordinate the production of mechanical design documentation by external consultants.

* Review and verify mechanical designs, calculations, and specifications to ensure accuracy, feasibility, and compliance.

* Provide technical input and oversight during the procurement and management of the M&E subcontractor supply chain.

* Support the site team during installation, testing, commissioning, and handover phases.

* Liaise with building control, client representatives, and design stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

Requirements

* Demonstrable experience in mechanical design management within the residential sector, ideally with a Main Contractor or design consultancy.

* Strong understanding of building services design and performance requirements for residential developments.

* Full working knowledge of Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 under the Building Safety Act, and experience ensuring design compliance at these stages.

* Competent in engineering calculations and principles for heating, ventilation, water systems, and energy efficiency.

* Proven track record of managing external design consultants and subcontractor coordination.

* Familiarity with relevant regulations and industry standards, including CIBSE guidelines, Building Regulations Part L, and sustainability standards.

* Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.

Package & Benefits

* Competitive salary dependent on experience

* Car allowance or travel expenses

* Private healthcare and pension scheme

* Clear career progression within a growing business

* Involvement in major residential developments across London

To Apply
To discuss the role in confidence or apply directly, contact the team at 12 Recruitment today

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