Role Summary
The MEP Design Manager will lead and manage all Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP) design activities on a live, complex project within the Engineering business unit.
This role is responsible for the ongoing development, coordination, and control of MEP design throughout delivery and commissioning on a technically demanding project with an extended programme of works. The MEP Design Manager will ensure that all design solutions are compliant, buildable, and aligned with project specifications, client requirements, and commercial objectives.
Working closely with internal engineering teams, design consultants, and the supply chain, the role will provide technical leadership, maintain design integrity, and manage change within a highly regulated and controlled project environment.
What you will be doing
- MEP Design Leadership (Live Environment)
Lead and manage MEP design activities across a live project, ensuring fully coordinated and compliant engineering solutions.
- Design Management & Coordination
Manage design consultants and specialist subcontractors, ensuring delivery of design information in line with programme requirements and engineering standards.
- Design Change Control
Manage and coordinate design changes arising from programme extensions, site constraints, and client-driven requirements, ensuring full control, traceability, and impact assessment.
- Compliance & Assurance
Ensure all design outputs comply with statutory regulations, project specifications, and client technical standards, maintaining a robust design assurance process.
- Value Engineering & Commercial Control
Drive value engineering initiatives while maintaining performance and compliance, ensuring design solutions remain aligned with budget and programme.
- Buildability & Engineering Integration
Work closely with delivery teams to ensure design solutions are practical, safe, and aligned with construction and installation methodologies within a constrained and operational environment.
- Commissioning & Handover
Lead MEP design input into commissioning and handover processes, ensuring systems are fully coordinated, tested, and delivered in line with project requirements.
- Risk Management
Maintain and manage the design risk register, proactively identifying and mitigating risks associated with design development and site constraints.
- Stakeholder Management
Act as the key point of contact for MEP design matters, liaising with client representatives, consultants, and internal teams to ensure clear communication and alignment.
- Programme & Deliverables Management
Monitor design progress against programme, ensuring timely delivery of information to support construction activities across an extended and evolving timeline.
- Supply Chain Integration
Engage with procurement and specialist subcontractors to ensure design solutions are aligned with supply chain capabilities and delivery strategies.
- Technical Reporting & Governance
Provide structured reporting on design progress, risks, changes, and commercial impacts, ensuring alignment with project governance requirements.
- Meetings & Reviews
Lead and contribute to technical reviews, coordination meetings, and client engagements, ensuring all design matters are effectively communicated and resolved.
- Performance Management
Monitor and manage the performance of design consultants and supply chain partners, ensuring delivery to required standards and driving continuous improvement.
- Systems & Compliance
Ensure all design activities are undertaken in accordance with company procedures, project requirements, and relevant legislation, including adherence to controlled information and approval processes.
What we will need from you
- Proven experience as an MEP Design Manager within an engineering or construction environment
- Strong experience managing MEP design during live project delivery and commissioning phases
- Experience working within highly regulated or complex project environments
- Excellent knowledge of UK building regulations, engineering standards, and design assurance processes
- Strong commercial awareness, including managing design change and programme impacts
- Experience managing design consultants, specialist subcontractors, and multidisciplinary teams
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to interface with demanding client environments
- Ability to manage complex design coordination and change over extended programmes
- Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Proactive, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused approach
What we can offer you
- Competitive salary
- Car Allowance
- 26 days annual leave (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday)
- 3 additional long service days achieved after 3, 7 and 10 years
- Private medical insurance for yourself (with the option to buy family cover)
- Life Assurance
- Defined contribution pension scheme matched up to 8%
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and parental leave
- 2 days volunteering opportunities
- Flexible and Agile working (dependent on your role)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Professional membership fees
- Perks at Work Employee discount scheme offering discounts on a range of categories such as electronics, home appliances, food & groceries, car buying, travel, fitness and more
- Flexible Benefits scheme which includes the opportunity to purchase benefits such as:
- Critical illness insurance (with option to purchase for your partner)
- Dental Insurance
- Travel insurance
- Cycle to work scheme
- Retail vouchers/payroll giving/activity pass for top leisure attractions.
Who we are
Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company. We deliver vital projects across a range of sectors including health, education, highways, justice, defence, aviation, water and environment.
It is our people who make Tilbury Douglas a success. We believe our inclusive culture encourages new ways of thinking, enabling us to innovate whilst remaining resilient. We value and celebrate all individual differences and look forward to receiving your application.
We are proud to announce that we have retained our Investors in Diversity Silver Award.
Please note that this role is subject to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance which includes identity, employment history, and criminal record checks.
Please note we do not have a sponsorship licence.
We look forward to receiving your application!
