Senior MEP Manager / Technical Lead - Client Side

Job Title: Senior MEP Manager / Technical Lead - Client Side

Location: Waterloo, Central London
Salary: Very competitive with an excellent benefits package on top
Sector: Major Mixed-Use Development / Commercial / Residential

The Opportunity

Cobalt Recruitment is working with a leading international property developer to appoint an experienced Senior MEP Manager / Technical Lead for a major £150m+ mixed-use development in Waterloo, Central London. This is an excellent opportunity to join an established developer and take a leading role in the design, procurement, construction and commissioning of a landmark London development.

Working directly for the developer, you will act as the in-house MEP technical expert, overseeing all mechanical, electrical and public health aspects of the scheme from early design development through to completion, handover and operation.

The project presents an exciting technical challenge, involving the transformation of an existing structure into a modern, sustainable mixed-use destination incorporating residential, hospitality, commercial, retail and leisure spaces. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, low-carbon design and long-term building performance, the successful candidate will play an influential role in shaping the MEP strategy and ensuring the development is delivered to the highest standards.

This is a genuine client-side position, offering significant technical responsibility and the opportunity to influence key decisions throughout the development lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

MEP Design & Technical Management

• Lead the technical review, coordination and optimisation of MEP designs throughout the project lifecycle.
• Act as the client's technical representative, managing and challenging external consultants, designers and contractors.
• Ensure MEP strategies are technically robust, commercially viable and aligned with the overall development objectives.
• Review building services designs to identify opportunities for value engineering, improved efficiency and enhanced performance.
• Work closely with architects, structural engineers and other technical specialists to ensure fully coordinated design solutions.
• Oversee mechanical, electrical and public health systems, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and technical standards.
• Support the development of sustainable building services strategies, including low-carbon heating, electrification and energy efficiency.

Procurement & Preconstruction

• Provide technical leadership during the procurement of main contractors and specialist MEP packages.
• Support the preparation and review of technical scopes, employer's requirements and tender documentation.
• Participate in tender evaluations, contractor interviews and technical clarifications.
• Manage and coordinate MEP design development during Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) stages.
• Challenge design proposals and identify opportunities to improve buildability, programme efficiency and cost certainty.
• Work alongside commercial and development teams to assess the financial and programme implications of technical decisions.

Construction, Commissioning & Handover

• Oversee the technical delivery of MEP packages throughout construction.
• Monitor installation quality, progress and compliance with approved designs.
• Work closely with the main contractor, specialist subcontractors and external consultants to resolve technical challenges.
• Review and advise on design changes, technical risks and proposed alternative solutions.
• Oversee testing and commissioning strategies to ensure building services operate as intended.
• Support project completion, handover and the preparation of technical documentation, including O&M manuals and asset registers.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Building Safety Act requirements and associated documentation.

Building Performance & Asset Management

• Support the transition from construction into building operation and occupation.
• Work with asset management and facilities management teams to ensure building services operate efficiently.
• Review building performance, energy consumption and operational requirements.
• Provide technical advice on building management systems, energy optimisation and ongoing maintenance.
• Contribute to the development of long-term building services standards and operational strategies.

Experience & Background

We are keen to speak with experienced MEP professionals who have operated in senior technical or management positions on major UK developments.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum of 10 years' experience within MEP engineering, building services or technical management.
• Strong technical knowledge across mechanical, electrical and public health systems.
• Experience working on major commercial, residential or mixed-use developments.
• A proven track record across design development, construction, commissioning and handover.
• Experience managing external MEP consultants, contractors and specialist design teams.
• Strong knowledge of procurement, tendering and contractor selection.
• Experience of two-stage procurement and PCSA arrangements would be advantageous.
• The ability to challenge technical designs while understanding cost, programme and commercial implications.
• A good understanding of UK Building Regulations, CDM, the Building Safety Act and relevant industry standards.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.
• A degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline.

Experience working on complex refurbishment, retrofit or mixed-use developments would be particularly advantageous.

Additional experience in sustainable building design, net-zero carbon strategies, BREEAM, NABERS UK, building operations or facilities management would also be beneficial.

Candidates may currently be working for a property developer, engineering consultancy, major main contractor or specialist building services organisation.

Relevant backgrounds could include Senior MEP Manager, MEP Technical Lead, Building Services Manager, Technical Services Manager, MEP Design Manager or Associate / Director-level Building Services Engineer.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is a rare opportunity to move into a senior client-side technical position with a well-established international developer.

You will have genuine responsibility for the MEP strategy on a major £150m+ London development, working closely with senior stakeholders and influencing decisions from early design through to building operation.

For an experienced MEP professional looking to move away from a purely contractor-led delivery role, this position offers the opportunity to take greater ownership of design, procurement, sustainability and long-term building performance.

For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact Cobalt Recruitment.