Associate Design Director – Building Services

White Recruitment Construction; Manchester; On-site; GBP 66,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading M&E Design and Build contractor in Manchester seeks an Associate Design Director to lead their design team. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services, with proven experience in the construction sector and a strong understanding of HVAC systems. Responsibilities include design, client collaboration, and technical support throughout projects. The role offers an attractive salary package, including a car allowance, generous holiday, and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

£6,000 car allowance

33 days holiday (including bank holidays)

Holiday buy-back scheme

Healthcare scheme after probation

8% pension contribution

Excellent career progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience within the construction or M&E design sector.
• Strong technical understanding of HVAC systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and specify mechanical building services systems, including HVAC and plumbing.
• Produce detailed designs, drawings, and specifications using AutoCAD.
• Support the tender process with technical input, value engineering, and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with project managers, subcontractors, and supply partners.
• Attend site surveys and client meetings; provide ongoing technical support.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Building Services Design

HVAC systems

Communication

Stakeholder Management

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services

Tools

Hevacomp

Job description

Associate Design Director – Building Services

A well-established M&E Design and Build contractor providing full turnkey mechanical and electrical installation and maintenance services is seeking a Mechanical Design or Building Services Engineer to head up the design team. With over 20 years of successful delivery across commercial, healthcare, motor retail, and high-security environments, the business continues to grow and now requires an experienced Design Engineer to join their team to take responsibility for the design function across the group.

You’ll work with clients from initial consultation through to detailed design and handover, supporting both design and build and refurbishment projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and specify mechanical building services systems, including HVAC and plumbing.
• Produce detailed designs, drawings, and specifications using AutoCAD.
• Support the tender process with technical input, value engineering, and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with project managers, subcontractors, and supply partners to deliver integrated M&E solutions.
• Attend site surveys and client meetings; provide ongoing technical support through to commissioning and handover.

Package:

• £66,000-£86,000 DOE
• £6,000 car allowance
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Holiday buy-back scheme
• Healthcare scheme after probation
• 8% pension contribution
• Excellent career progression within a supportive and growing organisation

What You’ll Need:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services.
• Proven experience within the construction or M&E design sector.
• Strong technical understanding of HVAC systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and design tools such as Hevacomp or similar.