Associate Director - Mechanical Design

Eligo Recruitment Ltd; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an Associate Director of Mechanical Design, based in the UK, to lead engineering projects within the data centre sector. This remote role involves significant travel across the EU. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering, a strong track record in leadership and project management, and excellent communication skills. Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and quality in engineering processes.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of technical expertise in mechanical engineering related to data centres.
• 3+ years leading and mentoring multidisciplinary teams.
• 3+ years of project management experience overseeing engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve complex technical designs for compliance.
• Enhance project functionality and optimize costs.
• Manage resources and conduct team development.
• Ensure collaboration between Mechanical and Electrical teams.
• Interpret contracts and assist in procurement.
• Represent engineering in shaping Quality Assurance procedures.
• Manage the delivery of large-scale capital projects.

Skills

Exceptional communication

Organizational capabilities

Ability to build relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Associate Director, Mechanical Design (Remote - UK /EU Travel)

About the Role

As an Associate Director of Mechanical Design, you will be a pivotal leader, working on a diverse range of critical data centre projects across the EMEA region. Operating as a key member of the management team, you are a proven self-starter and a talented problem-solver. You will apply current mechanical design technologies, exercise independent technical and financial judgment, and thrive in a fast-paced, agile environment. This role requires an experienced leader who is committed to upholding the highest standards of design processes and engineering techniques through close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Candidate Profile

This senior position offers a remote work arrangement based in the UK, with essential travel throughout the European Union to meet project and team needs.

Education

Bachelor's (Honours) degree in Engineering or a related field. Chartered Engineer status is an advantage but not mandatory.

Experience

• 10+ years of recognized technical expertise within the sector, specifically in mechanical engineering related to data centres and/or complex industrial/high‑tech and commercial facilities.
• 3+ years of progressive experience in people management, leading and mentoring multidisciplinary teams (including consultants and in‑house engineers).
• 3+ years of project management experience, overseeing the successful delivery of both electrical and mechanical engineering projects.

Skills

Exceptional communication, presentation, and organizational capabilities. Proven ability to build effective working relationships with employees at all levels and with external partners.

Mindset

Strong drive for continuous innovation, adoption of emerging technologies, and championing design process excellence.

Key Day‑to‑Day Activities

• Design & Quality Oversight: Review and approve complex technical designs to ensure full compliance with scope and functional requirements. Lead a high‑performing team, championing Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) to meet stringent project deadlines.
• Technical & Financial Enhancement: Enhance project functionality and optimize costs. Monitor expenditure and innovate to minimise expenses.
• Resource & Team Management: Manage group resources, including effective outsourcing strategies. Conduct monthly one‑on‑ones and maintain informal communication to monitor team development. Train junior members and implement clear action plans for performance improvement.
• Collaboration & Communication: Ensure effective collaboration and seamless integration between Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) teams. Effectively communicate complex information to external parties (clients, suppliers, partners, vendors) and build strong relationships with key business associates.
• Business & Contractual Acumen: Interpret contracts, understand terms and conditions, and ensure all work adheres to established parameters. Assist in the procurement of new business and liaise with senior management regarding relevant industry trends, new products, and technologies.
• Strategic Input: Represent the engineering group to the wider company, providing strategic inputs to shape Quality Assurance procedures and ensure the team is up‑to‑date on new technologies.
• Project Delivery: Manage a team in the simultaneous delivery of multiple large‑scale capital projects.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Eligo Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Eligo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive and equitable environment for employees and applicants. We actively celebrate and embrace differences, including but not limited to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, and disability. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and all will be considered for employment without discrimination. At Eligo Recruitment diversity, equity and inclusion is integral to achieving our mission to ensure every workplace reflects the richness of human diversity.