Construction Director M & E

Cheshire Solutions Limited; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Construction Director Mechanical & Electrical to oversee the delivery of high-value projects. The ideal candidate must have at least 20 years of M&E construction experience, with a minimum of 10 years in senior leadership roles. This position involves leading multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and driving project success. Competitive executive-level salary and hybrid working arrangements offered.

Benefits

Executive-level salary

Performance-based bonus

Company car / allowance

Pension and private healthcare

30 days annual leave including bank holidays

Flexible / hybrid working arrangements

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years experience in M&E construction with at least 10 years in senior leadership or director-level roles.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with IET or CIBSE preferred.
• Experience with UK infrastructure frameworks (e.g. National Grid, National Gas or MoD) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee M&E installation, integration, testing and commissioning activities.
• Drive project performance in terms of safety, quality, schedule and cost.
• Lead, mentor and develop project delivery teams.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Regulatory Compliance

Stakeholder Management

Communication

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Building Services Engineering

Job description

Construction Director Mechanical & Electrical (M&E)

Location: UK / Europe (Hybrid or Site-Based)

Reports To: Managing Director / Operations Director

Department: Projects / Construction Delivery

Purpose of the Role

The Construction Director M&E is accountable for leading the safe, efficient and high‑quality delivery of mechanical and electrical works across complex high‑value projects within highly regulated environments. This role ensures the successful execution of construction strategy from pre‑construction through to commissioning and handover while maintaining compliance with all technical, safety and regulatory standards.

The successful candidate will combine strong leadership, technical depth and commercial acumen to drive performance, quality and client satisfaction across multidisciplinary delivery teams.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the end‑to‑end delivery of large‑scale M&E construction projects ensuring alignment with business objectives and client expectations.
• Develop and implement construction execution strategies, project controls and delivery frameworks for complex programmes.
• Provide technical and operational leadership to project managers, engineers and site teams across multiple projects.

Project Delivery & Performance

• Oversee M&E installation, integration, testing and commissioning activities ensuring all works meet required technical and regulatory standards.
• Drive project performance in terms of safety, quality, schedule and cost.
• Implement robust project governance, progress reporting and performance reviews.
• Manage interfaces between M&E civil and systems disciplines to ensure seamless project delivery.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations, HSE legislation and client‑specific requirements.
• Maintain stringent control of work in regulated environments (e.g. energy, utilities, defence or pharmaceutical sectors).
• Drive zero‑harm culture and proactive safety leadership.

Commercial Management

• Work closely with commercial teams to ensure effective cost management, change control and risk mitigation.
• Support contract negotiations, subcontractor management and procurement strategies.
• Provide expert input to bids and tenders for new projects.

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

• Act as the senior interface with clients, partners and regulatory authorities.
• Manage senior stakeholder relationships to ensure trust, transparency and successful outcomes.
• Represent the business in project reviews, governance boards and industry forums.

People & Development

• Lead, mentor and develop project delivery teams ensuring succession planning and competency development.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable and performance‑driven culture.
• Promote continuous improvement in safety, delivery and innovation.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Degree‑qualified in Mechanical, Electrical or Building Services Engineering (or equivalent).
• Minimum 20 years experience in M&E construction with at least 10 years in senior leadership or director‑level roles.
• Proven record delivering high‑value (50–500M) projects in highly regulated environments (e.g. energy, nuclear, utilities, pharmaceutical or defence sectors).
• Demonstrated success in leading multi‑disciplinary project teams across design, engineering and construction phases.
• In‑depth knowledge of construction methodologies, quality systems and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong commercial understanding of NEC and FIDIC contracts.
• Excellent leadership, communication and negotiation skills.

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with IET or CIBSE.
• Experience with EPC/EPCM delivery models.
• Familiarity with BIM, digital delivery tools and modern methods of construction.
• Experience with UK infrastructure frameworks (e.g. National Grid, National Gas or MoD).
• Proven record of driving operational excellence and change leadership.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and operational leadership
• Strong health, safety and environmental focus
• Financial and commercial acumen
• Exceptional stakeholder management
• Decisive, results‑driven leadership style
• Integrity and accountability under pressure
• Commitment to innovation and continuous improvement

Compensation & Benefits

• Executive‑level salary and performance‑based bonus
• Company car / allowance
• Pension and private healthcare
• Life assurance and income protection
• 30 days annual leave including bank holidays
• Professional development and chartership support
• Flexible / hybrid working arrangements

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Vacancy: 1