Design Manager HVAC

HNF Recruitment Ltd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

HNF Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead the design, coordination and delivery of building services across projects in the Leeds area. You will balance strong technical knowledge with commercial awareness to ensure designs are compliant, cost-effective and delivered to required standards.

Reporting to the project leadership, you will manage the design process from concept through to installation, coordinate with clients, contractors and suppliers, and contribute to

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in mechanical or building-services engineering.
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical and building-services systems.
• Commercial experience in mechanical engineering or construction.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specs.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Good communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design process from concept to delivery.
• Review and develop building services designs and equipment.
• Provide technical input across HVAC, plumbing, and controls.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, and suppliers.
• Assist with cost estimation and value engineering.
• Support installation, commissioning, and handover where required.

Skills

Project coordination

Commercial awareness

Technical understanding

Communication skills

Mechanical/building services knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Building Services Engineering degree

Related discipline

Tools

CAD/BIM

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and commercially aware Design Manager to oversee the design, coordination and delivery of building services and equipment requirements across our projects. The successful candidate will combine strong technical knowledge with commercial awareness and effective project coordination skills. They will work closely with internal teams, clients, contractors and suppliers to ensure designs are practical, compliant, cost-effective and delivered to the required standard.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the design process from initial concept and specification through to delivery and installation.

Review, coordinate and develop designs for building services and associated equipment.

Provide technical input across mechanical and building-services disciplines, including mechanical systems, plumbing, heating, air conditioning/HVAC, associated controls and equipment.

Liaise with clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers and internal teams to resolve technical and design-related matters.

Ensure designs meet project requirements, applicable regulations, specifications and quality standards.

Identify practical and commercially viable design solutions.

Review drawings, specifications, technical submissions and other project documentation.

Support procurement and project teams with technical information and equipment selection.

Assist with estimating and costing, including assessment of materials, equipment and project requirements.

Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost-effective design improvements.

Coordinate design changes and ensure relevant stakeholders are kept informed.

Support projects through installation, commissioning and handover where required.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Strong technical understanding of mechanical and building-services systems.

Relevant commercial experience within mechanical engineering, building services, construction or a related environment.

Practical knowledge of systems such as plumbing, heating, HVAC/air conditioning and associated equipment.

Ability to interpret and review technical drawings and specifications.

Strong organisational and project coordination skills.

Good commercial awareness and an understanding of project costs.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Desirable

Previous experience in a Design Manager, Mechanical Design Engineer, Building Services Engineer or similar position.

Experience preparing or reviewing estimates, quotations or project costings.

Knowledge of relevant building regulations, industry standards and compliance requirements.

Experience coordinating multiple disciplines and subcontractors.

Experience with CAD/BIM or other relevant design software.

Additional Skills

Good IT and administrative skills.

Strong attention to detail and document-management capabilities.

Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

A practical, solutions-focused approach to technical challenges.

Confidence working independently while collaborating effectively as part of a wider project team.

Overall Profile

This position would suit a technically strong mechanical or building-services professional who is ready to take greater ownership of the design process. The role requires someone who can bridge the gap between engineering design, commercial considerations and project delivery, ensuring that solutions are technically sound, practical to install and commercially viable