Mechanical Construction Manager

Unite People; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Unite People are recruiting an experienced Mechanical Construction Manager to join a client-side delivery team for major UK data centre developments. You will oversee the main contractor and specialist mechanical subcontractors, ensuring installations are delivered safely, on programme and to the required quality.

The role covers chilled water systems, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection and mechanical equipment installation, through to testing, commissioning readiness and handover.

Qualifications

• ≥10 years' experience in mechanical engineering, construction management.
• Experience overseeing mechanical installations on major projects.
• Experience delivering data centre or mission-critical mechanical infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of chilled water, HVAC, plumbing and fire protection.
• Experience overseeing testing, flushing, balancing and commissioning readiness.
• Ability to manage contractor interfaces and resolve technical issues.
• Relevant degree or equivalent technical qualification.
• Strong communication skills and ability to challenge contractor performance constructively.
• Hyperscale data centre experience desirable; familiarity with chillers, pumps, heat exchangers and CRAH units.
• Eligible to work full-time on site in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Oversee mechanical installations, monitor contractor progress, resources and quality.
• Review drawings, shop drawings and installation methodologies.
• Coordinate mechanical works with electrical, structural and architectural packages.
• Track procurement, material approvals and equipment deliveries against milestones.
• Identify risks and challenge contractor recovery plans where required.
• Carry out site inspections and system walkdowns; track defects and outstanding works.
• Oversee pressure testing, leak testing, flushing, water treatment and balancing.
• Coordinate specialist equipment vendors and support readiness for commissioning.
• Monitor system completion records, handover documentation and resolution of outstanding actions.

Skills

Contractor management

Mechanical engineering

Data centre experience

HVAC systems knowledge

Chilled water systems

Fire protection knowledge

Technical issue resolution

Site leadership

Communication

On-site work

Education

Degree or equivalent

Job description

Mechanical Construction Manager - Data Centres

Unite People are recruiting an experienced Mechanical Construction Manager to join a construction consultancy supporting major UK data centre developments.

Working within the client-side delivery team, you will oversee the main contractor and specialist mechanical subcontractors, ensuring installations are delivered safely, to programme and to the required quality standards.

The role covers chilled water systems, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection and mechanical equipment installation, through to testing, commissioning readiness and handover.

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee mechanical installations, monitoring contractor progress, resources and quality.


• Review construction drawings, technical submissions, shop drawings and installation methodologies.


• Coordinate mechanical works with electrical, structural and architectural packages.


• Track procurement, material approvals and equipment deliveries against programme milestones.


• Identify technical and programme risks, challenging contractor recovery plans where required.


• Carry out site inspections and system walkdowns, tracking defects and outstanding works.


• Oversee pressure testing, leak testing, flushing, water treatment and system balancing.


• Coordinate specialist equipment vendors and support readiness for Level 4 and Level 5 commissioning.


• Monitor system completion records, handover documentation and resolution of outstanding actions.

Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years' experience in mechanical engineering, construction management or a related discipline.


• Significant experience overseeing mechanical installations on major projects.


• Experience delivering data centre or other mission-critical mechanical infrastructure.


• Strong technical knowledge of chilled water systems, HVAC, plumbing and fire protection.


• Practical experience overseeing mechanical testing, flushing, balancing and commissioning readiness.


• Ability to manage contractor interfaces, monitor progress and resolve technical issues.


• Relevant degree or equivalent technical qualification.


• Strong communication skills and the confidence to challenge contractor performance constructively.


• Previous hyperscale data centre experience and familiarity with chillers, pumps, heat exchangers and CRAH units are desirable. Candidates from mechanical contractor, main contractor or specialist MEP backgrounds are encouraged to apply; previous client-side experience is advantageous.


• Applicants must be able to work full-time on site, travel where required and hold the appropriate right to work in the UK.