Mechanical Designated Individual

MWH Treatment Limited; Rickmansworth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK engineering firm is seeking a Mechanical Designated Individual to oversee mechanical safety governance and technical assurance. The role involves leading a team of Mechanical Authorising Engineers and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have significant experience in mechanical systems design and a relevant engineering qualification. Responsibilities include authorising safety rules, conducting audits, and providing technical guidance for mechanical operations. This is a national role emphasizing risk management and continual improvement.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer registered with a relevant engineering institution.
• Significant experience in mechanical systems design and operations.
• Good understanding of UK health and safety legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach Mechanical Authorising Engineers (MAEs).
• Provide professional guidance on mechanical construction.
• Chair authorisation panels and conduct internal audits.

Skills

Mechanical systems design

Operation and maintenance

Risk assessment

Safety management

Education

Master's Degree or Bachelor's Degree

HND or HNC in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

MWH Treatment is looking to strengthen their operations team with a Mechanical Designated Individual. This is a national role where you will be the lead / focal point for the Mechanical Authorising Engineers, setting the culture for the organisation’s Mechanical H&S management.

The Mechanical Designated Individual (MDI) is the organisation’s senior accountable leader for Mechanical safety governance and technical assurance. They own the Mechanical Safety Rules and Authorisation Framework, set standards, and ensure robust compliance with statutory requirements and industry codes across all sites. The MDI leads a team of Mechanical Authorising Engineers (MAEs), providing direction, oversight, and assurance for design, installation, operation, maintenance, and contractor control of mechanical assets.

The role safeguards people, assets, and operations through disciplined risk management, competency-based authorisation, and continual improvement.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the H&S team in matters of mechanical safety.
• Authorising and administration of the Mechanical Safety Rules, associated procedures, and Permit-to-Work arrangements.
• Providing professional and technical guidance on mechanical construction & mechanical contracting delivery.
• Owns, interprets and monitors the use of the regional Mechanical Safety Rules.
• Lead, coach, and performance-manage Mechanical Authorising Engineers (MAEs).
• Set criteria for authorisation levels (e.g., Authorised Person (AP), Competent Person (CP), switching authorities, test & inspection).
• Oversee initial authorisations, renewals, suspensions, and relocations, etc.
• Chair authorisation panels.
• Ensure competency is evidenced (training, experience logs, assessments, shadowing, refreshers, and CPD)
• Maintain central registers of authorisations, training, and critical competencies.
• Provide senior technical guidance on mechanical design standards, pressure system integrity, and statutory compliance.
• Lead investigations of mechanical incidents/near-misses; produce root-cause analyses and corrective actions.
• Define requirements for contractor competence, pre-qualification, and supervision.
• Conduct internal audits.
• Maintaining the identity and importance of the Mechanical Safety Rules to the wider business. Mechanical safety awareness training for PM’s and Construction Managers.

Qualifications

• Registered with a relevant engineering institution (e.g. IMechE) as a Chartered Engineer.
• Incorporated Engineer considered based on additional experience.
• Significant and extensive experience in mechanical systems design, operations, and maintenance.
• Master's Degree or Bachelor's Degree.
• HND or HNC in Mechanical Engineering or similar qualification considered based on additional experience.
• Prior role as Authorising Engineer (AE), Senior Authorised Person (SAP), or equivalent strongly preferred.
• Experienced in verifying safe systems of work.
• Must be able to demonstrate a good understanding of UK health and safety legislation and an ability to carry out risk assessments and propose actions for risk control/management.