MEP Design Manager

BJF Group; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

33 days leave

Group pension

Health cash plan

Remote GP access

Employee assistance program

Gym membership discounts

Eye test and wellbeing program

Employee referrals

Job summary

BJF Group, a leading UK contractor, seeks an MEP Design Manager (Pre-Construction) to lead and coordinate MEP design through feasibility to construction issue. You will manage specialist consultants, ensuring coordinated, buildable designs aligned with programme and client objectives.

Responsibilities include design reviews, cost-conscious engineering, sustainability targets and ongoing liaison with clients, consultants and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in MEP design management.
• Experience on complex construction projects.
• Knowledge of UK building regulations and compliance.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and external consultants.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Degree in Building Services/Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Professional membership (e.g. CIBSE, IET, IMechE).

Responsibilities

• Lead development and coordination of MEP design from feasibility through to construction issue.
• Coordinate external consultants to deliver coordinated design information.
• Ensure MEP designs integrate with architectural and structural work.
• Chair design workshops and coordination meetings.
• Provide MEP input during bid and tender stages.
• Support cost planning, benchmarking and value engineering.
• Identify design risks early and implement mitigations.
• Ensure designs comply with regulations and client specifications.
• Develop MEP design programmes aligned with project timelines.

Skills

MEP design management

Technical knowledge: M&E systems

Communication & leadership

Stakeholder management

Bid & tender support

Risk identification

Self-motivation & coordination

Education

Building Services Engineering degree

Job description

Company Description

BJF Group is a leading multi‑discipline Main Contractor based across the UK, specialising in delivering high‑quality construction projects across various sectors – priding ourselves of our reputation for excellence and attention to detail.

Position

The MEP Design Manager (Pre‑Construction) is responsible for leading and coordinating the mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) design, being produced by our specialist design consultants within our supply chain, during the pre‑construction phase. The role ensures that designs are technically compliant, cost‑effective, buildable, and aligned with programme, sustainability and client objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Management & Coordination
  • Lead the development and coordination of MEP design from feasibility through to construction issue.
  • Manage external consultants and design teams to ensure timely delivery of coordinated design information.
  • Ensure integration of MEP systems with architectural and structural design.
  • Chair and contribute to design workshops and coordination meetings.
• Pre‑Construction & Tender Support
  • Provide MEP expertise during bid and tender stages.
  • Review employer’s requirements and develop compliant, value‑engineered design solutions.
  • Support the commercial team with cost planning, benchmarking and value engineering.
  • Identify design risks and opportunities at early stages.
• Technical Assurance
  • Ensure designs comply with statutory regulations, standards and client specifications.
  • Undertake design reviews, audits and technical sign‑offs.
  • Review and approve drawings, specifications and calculations.
  • Promote design standardisation and innovation.
• Programme & Deliverables
  • Develop and manage MEP design programmes in alignment with overall project timelines and associated Gateway processes.
  • Monitor progress of design deliverables and ensure deadlines are met.
  • Coordinate information release schedules to support procurement and construction activities.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Liaise with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal teams.
  • Act as the key point of contact for all MEP‑related design matters.
  • Present design solutions and technical proposals to clients and stakeholders.
• Risk Management
  • Identify and mitigate design and coordination risks.
  • Ensure effective change control processes are implemented.
  • Support health & safety in design (CDM / buildability reviews).
• Sustainability & Compliance
  • Ensure designs meet sustainability targets (e.g. BREEAM, energy efficiency, net zero goals).
  • Support implementation of low‑carbon and energy‑efficient technologies.
  • Ensure compliance with ESG and environmental requirements.
  • Understand your responsibility for the health, safety and wellbeing of your team and the wider group, whilst promoting a positive health and safety culture throughout.
  • Promote and live BJF TEAMS values.

Requirements

• Proven experience in MEP design management within pre‑construction or design roles.
• Experience working on complex construction projects (commercial, residential, healthcare, etc.).
• Strong technical knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems.
• Knowledge of UK building regulations, standards and compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and external consultants.
• Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree or equivalent in Building Services Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Professional membership (e.g. CIBSE, IET, IMechE).

Success Measures

• Delivery of coordinated, compliant and buildable MEP designs.
• Effective cost management and value engineering outcomes.
• Achievement of programme deadlines.
• Positive client and stakeholder feedback.
• Contribution to successful project bids.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Annual leave entitlement: 33 days per annum (inclusive of bank holidays).
• Group pension scheme provided by Royal London.
• Company‑funded health cash plan to help cover essential healthcare costs.
• Remote GP access – speedy access to a GP by telephone or online plus electronic prescriptions.
• 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP) – free advice, counselling and support for you and your family.
• Discounted gym membership at over 3,000 gyms across the UK.
• Free eyesight test through Specsavers.
• Better BJF Initiative – wellbeing and mental health champions readily available at work.
• Employee referral scheme – recommend a personal connection and claim a cash reward for a successful hire.