MEP Lead

Cunningham Contracts

Newry

On-site

GBP 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

A complete application in a minute — tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

31 days Annual Leave

Flexible Working Policy

Life Assurance Policy

Company Occupational Health

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing Events

Job summary

Cunningham Contracts in Newry, UK, seeks an experienced MEP Lead to drive technical leadership across a portfolio of mission critical projects. You will manage design, installation, commissioning and handover of complex MEP systems while ensuring safety, quality and compliance.

The role requires strong leadership, cross-functional influence, and the ability to coordinate with clients, consultants and regulators. HQ Newry with travel to Ireland and EU projects, full-time permanent position.

Qualifications

Extensive experience in senior MEP or building services roles within Mission Critical or Data Centre projects.
Strong technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, including design, installation and commissioning.
Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Experience in delivering integrated MEP solutions across large-scale or multi-site projects from preconstruction stage.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to mentor and develop staff effectively.

Responsibilities

Provide technical direction and leadership for all MEP engineering and building services activities within the mission critical division, lead from Tender stage.
Oversee from Preconstruction stage, design, installation, commissioning and handover of MEP systems across multiple projects.
Ensure integration of MEP services with other disciplines including structural, architectural and civil works.
Review and approve key technical documentation from Tender stage, design submissions and specifications for compliance with contractual and statutory requirements.
Monitor project performance, risk and compliance for MEP activities within the sector.
Support Regional Building Services Managers and Senior Building Services Managers in delivering projects on time, within budget and to the required quality standard.
Implement best practice processes for technical delivery, design coordination and construction methodology.
Ensure all projects within the sector comply with statutory, regulatory and contractual MEP obligations.
Lead investigations into technical incidents or failures and ensure lessons learned are shared and applied.
Maintain awareness of changes in industry standards, legislation and sustainability requirements.
Liaise with clients, consultants, subcontractors and regulators to ensure technical requirements and expectations are met.
Provide strategic advice to project and business unit leadership on technical risks, opportunities and MEP solutions from initial tender stage.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Cross-functional

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Organized

Troubleshooting

Education

M&E Building Services Eng

Job description

We are Cunningham. Founded in 2006, Cunningham is one of the UK's and Europe's leading construction companies. With extensive operations across multiple markets, we have built a strong reputation for innovation, quality, and safety, delivering successful projects through a proactive, collaborative approach.

Our expertise spans a diverse range of sectors, including Mission Critical & Life Sciences, Education, Healthcare, Fit Out, Residential, and Civils & Structural projects.

Today, Cunningham employs more than 280 professionals across offices in Ireland, Germany, and the UK. Working in partnership with our clients, we unlock the full potential of every project, transforming ambitious visions into successful outcomes while creating exciting opportunities for our people.

At Cunningham you will be given the opportunity to excel in your career. Our people set us apart, and that’s why we invest in your journey from day one. Your expertise, ambition, and commitment will be recognised and rewarded as you build a successful career with us.

We are currently seeking an experienced and talented MEP Lead to join our high performing team.

The MEP Lead is responsible for the technical and operational leadership of MEP within the Mission critical portfolio of projects. Reporting to the Construction Director, this role ensures the delivery of high-quality, safe and compliant MEP systems across multiple projects.

Reporting to: Construction Director

Location: HQ Newry (With travel expected to projects in Ireland & EU)

Contract type: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours: Monday – Friday

Role responsibilities

Technical Leadership

Provide technical direction and leadership for all MEP engineering and building services activities within the mission critical division, lead from Tender stage
Oversee from Preconstruction stage, design, installation, commissioning and handover of MEP systems across multiple projects.
Ensure integration of MEP services with other disciplines including structural, architectural and civil works.
Review and approve key technical documentation from Tender stage, design submissions and specifications for compliance with contractual and statutory requirements.

Operational Oversight

Monitor project performance, risk and compliance for MEP activities within the sector.
Support Regional Building Services Managers and Senior Building Services Managers in delivering projects on time, within budget and to the required quality standard.
Implement best practice processes for technical delivery, design coordination and construction methodology.

Compliance and Risk Management

Ensure all projects within the sector comply with statutory, regulatory and contractual MEP obligations.
Lead investigations into technical incidents or failures and ensure lessons learned are shared and applied.
Maintain awareness of changes in industry standards, legislation and sustainability requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement

Liaise with clients, consultants, subcontractors and regulators to ensure technical requirements and expectations are met.
Provide strategic advice to project and business unit leadership on technical risks, opportunities and MEP solutions from initial tender stage.

The Candidate

Qualifications & Experience:

Extensive experience in senior MEP or building services roles within Mission Critical or Data Centre projects
Strong technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, including design, installation and commissioning.
Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Experience in delivering integrated MEP solutions across large-scale or multi-site projects from preconstruction stage
Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to mentor and develop staff effectively.
Degree or professional qualification in Mechanical, Electrical or Building Services Engineering.
Professional membership with a recognised body (CIBSE, IET or equivalent) is desirable.
Significant experience in MEP leadership and management within construction.

Skills & Attributes:

The ability to work as part of cross-functional teams.
Excellent communicator, with ability to convey complex information well.
The ability to create and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and clients.
Highly organised in relation to management of tasks and deadlines.
Good attention to detail.
Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Additional information

All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK and in the Republic of Ireland at the time of application. Proof of this will be required for any candidate who is successful in the role.
This role will at time to time, require working in other locations, including construction sites or at client offices. A degree of flexibility is therefore required.

Benefits

As part of the Cunningham team, you will be offered the following employee benefits in addition to your market leading salary:

Work-Life & Wellbeing