MEP Project Manager - Data Centre

Forward Assist Recruitment Ltd; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Assist Recruitment Ltd advertises an experienced MEP Project Manager to lead the delivery of data centre projects across Europe. The role oversees MEP packages from design to commissioning, coordinating with multinational teams and ensuring compliance with European standards.

Strong cost control, scheduling, and stakeholder management are essential. Applicants should have 5–10 years in MEP project management, experience with hyperscale data centres, and familiarity with European

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5–10 years experience in MEP project management.
• Proven experience delivering hyperscale or colocation data centre projects.
• Experience working within European markets (e.g., Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, Nordics, France, etc.). Travel will be a part of this role.
• Strong understanding of MV/LV systems, UPS and generator backup systems, Chilled water and air-cooled systems, CRAH/CRAC units, Fire detection and suppression systems, BMS and SCADA systems.
• Experience managing Tier III / Tier IV facilities (Uptime Institute standards desirable).
• Familiarity with FIDIC contracts or equivalent European construction frameworks.
• Strong commissioning and handover experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all MEP activities on data centre projects from design through commissioning.
• Oversee contractors, subcontractors, and specialists delivering mechanical, electrical, BMS, fire protection, and ELV systems.
• Ensure works are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Monitor progress against baseline programmes and implement mitigation measures.
• Manage change control processes and commercial impacts related to MEP scope.
• Review and coordinate MEP design documentation and ensure compliance with European codes and standards.
• Oversee installation, integration, testing, and commissioning of mission-critical systems.
• Drive commissioning strategies including IST (Integrated Systems Testing).
• Act as primary interface between client, consultants, general contractor, and MEP subcontractors.
• Chair technical coordination meetings and resolve interface conflicts.
• Provide regular reporting to senior stakeholders on risk, programme, cost, and quality.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Skills

MEP project management

Stakeholder management

Contractor management

Project scheduling

Primavera P6

MS Project

English communication

Education

BEng/BSc in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced MEP Project Manager to lead the delivery of mission-critical data centre projects across Europe. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) packages from pre-construction through commissioning and handover.

This role requires strong technical expertise in mission-critical infrastructure, stakeholder coordination across multinational teams, and strict adherence to European standards and regulatory frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery

• Lead and manage all MEP activities on data centre projects from design through commissioning.
• Oversee contractors, subcontractors, and specialist vendors delivering mechanical, electrical, BMS, fire protection, and ELV systems.
• Ensure works are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to required quality standards.
• Monitor progress against baseline programmes and implement mitigation measures where required.
• Manage change control processes and commercial impacts related to MEP scope.

Technical Oversight

• Review and coordinate MEP design documentation (HVAC, UPS systems, generators, MV/LV distribution, cooling systems, containment, fire suppression, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with European codes and standards (e.g., EN standards, IEC, local building regulations).
• Oversee installation, integration, testing, and commissioning of mission-critical systems.
• Drive commissioning strategies including IST (Integrated Systems Testing).

Stakeholder & Contractor Management

• Act as primary interface between client, consultants, general contractor, and MEP subcontractors.
• Chair technical coordination meetings and resolve interface conflicts.
• Provide regular reporting to senior stakeholders on risk, programme, cost, and quality.

Risk & Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to HSE regulations and EU safety standards.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Support QA/QC processes and ensure documentation control is maintained to audit standards.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 10 years experience in MEP project management.
• Proven experience delivering hyperscale or colocation data centre projects.
• Experience working within European markets (e.g., Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, Nordics, France, etc.). Travel will be a part of this role.
• Strong understanding of: MV/LV systems, UPS and generator backup systems, Chilled water and air-cooled systems, CRAH/CRAC units, Fire detection and suppression systems (e.g., gas-based systems), BMS and SCADA systems.
• Experience managing Tier III / Tier IV facilities (Uptime Institute standards desirable).
• Familiarity with FIDIC contracts or equivalent European construction frameworks.
• Strong commissioning and handover experience.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and contractor management capability.
• Excellent programme and risk management skills.
• High level of commercial awareness.
• Ability to operate in fast-paced, technically complex environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (additional European languages advantageous).
• Proficient in project management tools (Primavera P6, MS Project, etc.).