Principal Mechanical Design Engineer & Building Services

Vertical Recruitment Limited; Cheadle Hulme; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-regarded engineering consultancy in South Manchester is seeking a Principal or Associate Mechanical Engineer to lead their senior team. This pivotal role includes overseeing mechanical engineering design across various sectors and managing a team of engineers. Ideal candidates should have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and over 10 years of experience in a consultancy environment. A competitive salary package of £65K-£75K, annual bonus, and flexible working options are offered, along with a clear progression pathway to Director level.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Annual bonus

Flexible/hybrid working environment

Clear progression to Director level

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in a UK consultancy environment.
• Strong portfolio of delivering complex MEP projects from concept to completion.
• Excellent coordination and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering design and delivery across multi-sector projects.
• Build relationships with clients, architects, and project teams.
• Manage and develop mechanical engineering team.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design outputs.
• Oversee project timelines and resource planning.
• Contribute to business development and strategic growth.

Skills

Leadership

Client-facing skills

Project delivery

Team management

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Building Services Engineering

Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working toward it

Job description

Principal / Associate Mechanical Engineer - Building Services Consultancy

Location: South Manchester

Salary: £65K-£75K + bonus + benefits

The Opportunity

We are happy to say we are exclusively partnering with a well‑regarded multi‑disciplinary consultancy to appoint a Principal or Associate Mechanical Engineer to their senior team in South Manchester.

This is a pivotal strategic hire within a growing practice known for its technical strength, supportive culture, and varied project portfolio. You'll play a lead role across commercial, education, and residential sectors, providing technical leadership while managing and mentoring a design team. Recent project wins include a high profile £300M city centre regeneration scheme.

It's an excellent opportunity for a seasoned mechanical engineer seeking greater influence, leadership responsibilities with a clear and genuine progression pathway. With several recent project and framework wins and significant growth plans, now is the ideal time to join and help shape the next phase of the business's success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical engineering design and delivery across multi‑sector projects
• Act as a primary client interface, building strong relationships with clients, architects, and project teams
• Manage, mentor, and develop mechanical engineers, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing environment
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design outputs to ensure quality and integration
• Oversee resource planning, project timelines, and financial performance
• Contribute to business development, bids, and wider strategic growth initiatives
• Ensure technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and a strong focus on sustainable design

About You

• Degree‑qualified in Mechanical or Building Services Engineering (or equivalent)
• Chartered (CEng) or working toward chartered status via CIBSE or IMechE
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in a UK consultancy environment
• Strong portfolio of delivering complex MEP projects from concept through to completion
• Excellent leadership, coordination, and client‑facing skills
• Commercially aware and confident managing team performance and project delivery

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary package: £65K-£75K
• Annual bonus and enhanced benefits
• Flexible/hybrid working environment
• Clear and supported progression to Director level
• Opportunity to lead flagship projects with long‑standing clients
• A high‑impact role in a respected, forward‑thinking MEP consultancy