Technical Director Mechanical Engineer - Data Centres (Building Services)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Inclusivity & Belonging

Health & Wellbeing

Flexible working hours

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Mechanical Technical Director to lead the design and implementation of innovative solutions within the data centre sector. You will guide a team of engineers, develop client relationships, and drive strategic initiatives to ensure efficiency and scalability. Ideal candidates should possess strong mechanical engineering expertise, leadership skills, and a commitment to providing exceptional client care. This role offers a hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of HVAC, cooling systems, fuel systems, controls, and energy management for data centre infrastructure.
• Ability to develop and implement innovative solutions to complex mechanical challenges.
• Experience guiding and mentoring a team of mechanical engineers and technicians.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of cutting-edge solutions for data centre operations.
• Develop client relationships and promote new commissions.
• Oversee team performance including work pipeline, finance, and operational management.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering Expertise

Innovative Problem-Solving

Leadership and Team Management

Strategic Vision

Project Management

Communication

Adaptability

Customer Focus

Education

Chartership through CIBSE/IET/IMechE Engineering Council

Job description

Overview

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

WSP has an opportunity for an experienced Mechanical Technical Director, in our London office, focusing on the Data Centre sector with our Mission Critical Facilities team. You will have the opportunity to work on some of the most exciting and technically challenging projects within this fast-paced sector. WSP is currently involved in numerous projects, working with Hyperscale, Colocation Providers, End Users and Enterprise clients, both within the UK and across EMEA. A link to learn more about our Mission Critical business: https://www.wsp.com/en-GB/sectors/mission-critical-facilities

Your Role
Note: This is a pivotal and rewarding leadership role combining technical excellence with strategic direction in the Data Centres (DC) sector. As a Technical Director, you will lead design and implementation of cutting-edge solutions to ensure efficiency, reliability, and scalability of data centre operations. You will lead a team of engineers, drive strategic initiatives, and collaborate with industry leaders to shape the future of data centre technology. Your expertise will optimise energy consumption, enhance security protocols, and ensure seamless integration of emerging technologies. The role also offers opportunities to build a robust professional network and drive transformative change.

• Be an integral part of the team’s day-to-day management, vision, values and leadership. Develop team spirit and cooperation.
• Develop client relationships and brand within the UK and EMEA.
• Meet monthly and annual budgets at a team level; support MEP budget planning and continuously look for ways to improve performance.
• Work with the director and senior leadership to develop and implement strategic initiatives in the team and across the wider business.
• Share knowledge and technical skills with colleagues from around the globe.
• Drive profitable and sustainable work-winning and maintain up-to-date forecasting for the team and input to the wider MEP service delivery.
• Oversee team performance including work pipeline, finance, and operational management.
• Work with clients, developers, contractors and architects to build relationships and secure WSP’s position as the engineer of choice in the industry.
• Be the client’s key point of contact.
• Develop team spirit and cooperation while ensuring excellent client care and opportunities to develop additional business.
• Develop client relationships to promote new commissions.

Your Team

• You will work closely with likeminded individuals on exciting and challenging projects.
• The Building Services team in the Northern Region (Split across Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh and Glasgow) consists of more than 50 mechanical, electrical, and public health engineers.
• We attract, develop, engage and retain the best professionals in our fields of expertise and uphold high ethical standards.
• We are committed to integrity, respect, diversity and inclusion in our work.
• We care about individuals and their progress and offer fulfilling career development for our professionals.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• A Mechanical Technical Director with Chartership through CIBSE/IET/IMechE Engineering Council or open to working towards it.
• Mechanical Engineering Expertise: strong understanding of HVAC, cooling systems, fuel systems, controls, and energy management for data centre infrastructure.
• Innovative Problem-Solving: ability to develop and implement innovative solutions to complex mechanical challenges, optimise cooling systems for energy efficiency and cost reduction.
• Leadership and Team Management: ability to guide and mentor a team of mechanical engineers and technicians.
• Strategic Vision: forward-thinking to anticipate industry trends and align initiatives with business goals.
• Project Management: manage timelines, budgets, and quality across projects.
• Communication: ability to convey technical detail graphically and verbally to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Adaptability: respond to evolving technologies and business needs in the DC sector.
• Customer Focus: understand client needs and ensure systems meet or exceed expectations.

These attributes enable a Mechanical Technical Director to drive success and innovation of data centre operations, ensuring they remain efficient, secure, and scalable.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team. Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. With us, you can. Apply today.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

What’s in It For You?

• Work-life balance - At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging - We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work and promote a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
• Health & Wellbeing - Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, menopause support and more.
• Flex your time - "WSP My Hour" allows one hour per day for personal activities with flexible make-up time. Options for part-time/flexible working, extra leave, and bank holiday usage are also available.
• Your development - Training, mentoring and Chartership opportunities.

#WeAreWSP We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.