Mechanical Senior Engineering Manager – MEP

Reading, Berkshire
Mace Group

Position status: This opportunity is for a secured role that is due to commence in July, subject to approval. If you would like to be considered as we progress with this position, please click to apply.

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities, and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture, and priorities, visit our strategy site .

Within our construct business, we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential in every project.

Our values shape the way we construct and define the people we want to join us on our journey, they are:

• Safety first – Going home safe and well
• Client focus – Deliver on our promise
• Integrity – Always do the right thing
• Create opportunity – For our people to excel

Accountable for the delivery of building services engineering (mechanical, electrical, ventilation, specialist systems) whilst liaising with the Client, main contractor, and consultants. Providing engineering expertise via analysis and development of the design in conjunction with the appointed trade contractor, developing technical strategies to support high-quality, timely, and profitable delivery. Responsible for compliance, governance, and assurance of projects. Manages and coaches teams of technical staff.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading the MEP engineering aspects within the project team while demonstrating professional and respectful behaviors, ensuring compliance with Mace standards.
• Being accountable for the engineering aspects of the MEP services and supporting the management of the programme, health, safety & wellbeing, quality, and commissioning of the project.
• Liaising and coordinating with key project stakeholders, forming strong working relationships with the client, consultants, trade contractors, and other team members.
• Providing technical support to the tendering process via bid teams and sector leadership/bid leads.
• Providing technical input into procurement strategies, ensuring specialist packages and appointments are procured against the scope and budget.
• Reviewing contracts, scope, value engineering, schedules, and trade contracts; supporting commercial teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Creating and deploying project technical plans aligned with Mace’s operational framework and strategic priorities, such as prefabrication, commissioning, and safety.
• Reviewing designs from consultants and trade specialists for compliance, coordination, completeness, including embodied carbon and operational energy considerations.
• Planning and coordinating delivery strategies and programs for all project phases, considering milestones, interfaces, dependencies, logistics, and sequencing.
• Developing and implementing commissioning strategies in line with Mace standards, including IST approach, ATPs, and soft landings.
• Assessing productivity using digital technologies to ensure schedule adherence; identifying trends, issues, or risks.
• Managing project close-out to ensure all elements, such as commissioning, as-built drawings, O&M manuals, and client training, are delivered to a high standard, with proactive risk mitigation.
• Recommending continuous improvement and sharing lessons learned.
• Working collaboratively towards net-zero carbon goals, managing associated emissions and reductions during project delivery.

You’ll need to have:

• Advanced knowledge of engineering systems, design standards, installation techniques, best practices, processes, prefabrication, and commissioning requirements to manage the project team from tender to completion.
• Proficient knowledge of construction build elements, sequencing, dependencies, collaboration, and coordination with other work packages.
• Proficient understanding of planning processes, management, critical path, scheduling, and commissioning activities for effective project control.
• Proficient commercial management skills, including procurement, change control, risk mitigation, and forecasting.
• Advanced knowledge of health, safety, and welfare standards, including working at height, electrical safety, fire safety, logistics, and lifting.
• Proficient knowledge of QA processes, system commissioning, and integration, including cause & effect, BMS, and IST periods.
• Experience delivering projects exceeding £25m+ MEP value.
• Experience in the relevant construction sector and a successful project track record.
• Proficiency in building services or a specific engineering discipline.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to motivate, influence, and lead in pressurized situations, with clear objective setting and resource management.
• Trade/technical apprenticeship or graduate development program, formal engineering training (HNC, HND, BTEC or equivalent), and valid SMSTS and CSCS cards.

You’ll also have:

• Experience from diverse technical backgrounds/sectors.
• Ability to perform basic design calculations and rule-of-thumb analysis.
• Accreditation with CIBSE, IET, IMechE, SoPHE preferred.
• An understanding of business strategic goals and relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Mace is an inclusive employer and encourages applications from diverse candidates. Even if you do not meet all criteria, please apply as you may be the best fit for this role or others within our organization. We are open to discussing part-time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable. Please remember to use our Employee Referral Scheme and refer talented contacts via the ‘Refer a friend’ feature.