Job Description:

MEP Pre-Construction Manager - Mechanical - Reading

Opportunity for an MEP Pre-Construction Manager - Mechanical to join an ambitious and growing Technical Services team, supporting MEP packages across high-quality fit-out, refurbishment, life-science and technically challenging projects.

This role would suit an experienced Mechanical Building Services professional looking to develop within a dedicated pre-construction position. The focus will be on reducing technical risk, improving scope clarity, strengthening tender quality and ensuring a controlled handover to the delivery team.

Working with Technical Commercial Managers, Pre-Construction Managers, estimators, consultants, designers and specialist contractors, you will lead the mechanical technical development of projects from initial review through survey, tender, design development and handover.

About the role

Our client is seeking an MEP Pre-Construction Manager - Mechanical to lead the technical development of mechanical MEP packages throughout the pre-construction process.

Reporting to the Director of Technical Services, you will support a growing Technical Services function with opportunities for future progression.

The role is based in Reading on a hybrid basis, with travel to UK projects as required.

You will provide mechanical technical expertise, design coordination, commercial support, scope development, constructability review and compliance assurance, ensuring packages are coordinated, clearly defined and ready for delivery.

The role will also provide the opportunity to support the growth of the Technical Services function and assist with the implementation and management of robust procedures as the department develops.

Responsibilities for MEP Pre-Construction Manager - Mechanical

• Lead the mechanical development of MEP packages from opportunity stage through to contract handover
• Review mechanical designs, drawings, specifications and Employer Requirements for compliance, coordination and buildability
• Identify technical risks, scope gaps, assumptions, exclusions and design responsibilities
• Work with commercial and estimating teams to improve tender clarity, pricing certainty and risk allocation
• Review contractor proposals, tender returns, technical clarifications and compliance information
• Assess mechanical strategies including HVAC, heat gains and losses, ventilation rates, plant locations, controls, public health, drainage and domestic services
• Review specialist mechanical systems including LEV, fume cupboards, specialist gases, gas detection, sprinkler interfaces, humidification, dehumidification and laboratory resilience requirements
• Identify mechanical design gaps, plant constraints, service routes, maintenance access issues, commissioning risks and contractor scope splits
• Attend surveys and client briefings to assess existing services, building constraints and project risks
• Prepare project-specific MEP scopes, technical qualifications, assumptions and tender information
• Review drawings, calculations, technical submittals and contractor design development
• Maintain technical queries, scope updates, design records and document control
• Prepare and lead pre-contract handovers, ensuring delivery teams receive clear information on risks, design actions and outstanding items
• Provide technical support to delivery teams where required

Requirements

• Experience in Mechanical Building Services, MEP Technical Services or Pre-Construction
• Background in fit-out, refurbishment, life-science or technically complex building projects
• Strong understanding of mechanical infrastructure, HVAC, ventilation, public health and associated building services systems
• Experience reviewing mechanical designs, specifications, contractor proposals and technical submissions
• Knowledge of specialist mechanical services including LEV, fume cupboards, specialist gases, gas detection and laboratory environments would be advantageous
• Commercial awareness and the ability to identify scope gaps, risks, exclusions and design responsibilities
• Understanding of UK Building Regulations, statutory compliance and relevant industry standards
• Ability to read and review drawings, specifications, calculations, schedules and Employer Requirements
• Experience working with consultants, mechanical contractors, specialist contractors, estimators, Quantity Surveyors and project delivery teams
• Full, clean UK driving licence and own vehicle required

What our client offers

• Opportunity to join and help shape a growing Technical Services function
• A technical pre-construction role focused on reducing project risk
• Exposure to complex MEP packages across survey, tender, design and handover stages
• Collaboration with technical, commercial and delivery teams
• Opportunity to contribute towards the development of Technical Services procedures and processes as the department grows
• Career progression towards senior Technical Services and MEP leadership roles
• Hybrid working from a Reading-based office, with UK project travel
• Supportive working environment and training opportunities
• Competitive salary aligned to experience

If you would like to hear more about this MEP Pre-Construction Manager - Mechanical opportunity, please apply with an up-to-date copy of your CV or contact Michael Beaubrun in our London office on (phone number removed).