Business Unit Commissioning Lead – Data Centres

Overview

In this role, you direct the MEP delivery on large projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and safe outcomes. You will lead the MEP team, coordinate with clients and partners, and drive compliant, high-quality performance. You’ll shape procurement, commissioning, and risk mitigation while advancing strategic goals like prefabrication and net-zero initiatives. This position offers impact across projects, teams, and the broader firm’s strategy, with a focus on safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the MEP team on projects with clear direction and compliance to Mace standards
• Manage MEP delivery including programme, safety, quality, and commissioning
• Build relationships with client, consultants, trades, and senior leaders
• Lead tendering for MEP scope and support bid teams and sector leadership
• Plan procurement strategies and ensure specialist packages are procured within scope and budget
• Review contracts/scope, assist budgets, value engineering, schedules, and contractual issues
• Define project strategic plans aligned with Mace framework (Prefabrication, Commissioning, Safety)
• Oversee design reviews for compliance, coordination, embodied carbon, energy targets
• Lead delivery strategies and programs across all project phases and milestones
• Conduct productivity assessments via digital tools and manage risks and critical paths
• Support project close-out with complete commissioning, O&M manuals, and client training
• Identify risks and develop mitigation plans; drive continuous improvement
• Manage large teams and mentor staff toward delivery excellence
• Promote net zero carbon reduction throughout delivery and emissions management

Key requirements

• Advanced knowledge of engineering systems, production methods, prefabrication, and commissioning
• Advanced understanding of construction sequencing and dependencies
• Advanced knowledge of planning, critical path, and scheduling for pre-construction to completion
• Advanced knowledge of commercial management, procurement, change control, and forecasting
• Advanced knowledge of health, safety, welfare, and safe systems of work
• Advanced knowledge of Quality Assurance and system integration (BMS, IST)
• Experience managing large teams and multiple projects (>£50M MEP value)
• Experience in relevant construction sector with proven project track record
• Proficiency in building services or a specified engineering discipline
• Strong stakeholder management and presentation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication; collaborative and adaptable
• Formal engineering training (HNC/HND/BTEC or equivalent); SMSTS and CSCS
• Bachelor’s (or Master’s) in engineering; accreditation with CIBSE/IET/IMechE/SoPHE

• Leadership and people management
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Collaboration and inclusivity
• MEP systems design and commissioning
• Prefabrication (C2P)
• Quality Assurance and QA processes

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