Freelance MEP Project Manager (Mechanical) in Blyth

Warden Tyne Solutions are currently recruiting for an experienced Freelance MEP Project Manager (Mechanical) for a major hyperscale data centre development in the North East.

The project involves complex internal and external mechanical infrastructure, including large-scale cooling systems, chillers, buffer vessels, closed-loop chilled water distribution, associated pipework, potable water and drainage services.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Mechanical Project Delivery: Manage the mechanical package, ensuring works are delivered safely, on programme and to the required quality standards.

• Installation Management: Oversee day-to-day mechanical installation activities, coordinating subcontractors, engineers and site teams to maintain progress.

• Cooling Infrastructure: Coordinate the installation of cooling plant, chillers, buffer vessels, closed-loop chilled water systems, pumps, valves and associated mechanical services.

• Pipework & Distribution: Manage the coordination, routing and installation sequencing of chilled water pipework and associated distribution systems.

• Water Services: Coordinate the installation of potable water, drainage and associated services.

• Design Coordination: Review drawings, specifications and technical submissions, raising and resolving RFIs and design queries ahead of installation.

• MEP Coordination: Liaise closely with electrical, CSA, BIM, commissioning and other package leads to coordinate complex service interfaces and resolve potential clashes.

• Programme & Forward Planning: Maintain detailed lookahead programmes, coordinate installation sequencing and ensure labour, materials and construction information are available when required.

• Internal & External Works: Coordinate mechanical installations across building interiors and external plant areas, ensuring activities align with the wider construction programme.

• Attention to Detail: Check pipework routes, plant positioning, supports, access requirements, clearances and service interfaces to minimise clashes, rework and delays.

• Subcontractor Management: Monitor subcontractor performance, labour levels, productivity and workmanship, addressing issues that may affect programme or quality.

• Quality Assurance: Ensure inspections, pressure testing, quality records and remedial works are completed in accordance with approved drawings and project specifications.

• Procurement: Monitor material requirements, plant deliveries and long-lead equipment, escalating potential shortages or delays.

• Commissioning & Handover: Coordinate installation completion, pressure testing, flushing, cleaning, commissioning readiness and handover documentation, as applicable.

• Progress Reporting: Maintain accurate progress updates, lookahead schedules, action trackers and records of outstanding technical and installation issues.

• Health & Safety: Ensure mechanical works are planned and undertaken safely in accordance with project procedures and relevant regulations.

The Person:

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Project Manager within an Principal Contractor, MEP contractor, mechanical contractor or building services environment.

• Strong data centre construction experience is essential, ideally on hyperscale or mission-critical projects.

• Strong technical knowledge of cooling systems, chillers, buffer vessels, chilled water distribution, pipework and associated mechanical services.

• Experience managing mechanical subcontractors and coordinating complex installation packages.

• Meticulous attention to detail, particularly when coordinating services with minimal installation tolerances.

• Strong forward-planning skills, with experience managing lookahead programmes and installation sequences.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to liaise effectively with other package leads and multidisciplinary teams.

• Ability to identify potential clashes, resolve technical issues and proactively prevent delays and rework.

• Good understanding of quality assurance, commissioning and project handover requirements.

• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.

Terms:

• Competitive day rate (negotiable)

• Salaried role available 

• Outside IR35 (subject to assessment) & CIS available

• 7-day payment terms