M&E Design Manager in Cove, Hampshire

M&E Design Manager - Data Centres
Location: Farnborough, with hybrid availability
Salary: £100,000-£110,000
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

An excellent opportunity has become available for an experienced M&E Design Manager to join a major data centre organisation, supporting the design and delivery of technically complex, mission-critical facilities.

This is a senior technical role focused on mechanical and electrical data centre design. We are specifically looking for someone from an M&E engineering background who has already worked as a Design Manager within the data centre sector.

This is not an architectural design position.

The Role

• Manage and coordinate external M&E consultants, engineers, designers and technical specialists.
• Provide technical oversight across new-build data centres, expansions and infrastructure upgrades.
• Manage the design process across the full RIBA lifecycle.
• Review M&E design documentation for technical accuracy, compliance and operational suitability.
• Lead design reviews, technical workshops and consultant meetings.
• Manage design approvals, technical decisions and design change control.
• Maintain clear records of key design decisions, programme implications and technical risk.
• Develop and review Basis of Design documents, technical specifications and design standards.
• Work across critical infrastructure including UPS, generators, switchgear, cooling systems, BMS and fire protection.
• Ensure designs are practical from construction, commissioning and operational perspectives.
• Work closely with construction, operations, commissioning and project delivery teams.
• Provide technical support during commissioning and witness key commissioning activities where required.
• Review emerging data centre technologies and support equipment and supplier selection.
• Identify design risks and escalate key technical issues where appropriate.
• Support continuous improvement of engineering standards, design processes and technical governance.
• Provide technical input into client discussions, tenders and commercial opportunities where required.

About You

• Previous experience as a Design Manager within the data centre sector is essential.
• Strong mechanical and electrical engineering background.
• Detailed knowledge of mission-critical M&E infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of UPS, generators, switchgear, cooling and associated critical systems.
• Experience managing designs through multiple RIBA stages.
• Previous experience managing external engineering consultants and design teams.
• Strong understanding of design change, technical governance and design assurance.
• Engineering degree, HNC/HND or equivalent technical qualification.
• Strong stakeholder management and technical communication skills.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel to sites when required.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to join a growing data centre organisation in a senior technical capacity, working on complex critical infrastructure projects and having genuine influence over engineering design standards.

The role offers a salary in the region of £100,000–£110,000, hybrid working, strong long-term career prospects and the opportunity to work across some of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the sector.