Mechanical Project Manager at Dornan Engineering Services, Northumberland

Mechanical Project Manager

Location – Northumberland

Role Overview

The Mechanical Project Manager will be responsible for the safe, commercial and successful delivery of the mechanical package on a hyperscale data centre project. The role requires a proven leader with extensive experience delivering large-scale mission-critical facilities, particularly air-cooled data centres utilising chilled water (CHW) infrastructure.

Reporting directly to the Project Director / Operations Director, the Mechanical Project Manager will lead all aspects of mechanical delivery from design coordination through procurement, installation, testing, commissioning and client handover, ensuring programme, quality, commercial and safety objectives are achieved.

The successful candidate will possess significant experience managing complex chilled water systems, mechanical plant installations and data centre commissioning activities within live or new-build critical environments.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Lead the complete mechanical delivery of the project.
• Develop and implement project execution strategies aligned with programme milestones.
• Ensure delivery in accordance with contract requirements, client expectations and company standards.
• Manage mechanical subcontractors
• Drive a proactive safety and quality culture across all mechanical activities.
• Coordinate with the Electrical Project Manager to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Report project performance to the Project Director and Operations Director.

Technical Leadership

Lead all technical aspects of the mechanical installation including:

• Chilled Water (CHW) systems
• Pipework installations
• Pumps
• Plate Heat Exchangers
• CRAH units
• AHUs
• Heat rejection systems
• Pressurisation systems
• Water treatment systems
• Building Management System (BMS) interfaces
• HVAC controls
• Plantrooms
• Mechanical risers
• Prefabricated mechanical modules
• Pressure testing
• Flushing
• Chemical cleaning
• Water treatment
• Balancing
• Functional testing
• Provide technical leadership during design coordination ensuring buildability and commissioning requirements are incorporated throughout the project lifecycle.

Commissioning & Turnover

• A critical aspect of the role is leading the mechanical commissioning strategy.
• Responsibilities include:
• Development of mechanical commissioning plans.
• Coordination with the Commissioning Manager.
• Support Level 1–5 commissioning activities.
• Management of flushing, cleaning and water treatment.
• Witness pressure testing and system validation.
• Ensure commissioning documentation is complete.
• Manage integrated systems testing.
• Support client demonstrations.
• Deliver successful mechanical system handover.
• Drive completion of punch lists.
• Ensure all turnover documentation is completed.
• Previous experience commissioning hyperscale data centre chilled water systems is considered essential.

Design Management

• Review mechanical design documentation.
• Manage RFIs and technical queries.
• Coordinate design changes.
• Participate in design workshops.
• Ensure installation complies with approved IFC drawings.
• Coordinate with consultants and client technical teams.
• Support value engineering initiatives where appropriate.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Champion behavioural safety.
• Ensure compliance with all HSE legislation and company procedures.
• Conduct regular safety inspections.
• Lead toolbox talks and safety briefings.
• Ensure all RAMS are suitable and implemented.
• Promote a zero-harm culture.
• Ensure mechanical installations comply with quality plans.
• Drive right-first-time installation practices.

Experience Required

Essential:

• Proven experience as Mechanical Project Manager
• Strong knowledge of chilled water (CHW) systems.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex mechanical installations exceeding £30m in value.
• Proven track record delivering projects through commissioning and handover.
• Experience working with major hyperscale clients or Tier 1 contractors.
• Strong understanding of integrated commissioning and critical systems testing.
• Commercial awareness.
• Strong contractual knowledge.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary project teams.

Desirable:

• Experience working on Hyperscale DC projects.
• Experience with Lean Construction methodologies.
• DFMA Experience
• Familiarity with NEC, FIDIC or JCT contracts.
• Previous experience delivering projects in live critical environments.

To find out more information please contact Sean Hitchman on (phone number removed) / (url removed)

#LI-SH1

Women @ Dornan: Our W@D Network through mentorship, development, and advocacy empowers women and promotes a more forward thinking construction industry.

Dornan Strava Club: employees can take part in fitness challenges, build connections across the business, and contribute to monthly charitable giving initiatives.

Be Yourself: We want everyone at Dornan to feel welcome, valued, and supported. By embracing different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, we create an environment where people can be themselves, grow their careers, and thrive.