MEP Engineering Lead/Head of MEP
Portsmouth, Hampshire (Hybrid)
Ready to take the lead, but not ready to leave engineering behind?
You've built your career around mechanical or electrical building services design. You're comfortable making technical decisions, coordinating complex projects and supporting other engineers.
Perhaps you're already a Principal Engineer, Technical Associate or Associate Director, but the opportunity to take genuine ownership of an engineering function hasn't quite presented itself.
This could be that opportunity.
We're working with an established multidisciplinary design and build consultancy in Portsmouth looking for an experienced Building Services Engineer to lead its MEP design capability.
This is a senior technical appointment, offering responsibility for engineering quality, team development and project delivery, while remaining actively involved in the design work itself.
More than just another design role
You'll have the opportunity to take ownership of the MEP function, working closely with the wider architectural, engineering and project delivery teams.
The role offers a balance of hands-on engineering and leadership, including:
- Leading and developing the mechanical and electrical engineering team.
- Taking an active role in technical design, calculations, specifications and project delivery.
- Reviewing designs, challenging technical decisions and ensuring engineering quality.
- Coordinating mechanical and electrical services with other design disciplines.
- Supporting engineers with complex technical challenges.
- Building relationships with clients and contributing to project decisions.
- Helping establish and improve technical standards, processes and ways of working.
Why consider it?
An opportunity to lead. Take genuine responsibility for a technical function and influence how it develops.
Stay close to the design. This isn't purely a management position. Your engineering knowledge and technical contribution will remain central to the role.
A broader project environment. Work across varied and technically interesting projects, including those within the defence sector.
Make a visible difference. Join an established multidisciplinary business where your expertise, ideas and leadership can have a direct impact.
Who are we looking for?
You might currently be a Principal Mechanical Engineer, Principal Electrical Engineer, Technical Associate, Associate Director or Building Services Design Manager.
We're particularly interested in people who offer:
- A strong background in mechanical or electrical building services design.
- Experience delivering technically sound, coordinated engineering solutions.
- The confidence to review calculations, drawings, specifications and technical documentation.
- Experience mentoring, guiding or leading other engineers.
- A good understanding of multidisciplinary MEP design and project delivery.
- Strong client communication and technical problem-solving skills.
- An interest in taking greater responsibility for people, quality and engineering delivery.
You don't necessarily need to have held a Head of Department title before.
What's important is that you're technically credible, enjoy developing others and are ready to take responsibility for an engineering function.
Experience within a multidisciplinary design consultancy would be particularly relevant.
Due to the nature of some projects, eligibility to obtain UK SC security clearance is essential.
Could this be your next step?
You may not be actively looking for a new job. Equally, you might have reached a point where you're ready for more influence, greater responsibility and the opportunity to put your own stamp on a team.
If that sounds interesting, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.
Contact Karl Davies at Blackedge Consulting to find out more.
