MEP Lead
Job Title: MEP Lead – Major Healthcare Projects
Location: UK (Project-based / Regional)
Sector: Healthcare / Hospital Construction
Project Value: £500m+
Reporting to: Project Director / Construction Director
Role Purpose
The MEP Lead will provide strategic and hands-on leadership of all Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP) services on major healthcare construction projects. The role requires extensive experience delivering complex hospital environments, including acute care, theatres, imaging, critical care, and HTM/HBN‑compliant infrastructure, on programmes exceeding £500m in value.
You will act as the senior technical authority for building services, ensuring safe, compliant, and fully coordinated MEP delivery from design development through commissioning, handover, and post-occupancy.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
Lead all MEP functions across large, multidisciplinary project teams, including designers, subcontractors, commissioning specialists, and client representatives.
Provide clear technical leadership aligned with programme, commercial, and quality objectives.
Act as the main point of contact for MEP matters with NHS Trusts, consultants, and regulatory bodies.
Design & Technical Assurance
Manage MEP design development to ensure compliance with:
HTMs / HBNs
NHS ERIC and infection control requirements
BS standards, Building Regulations, and CIBSE guidance
Chair technical reviews, risk workshops, and design coordination meetings.
Ensure full integration of MEP systems with architectural, structural, and BIM models.
Commercial & Procurement
Input into MEP procurement strategy for major works packages.
Oversee tender evaluation, contractor appointments, and package scopes.
Manage change control and technical input to variations and compensation events.
Delivery & Construction
Lead MEP installation on site, ensuring buildability, safety, and compliance.
Monitor progress against programme milestones and resolve technical challenges.
Coordinate shutdowns, phased handovers, and live hospital interfaces where applicable.
Commissioning & Handover
Take responsibility for commissioning strategy, validation, and witnessing.
Ensure successful delivery of:
Soft landings
Seasonal commissioning
Training, O&M documentation, and asset data
Support clinical user sign-off and post-completion defect resolution.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
Extensive experience delivering large-scale healthcare / hospital construction projects in the UK.
Demonstrable leadership of MEP delivery on major projects valued at £500m+.
Strong understanding of NHS governance, healthcare compliance, and operational requirements.
Background with Tier 1 main contractors or major healthcare frameworks.
Degree-qualified in Building Services Engineering or related discipline.
Chartered Engineer status (CIBSE, IET, or equivalent) – highly desirable.
Strong knowledge of BIM Level 2+ and digital information management.
Key Skills & Attributes
Exceptional technical competence across mechanical, electrical, and public health systems.
Proven ability to lead large, diverse teams in high-pressure environments.
Commercially aware with strong problem-solving skills.
Confident communicator with senior stakeholders, clinicians, and end users.
Detail-oriented, safety-focused, and quality-driven.
What We Offer
Opportunity to lead nationally significant healthcare projects.
Long-term career development within a major UK construction business.
Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Client
- Dragados
- Remote status
- Hybrid
About Arcavia Consulting
Arcavia Consulting provides embedded recruiting, executive search and project recruitment to organisations throughout the built environment and infrastructure market.
Arcavia Consulting is a trading name of Ellward Search Limited