Project Director - M & E

Construction Director - Mechanical & Electrical (M&E)

UK / Europe (Hybrid or Site-Based)

Managing Director / Operations Director

Projects / Construction Delivery

The Construction Director - M&E is accountable for leading the safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of mechanical and electrical works across complex, high-value projects within highly regulated environments. This role ensures the successful execution of construction strategy, from pre-construction through to commissioning and handover, maintaining compliance with all technical, safety, and regulatory standards.

The successful candidate will combine strong leadership, technical depth, and commercial acumen to drive performance, quality, and client satisfaction across multi-disciplinary delivery teams.

• Leadership & Strategy

  • Lead the end-to-end delivery of large-scale M&E construction projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and client expectations.

  • Develop and implement construction execution strategies, project controls, and delivery frameworks for complex programmes.

  • Provide technical and operational leadership to project managers, engineers, and site teams across multiple projects.

• Project Delivery & Performance

  • Oversee M&E installation, integration, testing, and commissioning activities, ensuring all works meet required technical and regulatory standards.

  • Drive project performance in terms of safety, quality, schedule, and cost.

  • Implement robust project governance, progress reporting, and performance reviews.

  • Manage interfaces between M&E, civil, and systems disciplines to ensure seamless project delivery.

• Regulatory & Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations, HSE legislation, and client-specific requirements.

  • Maintain stringent control of work in regulated environments (e.g., energy, utilities, defence, or pharmaceutical sectors).

  • Drive zero-harm culture and proactive safety leadership.

• Commercial Management

  • Work closely with commercial teams to ensure effective cost management, change control, and risk mitigation.

  • Support contract negotiations, subcontractor management, and procurement strategies.

  • Provide expert input to bids and tenders for new projects.

• Stakeholder & Client Engagement

  • Act as the senior interface with clients, partners, and regulatory authorities.

  • Manage senior stakeholder relationships to ensure trust, transparency, and successful outcomes.

  • Represent the business in project reviews, governance boards, and industry forums.

• People & Development

  • Lead, mentor, and develop project delivery teams, ensuring succession planning and competency development.

  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and performance-driven culture.

  • Promote continuous improvement in safety, delivery, and innovation.

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Services Engineering (or equivalent experience).

• Minimum 20 years' experience in M&E construction, with at least 10 years in senior leadership or director-level roles.

• Proven record delivering high-value (£50M-£500M+) projects in highly regulated environments (e.g., energy, nuclear, utilities, pharmaceutical, or defence sectors).

• Demonstrated success in leading multi-disciplinary project teams across design, engineering, and construction phases.

• In-depth knowledge of construction methodologies, quality systems, and regulatory frameworks.

• Strong commercial understanding of NEC and FIDIC contracts.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with IET or CIBSE.

• Experience with EPC / EPCm delivery models.

• Familiarity with BIM, digital delivery tools, and modern methods of construction.

• Experience with UK infrastructure frameworks (e.g., National Grid, National Gas, or MoD).

• Proven record of driving operational excellence and change leadership.

• Strategic and operational leadership

• Strong health, safety, and environmental focus

• Financial and commercial acumen

• Exceptional stakeholder management

• Decisive, results-driven leadership style

• Integrity and accountability under pressure

• Commitment to innovation and continuous improvement

• Executive-level salary and performance-based bonus

• Company car / allowance

• Pension and private healthcare

• Life assurance and income protection

• 30+ days annual leave including bank holidays

• Professional development and chartership support

• Flexible / hybrid working arrangements