Job Description:

MEP Pre-Construction Manager – Mechanical

Location: Reading / Oxford
Salary: £80,000–£90,000 + package
Job Type: Permanent

The Opportunity

We are working with a growing specialist interiors and fit-out contractor seeking an experienced MEP Pre-Construction Manager – Mechanical to join its Technical Services team.

This is a pre-construction focused role, rather than a traditional site-based MEP position. You will lead the mechanical technical development of projects from early survey and tender stages through design development, subcontractor engagement and final handover to delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical technical review of projects from opportunity through to contract award.
• Review drawings, specifications, schedules and employer requirements for compliance, coordination and buildability.
• Develop mechanical MEP scopes, assumptions, exclusions and technical qualifications.
• Identify design gaps, scope omissions, technical risks and potential cost/programme issues early.
• Work closely with estimators, commercial teams, consultants, designers and mechanical subcontractors.
• Review and challenge contractor tenders, proposals, calculations and technical submissions.
• Support tender queries, technical clarifications, contractor interviews and subcontractor selection.
• Assess HVAC, ventilation, heating/cooling, public health, drainage, plant and domestic services.
• Experience with specialist systems such as LEV, specialist gases, laboratory services or life-science environments would be advantageous.
• Attend surveys and design meetings, capturing information required for accurate scope development.
• Maintain technical queries, design changes, assumptions and outstanding actions through the pre-construction process.
• Support the development of a clear pre-contract handover covering design intent, risks and outstanding technical matters.

About You

We're looking for a strong mechanical building services professional with experience across commercial fit-out, refurbishment, construction or similar environments.

You should have:

• Strong mechanical building services knowledge.
• Previous pre-construction, estimating, technical services or design development experience.
• The ability to confidently review and challenge drawings, specifications and contractor proposals.
• Good understanding of UK Building Regulations and relevant industry standards.
• Experience working with consultants, subcontractors, commercial teams and delivery teams.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of cost/programme implications.
• Excellent communication, technical writing and document-control skills.
• Experience with Autodesk Construction Cloud / Forma or similar systems would be beneficial.
• Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.

Why Join?

An excellent opportunity to join a growing technical function where you can influence projects before they reach site, work on technically challenging fit-out projects and help shape pre-construction processes.

Progression: Potential route towards Senior MEP Manager / Head of Technical Services.