Project and Design Manager - MEP

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project and Design Manager - MEP

Company: Mace

Location: Mumbai, India

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Engineering & Construction Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-24

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) packages for a critical data center development project in Mumbai, ensuring strict adherence to Mace's high standards and project-specific requirements.

• Lead the successful end-to-end delivery of MEP services, with a strong emphasis on program adherence, rigorous safety protocols, exceptional quality control, and comprehensive commissioning processes.

• Foster robust collaborative relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including clients, external consultants, and trade contractors, to ensure seamless project integration and execution.

• Drive financial stewardship through meticulous budget control and strategic procurement, actively engaging in value engineering initiatives and providing critical support to commercial teams throughout the project lifecycle.

• Implement and champion Mace's strategic priorities, focusing on innovative approaches such as prefabrication, efficient commissioning, embodied carbon reduction, and stringent operational energy compliance to meet sustainability goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong blend of technical MEP expertise, project management acumen, and a strategic understanding of construction operations within the specialized context of data center development, a high-demand area in modern infrastructure. The focus on sustainability metrics like embodied carbon and operational energy compliance indicates a forward-thinking approach to construction management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of all MEP packages, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, aligning with Mace's global best practices and project-specific objectives.

• Lead and coordinate integrated project teams, including design consultants and trade contractors, to ensure efficient execution of MEP works, from initial design review through to final commissioning and handover.

• Develop and implement detailed MEP execution plans, encompassing procurement strategies, construction methodologies, safety management systems, and quality assurance processes tailored for a complex data center environment.

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks related to MEP systems, ensuring robust contingency plans are in place and that all safety regulations and quality standards are consistently met.

• Drive the integration of advanced construction technologies and methodologies, such as prefabrication and digital twin applications, to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall project outcomes for MEP installations.

• Collaborate closely with commercial and procurement teams to manage MEP budgets, control costs, optimize contract negotiations, and ensure value engineering opportunities are identified and implemented effectively.

• Oversee the commissioning process for all MEP systems, ensuring thorough testing, validation, and performance verification to meet operational requirements and client expectations for the data center facility.

• Champion Mace's sustainability agenda by driving initiatives related to embodied carbon reduction and operational energy efficiency, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and net-zero carbon transition goals.

• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to MEP engineering and site teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, safety consciousness, and high performance.

• Ensure all MEP design and installation activities comply with relevant industry codes, standards, and local regulations in Mumbai, India.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level role with significant ownership over complex MEP systems within a high-stakes data center project. The emphasis on strategic priorities like prefabrication, embodied carbon, and net-zero transition suggests a role that is not just about execution but also about driving innovation and sustainability in construction operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.

Experience: Proven professional experience in the relevant MEP field, with a strong track record in project and design management.

Required Skills:

• MEP Design & Engineering: Comprehensive understanding of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems design principles and applications, particularly in large-scale or complex facilities.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables effectively, using established project management methodologies.

• Design Management: Experience in overseeing and coordinating the design process for MEP systems, ensuring integration with architectural and structural elements.

• Stakeholder Coordination: Proven ability to manage and build strong working relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.

• Budget Control & Financial Management: Experience in managing project budgets, tracking expenditures, and implementing cost-control measures.

• Procurement & Contract Management: Solid understanding of procurement processes, contract negotiation, and vendor management for MEP services and equipment.

• Commissioning: Expertise in planning, executing, and overseeing the commissioning of MEP systems to ensure optimal performance and compliance.

• Safety Management: Commitment to and experience in implementing robust safety protocols and ensuring compliance with site-specific safety regulations.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): Ability to establish and enforce quality standards for MEP design and installation.

Preferred Skills:

• Data Center Operations: Specific experience in the design, construction, or management of data center facilities.

• Value Engineering: Demonstrated ability to identify and implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality or performance.

• Prefabrication Techniques: Familiarity with and experience in leveraging prefabrication for MEP components to improve efficiency and quality.

• Sustainability & Energy Compliance: Knowledge of embodied carbon principles, operational energy efficiency standards, and net-zero carbon initiatives in construction.

• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project-related risks.

• Leadership & Team Coaching: Experience in leading, mentoring, and developing engineering and project teams.

• Familiarity with Indian Construction Standards: Understanding of local building codes and regulations in India.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are typical for a senior MEP role, but the inclusion of data center specifics, sustainability targets (embodied carbon, net-zero), and prefabrication indicates a move towards modern, efficient construction practices. Candidates with experience in these specialized areas will be highly competitive.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• MEP Project Case Studies: Detailed examples of past MEP projects managed, showcasing complexity, scale, and technical challenges overcome.

• Design Integration Examples: Evidence of successful coordination between MEP designs and other project disciplines (architectural, structural) to achieve cohesive project outcomes.

• Budget & Schedule Management Documentation: Demonstrations of how budgets were controlled and schedules were managed, including examples of cost-saving initiatives or schedule recovery plans.

• Stakeholder Communication Samples: Examples of reports, meeting minutes, or presentations used to communicate project status, risks, and decisions to diverse stakeholder groups.

• Quality & Safety Documentation: Proof of implemented QA/QC plans and safety management systems, including incident reports or audit findings with corrective actions.

Process Documentation:

• MEP Package Management Workflow: Documentation outlining the systematic approach to managing MEP packages from procurement and design through to installation, testing, and handover.

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation Framework: A clear process for identifying, analyzing, and managing MEP-related risks throughout the project lifecycle.

• Value Engineering Proposal Process: A framework for generating, evaluating, and implementing value engineering proposals, including cost-benefit analysis.

• Commissioning Protocol: A detailed process for the planning, execution, and documentation of MEP system commissioning activities.

• Sustainability Integration Process: A methodology for incorporating sustainability goals, such as embodied carbon reduction and energy efficiency, into MEP design and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should not just list projects but demonstrate a deep understanding of the processes involved in MEP project management, particularly in complex environments like data centers. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their systematic approaches to design integration, risk management, and stakeholder communication, backed by concrete examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Project and Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the construction sector in Mumbai, India, the estimated annual salary range is ₹1,200,000 to ₹2,500,000. This range accounts for variations in specific experience, the complexity of the data center project, and Mace's compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions towards a provident fund or similar retirement savings scheme.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuous learning in MEP and project management.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Life Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security for families.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, project demands, especially during critical phases of construction and commissioning, may require flexibility and occasional extended working hours or weekend work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of similar roles in Mumbai's construction and engineering sector, considering the specialized nature of data center projects and Mace's standing as a major international firm. Benefits are standard for such roles but can vary; candidates should confirm specifics during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mace operates at the intersection of Construction, Consultancy, and Real Estate Development, a dynamic and multifaceted industry requiring integrated expertise.

Company Size: Mace is a global company with over 6,000 employees worldwide, indicating a large, well-established organization with extensive resources and a broad professional network.

Founded: Mace was founded in 1990, giving it over three decades of experience in delivering complex projects across various sectors globally, fostering a culture of expertise and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The MEP Project and Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project delivery team, potentially reporting to a Project Director or Head of MEP. This team will include other discipline leads, project managers, engineers, and site supervisors.

• Collaboration is expected with client-side representatives, external design consultants (architects, structural engineers), specialist MEP subcontractors, and Mace's commercial, safety, and quality assurance departments.

• The structure emphasizes integrated project delivery, where all disciplines work cohesively towards common project goals, with a strong focus on communication and shared accountability. Methodology:

• Mace champions a data-driven approach to project management, utilizing analytics for performance tracking, risk assessment, and decision-making.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, with a focus on lean construction principles and the strategic implementation of prefabrication and offsite manufacturing to enhance efficiency.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly through the adoption of digital tools for design, project planning, and site management, aimed at improving productivity and reducing waste.

Company Website: https://www.mace.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's culture is built around strong values emphasizing safety, client focus, integrity, and opportunity creation. For operations professionals, this translates to a structured environment that values accountability, continuous improvement, and collaborative problem-solving, especially within the demanding context of large-scale construction projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level position within the operations and project management functions of Mace. It requires a significant level of autonomy and responsibility for managing critical project components (MEP) and driving strategic initiatives. The title "Project and Design Manager" suggests a dual focus on both the technical design oversight and the practical execution and delivery aspects of MEP systems.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a senior project leadership position, such as a Project Director, Program Manager, or Head of MEP, within the specific project structure. This position will also have direct or indirect oversight of MEP engineers, coordinators, and potentially site supervisors.

Operations Impact: The MEP systems are fundamental to the functionality, safety, and operational efficiency of a data center. Effective management by this role directly impacts project timelines, budget adherence, client satisfaction, and the long-term performance and sustainability of the facility. Decisions made regarding MEP design, procurement, and installation have substantial financial and operational consequences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in data center MEP systems, advanced commissioning techniques, or specialized areas like sustainable energy solutions.

• Project Leadership: Progress to managing larger, more complex projects or entire project portfolios, potentially moving into roles like Project Director or Program Manager.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on projects in different international locations within Mace's global network.

• Strategic Development: Contribute to Mace's development of new methodologies, technologies, and sustainability initiatives within the construction and consultancy sectors.

• Leadership Development: Transition into senior management roles, focusing on team leadership, strategic planning, and business development within Mace.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a global construction and consultancy firm. The focus on data centers, sustainability, and advanced methodologies positions the candidate for high-demand roles within the industry. The dual emphasis on design and project management provides a comprehensive skill set for future leadership opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, meaning the workday will be split between a project site office and potentially client or consultant offices. This requires a hands-on presence to manage construction activities.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the data center project site in Mumbai, India. This involves working in a dynamic construction environment that can include both site offices and active construction zones.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with a diverse project team, fostering a collaborative atmosphere through regular site visits, team meetings, and open communication channels.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard project management software, design review platforms, communication tools, and potentially BIM (Building Information Modeling) software for MEP coordination.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with site personnel, subcontractors, consultants, and Mace project leadership to address technical queries, resolve issues, and ensure project progress.

Work Schedule: While the standard work week is typically 40 hours, the nature of construction projects, especially data centers, often necessitates flexibility. This can include early starts, late finishes, and weekend work during critical construction phases, critical commissioning activities, or to meet tight deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is paramount. Candidates must be comfortable working in a fast-paced construction environment, managing field operations, and interacting directly with site teams and subcontractors. The work schedule will likely demand adaptability and a commitment to project timelines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess suitability based on experience and qualifications.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves detailed discussions about your MEP project experience, design management capabilities, and understanding of data center specifics. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing MEP packages, resolving technical challenges, and ensuring quality/safety.

• Stakeholder Management & Commercial Acumen: Questions will focus on your ability to manage diverse stakeholders, control budgets, and engage in value engineering.

• Cultural Fit & Values Alignment: An assessment of how your work style and values align with Mace's core principles (Safety First, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity).

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, long-term career aspirations, and final decision-making.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project in your portfolio, clearly state the scale (e.g., size of MEP packages managed, budget value), your specific role, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings achieved, schedule improvements, safety incident reduction).

• Showcase Process: Don't just present outcomes; illustrate your systematic approach to MEP design management, risk mitigation, stakeholder coordination, and commissioning. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Data Center Focus: Highlight any direct experience with data centers, detailing the unique MEP challenges and solutions implemented for such facilities.

• Sustainability Integration: If you have experience with embodied carbon calculations, energy efficiency initiatives, or net-zero strategies for MEP systems, ensure this is prominently featured.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically and present information clearly and concisely. Be prepared to walk through key projects and processes during the interview.

Challenge Preparation:

• MEP Problem-Solving: Be ready to tackle hypothetical MEP challenges relevant to data centers, such as resolving conflicting design requirements, managing a critical equipment failure, or addressing a significant safety lapse.

• Value Engineering Scenario: Prepare to brainstorm value engineering ideas for a specific MEP component or system within a data center context.

• Stakeholder Conflict Resolution: Practice how you would mediate a dispute between a client and a subcontractor regarding MEP scope or quality.

• Sustainability Strategy: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach reducing embodied carbon in a specific MEP installation or improving operational energy efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace, as a large international firm, will likely have a structured interview process. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates not only technical competence but also a strong understanding of project management processes, stakeholder engagement, and Mace's values will be crucial for success. Preparing specific examples for common operations challenges will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard platforms such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• BIM (Building Information Modeling) Software: Familiarity with tools like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or Bentley Systems for MEP design coordination, clash detection, and visualization.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and document sharing.

• Document Management Systems: Understanding of systems for organizing and controlling project documentation (e.g., Aconex, Procore).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to use Excel for data manipulation and analysis, and potentially BI tools like Tableau or Power BI for creating dashboards and reports on MEP performance.

• Reporting Software: Experience generating progress reports, risk registers, and financial summaries.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP/Financial Systems: Familiarity with enterprise resource planning or financial management systems for budget tracking and procurement (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or Mace's internal systems).

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how automation can streamline MEP processes, such as through BIM integration or digital forms for site inspections.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software names might vary, the core requirement is proficiency in tools used for advanced project management, BIM coordination, and data-driven reporting. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these types of technologies and how they leverage them to improve MEP project delivery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First - Going Home Safe and Well: A non-negotiable commitment to prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of all personnel on site through rigorous procedures and a proactive safety culture.

• Client Focus - Deliver on Our Promise: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, ensuring high-quality deliverables, and building enduring client relationships through reliable project execution.

• Integrity - Always Do the Right Thing: Upholding ethical standards, transparency, and compliance in all dealings, influencing positive outcomes within the industry and maintaining trust.

• Create Opportunity - For Our People to Excel: Fostering a continuous improvement mindset, encouraging professional development, empowering teams, and promoting innovation to drive personal and organizational growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: Encourages a collaborative approach where all project team members, regardless of discipline or organization, work together as a unified team to achieve project goals.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Values transparent communication, active listening, and constructive feedback to address challenges and drive continuous improvement across all project activities.

• Knowledge Sharing & Best Practices: Promotes the sharing of lessons learned, technical expertise, and best practices across projects and teams to elevate overall performance and capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's values are deeply integrated into its operational philosophy. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate how their work ethic and approach align with these values, particularly in practical scenarios related to safety, client satisfaction, ethical conduct, and personal/team development within the demanding construction environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Data Center MEP: Navigating the intricate and highly specialized MEP requirements of data centers, including high-density cooling, robust power distribution, and stringent uptime requirements.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Effectively managing the diverse and sometimes competing interests of clients, consultants, subcontractors, and internal Mace teams in a high-pressure project environment.

• Sustainability Integration: Successfully implementing and tracking sustainability goals like embodied carbon reduction and operational energy efficiency within tight project constraints and schedules.

• Fast-Paced Project Environment: Adapting to the demanding pace of construction projects, particularly in a rapidly developing city like Mumbai, requiring agility and proactive problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced MEP Technologies: Exposure to cutting-edge MEP technologies and systems relevant to data centers and sustainable construction.

• Sustainability Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications in areas like LEED, BREEAM, or specific embodied carbon assessment methodologies.

• Leadership Training: Access to Mace's leadership development programs to hone management and strategic decision-making skills.

• Industry Networking: Engaging with a broad network of professionals through Mace's projects and industry events, fostering career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges common in large-scale, specialized construction projects. However, these challenges are also framed as opportunities for professional growth, particularly in areas of high demand like data center operations and sustainability, aligning with Mace's commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• MEP Project Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing MEP packages for a complex data center project from design inception through to commissioning. What are the critical milestones and potential pitfalls?" (Focus on structured planning, risk assessment, and quality control.)

• Stakeholder Management Strategy: "How would you manage a situation where a key client consultant disagrees with your proposed MEP solution? Outline your communication and negotiation strategy." (Emphasize active listening, data-driven arguments, and collaborative problem-solving.)

• Problem-Solving Strategy: "Imagine a critical MEP component fails during the final commissioning phase. What steps would you take immediately, and what is your process for identifying and implementing a long-term solution?" (Highlight your emergency response, root cause analysis, and mitigation planning skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Value Alignment: "How have you demonstrated Mace's value of 'Safety First' in a previous role? Provide a specific example." (Connect your past experiences to Mace's core values, providing concrete evidence.)

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your experience working within integrated project teams. How do you foster a collaborative environment and ensure effective communication among diverse disciplines?" (Focus on your teamwork, communication skills, and ability to build rapport.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of MEP operations beyond just budget and schedule? What other metrics do you consider important for project success and client satisfaction?" (Think about quality, safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Process Over Outcome: When discussing projects, emphasize the processes you followed (e.g., your methodology for risk management, your approach to value engineering).

• Quantifiable Results: For each case study, clearly state the impact of your work using numbers (e.g., "Reduced MEP installation time by 15% through advanced prefabrication planning," or "Achieved 10% cost savings through value engineering on the HVAC system").

• Data Center Relevance: If possible, tailor your examples to data center specifics, highlighting any unique MEP challenges you've successfully addressed.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (diagrams, charts, photos if appropriate) to illustrate complex MEP systems or your management processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific, STAR-method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) based answers for behavioral questions, particularly those tied to Mace's values, will be critical. Demonstrating a clear, repeatable process for managing MEP projects will be as important as showcasing successful outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Mace careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects involving MEP management, design coordination, and complex system delivery, ideally with examples from data center or similar large-scale infrastructure projects. Highlight your involvement in cost control, stakeholder engagement, and commissioning.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize quantifiable achievements in MEP project management, design leadership, and any experience with sustainability initiatives (embodied carbon, energy efficiency) or modern construction techniques (prefabrication). Ensure keywords like "MEP Management," "Project Delivery," "Data Center," and "Stakeholder Coordination" are present.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on examples that demonstrate Mace's core values (Safety First, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity). Prepare to discuss your approach to MEP design, risk management, value engineering, and commissioning in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Mace's recent projects, company news, and its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Understand their approach to integrated project delivery and how your role contributes to their overall mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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