Mechanical Lead – Data Centres

Location: Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reporting To: Project Director / Construction Manager

About CTS Group

CTS Group is a leading international design and build contractor specialising in the delivery of mission-critical data centre facilities across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). We combine engineering excellence, innovation, and digital expertise to deliver high-performance, sustainable, and future-ready infrastructure for hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise clients.

With a diverse workforce representing more than 40 nationalities, CTS fosters a collaborative and high-performance culture where technical excellence, safety, and innovation underpin every project. Beyond construction, CTS develops advanced digital solutions and standardised modular infrastructure, enabling faster, smarter, and more efficient data centre delivery.

As our UK project portfolio continues to expand, we are seeking an experienced Mechanical Lead to join one of our flagship data centre developments in Middlesbrough.

The Role

The Mechanical Lead will take ownership of all mechanical systems and associated services on a major data centre project, ensuring successful delivery from installation through testing, commissioning, and final handover.

Working as a key member of the project delivery team, you will lead mechanical activities across critical infrastructure systems, coordinating subcontractors, specialist vendors, consultants, and client stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and technical performance are achieved.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven and technically strong mechanical professional to play a critical role in delivering world-class mission-critical infrastructure within one of the fastest-growing sectors in construction.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Delivery & Site Leadership

• Lead the planning, coordination, installation, and delivery of all mechanical systems across the project.

• Oversee HVAC, chilled water, heating, ventilation, plumbing, drainage, fuel systems, and fire protection installations.

• Manage mechanical subcontractors, specialist vendors, and suppliers to ensure safe and efficient delivery of works.

• Coordinate mechanical activities with electrical, civil, architectural, and commissioning teams to ensure seamless integration across all systems.

• Drive productivity, quality, and programme performance throughout the construction lifecycle.

• Lead, mentor, and support site-based mechanical engineers and supervisors.

Technical Management & Engineering Excellence

• Review mechanical designs, specifications, technical submittals, and shop drawings to ensure compliance with project requirements.

• Provide technical expertise during design reviews, constructability assessments, and value engineering exercises.

• Ensure all installations are delivered in accordance with approved designs, project specifications, and industry standards.

• Identify and resolve technical challenges, design clashes, and installation issues in a proactive and timely manner.

• Support design change management and technical decision-making throughout project execution.

Programme & Project Coordination

• Monitor progress against key project milestones and mechanical delivery schedules.

• Coordinate resources, labour requirements, vendors, and materials to support programme objectives.

• Identify project risks, constraints, and potential delays while implementing effective mitigation and recovery plans.

• Participate in project meetings, site coordination sessions, and client reviews.

• Provide regular reporting on mechanical progress, risks, resource requirements, and key project milestones.

Testing, Commissioning & Handover

• Lead mechanical testing and commissioning activities, ensuring systems are fully operational and compliant before handover.

• Support integrated systems testing (IST) and commissioning activities alongside the wider project team.

• Coordinate defect resolution, punch-list management, and closeout activities.

• Ensure mechanical systems are fully documented and handed over in accordance with client and project requirements.

• Manage the preparation and completion of commissioning records, QA/QC documentation, O&M manuals, certificates, and as-built information.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Champion CTS's commitment to health, safety, quality, and environmental excellence.

• Ensure all mechanical works comply with relevant UK legislation, industry regulations, and project requirements.

• Conduct inspections, audits, risk assessments, and quality reviews to maintain the highest standards of installation and workmanship.

• Promote safe systems of work and ensure compliance with project HSE procedures at all times.

About You

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 7 years' experience delivering mechanical systems on large-scale construction, infrastructure, industrial, mission-critical, or data centre projects.

• Proven experience leading mechanical installation, testing, commissioning, and handover activities.

• Extensive knowledge of:

  • HVAC Systems

  • Chilled Water and Cooling Infrastructure

  • Plumbing and Drainage Systems

  • Fire Protection and Suppression Systems

  • Building Services and Mechanical Plant

  • Data Centre Mechanical Infrastructure

• Experience managing subcontractors, suppliers, and multidisciplinary project teams.

• Strong understanding of construction drawings, technical specifications, commissioning procedures, and mechanical design principles.

• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organisational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under demanding project schedules.

• Full professional proficiency in English.

Desirable

• Previous experience delivering hyperscale or enterprise data centre projects.

• Experience supporting Level 1-5 commissioning and Integrated Systems Testing (IST).

• Familiarity with BIM, Revit, Navisworks, and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC).

• Understanding of sustainable building services solutions, energy efficiency principles, and low-carbon design strategies.

• Membership of a relevant professional institution (IMechE, CIBSE or equivalent).

• Additional European language skills.

What We Offer

This is an opportunity to play a key role in the successful delivery of one of the UK's most significant data centre developments. You will work alongside some of the industry's leading professionals on a technically complex and rewarding project while helping shape the future of digital infrastructure.

In return, we offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package

• Career progression opportunities within a fast-growing international business

• Exposure to large-scale hyperscale and mission-critical projects

• Professional development and training opportunities

• Collaborative, diverse, and high-performance working environment

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge infrastructure and innovative engineering solutions

Eligibility to Work in the UK

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of application and throughout their employment.

Please note that CTS Group is unable to provide visa sponsorship or support Skilled Worker visa applications for this position. Candidates requiring current or future sponsorship to work in the UK will not be considered.

If you're an experienced Mechanical Lead looking to make a lasting impact on a landmark data centre project, we would welcome your application.