Job Description
MEP Unit Manager — Data Center Market (Senior Leadership Role)
📍 Locations: Dallas (TX), Lexington (KY), Atlanta (GA)
🎯 Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)
🏗️ Industry: Data Centers / Mission Critical Construction
📄 Visa Sponsorship: Not available
🔧 Core Purpose of the Role
This position is responsible for full lifecycle leadership of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) delivery across large data center projects — from preconstruction strategy through execution and financial performance.
Think of it as:
MEP Director / Senior MEP Project Leader for multiple large-scale projects (up to $200M+).
🧭 Major Responsibility Areas
1️⃣ Tactical Project Delivery
- Translate MEP strategy into execution plans for project teams
- Oversee implementation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Support troubleshooting and decision-making during construction
- Coordinate between subcontractors, designers, and internal teams
2️⃣ Pre-Construction Leadership
- Manage MEP scope development and pricing strategy
- Collect owner requirements and develop technical packages
- Present MEP approach directly to clients
- Support estimating and procurement planning
3️⃣ Design Development Oversight
- Coordinate consultants and subcontractor design activities
- Review drawings to ensure compliance with scope and specifications
- Identify procurement opportunities to optimize cost and value
4️⃣ Financial & Commercial Management
- Monitor budgets and profitability
- Review change orders and subcontract agreements
- Support purchasing and cost control
- Provide financial updates to leadership
5️⃣ Risk Management
- Develop risk mitigation strategies for MEP disciplines
- Understand contractual terms and commercial implications
- Identify issues early and implement corrective actions
6️⃣ Relationship & Stakeholder Management
- Primary MEP liaison between:
- Customers
- Project teams
- Consultants
- Vendors
- Build strategic partnerships with suppliers and subcontractors
7️⃣ Team Development & Leadership
- Mentor project managers and engineers
- Improve team collaboration and performance
- Support leadership development within the organization
🎓 Key Qualification Requirements
Mandatory Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (Engineering, Construction, or related)
- 10+ years managing MEP disciplines in construction projects
- Experience with:
- Design-build projects
- Mission critical or industrial facilities
- Equipment procurement and installation
- Multiple contract types (GMP, lump sum, cost-plus)
Technical Expectations
- Strong understanding of:
- Engineering disciplines
- Construction costs
- Scheduling
- Risk and contracts
- Ability to act as subject matter expert for MEP systems
🏗️ Ideal Background
Candidates usually come from roles like:
- Senior MEP Manager
- MEP Project Director
- Construction Manager (MEP)
- Mission Critical Project Manager
- Data Center Construction Leader
💼 Seniority Level Insight
This is not a mid-level role — it’s closer to:
Associate Director / Director level in MEP construction
with heavy responsibility for profitability and client relationships.
👍 Strong Advantages for Candidates
You’ll stand out if you have:
✅ Data center project experience
✅ Large project values ($100M+)
✅ Design-build leadership
✅ Contractor or EPC background
✅ Multi-project management experience
⚠️ Important Notes
- No direct reports required, but strong leadership is expected
- Some travel likely depending on project locations
- High accountability for project success
If You Want
I can also help you with:
- Salary expectations for this role
- Resume tailoring for MEP / Data Center jobs
- Career path to reach this level
- Interview questions for MEP leadership roles