Position: Head of Pre-Construction & Design Department: Projects Division Reporting to: Divisional & Commercial Directors Status of post: Full-Time Permanent Salary: Remuneration Package will be competitive and in line with experience Location:NI Based Irwin M&E is driven by values based on loyalty, safety, innovation and success. As Head of Pre-Construction & Design, the successful candidate will hold a senior leadership role within Irwin M&E, with responsibility for shaping and delivering the companys pre-construction and design strategy across all projects. Reporting directly to the Divisional and Commercial Directors, this role will play a critical part in supporting business growth, driving technical excellence, and ensuring commercial and operational success from bid stage through to design completion. This role would be suited to various MEP personnel looking to take the next step in their career and development, including but not limited to: Design/Pre-Construction Managers MEP Design Consultants Contracts Managers Job description Provide strategic leadership and long-term planning for the Pre-Construction & Design function in alignment with company growth objectives. Lead resource planning and capability development within the department. Manage the co-ordination of projects from finalised bid submission to through to RIBA Stage 5 design completion Manage the design process of projects ensuring clients requirements, standard practices and specifications are being adhered to whilst ensuring commercial viability for the company Provide strong technical knowledge to ensure contracts are delivered in compliance with Employers Requirements, specifications and drawings, as well as to the highest possible standards Contribute to business development strategy by supporting key bids and client interviews Main Duties and Responsibilities Client facing as the Head of Pre-construction and ultimately responsible for design/pre-construction progress Day-to-Day management of the pre-construction team, ensuring clients needs are met in line with agreed timeframes Chairing regular in-house meetings to manage and monitor the pre-construction stage of projects Develop and improve internal pre-construction workflows, tools, and procedures Working with the commercial team to ensure financial certainty on final bid submissions Identifying, obtaining design fee proposals and evaluating quotations from third party M&E design consultants to allow design consultancy appointments to be made Working alongside the companys appointed design partners in developing designs in accordance with Employers Requirements and in line with our bid submissions Value engineer and rationalise designs to improve both the buildability and commercially viability of the project Drive collaboration between the disciplines ensuring Mechanical & Electrical Designs are fully co-ordinated with all other specialist aspects of the installations Management and of information release schedule documents Ensure compliance with relevant mechanical, electrical & building standards, regulations (e.g., CIBSE, BSRIA, UK Building Regs), and company procedures Attending meetings with Principal contractors/clients and leading communications flow with our design and specialist supply chain partners Review of all drawings and schedules prior to issue to our clients for their comments/approvals Review of technical submittals prior to issue of same to client teams. Ensure all retrospective comments received are closed out by the pre-construction team in a timely manner Involvement with commercial team, contracts managers and purchasing department with project procurement ensuring specifications and drawing requirements are being complied with Liaising with specialist supply chain partners to ensure their bid submissions are compliant Person Specification Behaviours Expected Self-starter Positive in all dealings with the directors, management team and staff Demonstrate sound technical awareness Commercial awareness Detailed care and attention to every detail of a project Understanding our clients needs and building lasting relationships from this understanding Innovative and forward-thinking approach to each project Courtesy and respect for each team member Good personal organisation, honesty, communication, ownership, reliability and dependability Praise and recognition of individuals and the team for a job well done Leadership ability and team collaboration mindset. Criteria Essential Minimum 5 years experience in a similar role, with a proven track record and experience in all aspects of M&E installations and regulations Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, chilled water, heating, domestic services, ventilation, fire protection, and controls. Competence in reviewing and interrogating design calculations, specifications, and cost estimates. Excellent time management skills with the ability to work under pressure and to work to a plan to avoid disappointments. Understanding of BREEAM and sustainable building principles. Good interpersonal skills to create meaningful reciprocal relationships with both colleagues and clients Desirable HNC/HND in Building Services Engineering Use of specialist software packages such as CAD, Revit, Navisworks, and BIM workflows The Company Offers Structured onboarding and ongoing senior leadership support One-to-one mentoring and continuous feedback Involvement in real-world business improvement projects Ongoing training and development opportunities Working alongside experts in their field Health cash plan including compensation for dentistry and optical well being Enhanced maternity and paternity leave Additional holiday increase with length of service Team building and activity days Monthly employee value-based recognition award monetary gift Health, wellbeing and social calendar of events Long service awards Enhanced marriage leave Holiday sell back scheme Kingsbridge Membership Club We are a Responsible Body for AccessNI. A disclosure check will be undertaken; however, a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining this role. Our policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is available on request. Closing date for applications is Friday 23rd January 2026 at 4pm