Digital Engineering Project Lead - Major New-Build Prison Project (MEP value £70-100M)
Mech Electrics Ltd are recruiting on behalf of a leading Tier 1 building services contractor to appoint a Digital Engineering Project Lead for a major new‑build prison development, HMP Wayland. This role offers the opportunity to take a senior digital delivery position on one of the UK’s most significant public sector schemes.
The Role
Reporting to the Regional Technical Director, the Digital Engineering Project Lead will oversee planning, coordination and management of all digital engineering, BIM and off‑site manufacturing activities. This includes ensuring alignment with technical expectations, project objectives, internal processes and compliance standards.
Key responsibilities include:
* Project Leadership & Representation – Act as the primary digital engineering representative for internal stakeholders, the wider alliance team and key external delivery partners; lead coordination and reporting activity, ensuring digital outputs meet scope, quality and programme requirements; represent the digital function at project meetings, supporting the delivery strategy and ensuring alignment with client and contractor expectations.
* Scope, Cost & Programme Management – Manage digital engineering scope against the agreed proposal, including oversight of budgets, progress tracking and delivery milestones; interface with third‑party coordination partners to monitor progress, cost, outputs and deliverables; maintain clear reporting routes to the Project Director, Design Manager and regional technical leadership.
* Technical Support & Quality Assurance – Provide guidance on BIM processes, digital standards, coordination, technical compliance and the integration of DFMA methodologies; ensure adherence to ISO 19650 standards, structured information control and project‑wide digital protocols; oversee digital interfaces related to prefabrication, particularly the relationship with off‑site manufacturing partners and their outputs.
* Data, Handover & Government Soft Landings – Lead on data management throughout the project, with specific emphasis on structured asset information and handover deliverables; ensure collection, validation and delivery of IC‑related data, supporting a high‑quality digital handover in line with government requirements.
* Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement – Work closely with design managers, engineering teams, logistics, DFMA specialists and construction leadership; support lessons learned processes within the MoJ alliance, including alignment with other major prison schemes and shared standards.
* Team Leadership – Support development of the regional digital engineering team, contributing to internal strategy, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
About You
We are seeking a Digital Engineering professional with strong technical capability, leadership presence and the ability to collaborate effectively across a large project team. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
* Strong background in BIM, digital engineering or technical coordination on major MEP or complex building projects.
* Knowledge of ISO 19650, structured data processes and asset information requirements.
* Experience of DFMA/off‑site manufacturing workflows (desirable).
* Ability to lead coordination processes, challenge technical issues and influence senior stakeholders.
* Strong communication skills, with confidence working across multidisciplinary teams.
* Understanding of digital handover requirements and government soft landings.
* Experience within large‑scale projects (prisons, healthcare, defence, major commercial or infrastructure) is advantageous.
Location & Travel
The role will be predominantly site‑based at HMP Wayland, Norfolk. There will be occasional travel to Cambridge (main contractor hub) and off‑site manufacturing facilities in the Coventry area. Flexible weekly arrangements will be considered, and accommodation will be supported in line with company policy where travel distances require it.
Career Prospects
This role sits within a growing national major projects programme with excellent long‑term potential. On completion of the prison scheme, opportunities may include:
* Future justice sector projects within the wider alliance.
* Progression into regional digital leadership roles.
* Involvement in major schemes across data centres, war parks and large commercial projects.
Package
* Salary £65,000 - £75,000 (dependent on experience).
* Car allowance.
* Annual bonus.
* Travel covered to all company sites (in line with HMRC advisory rates).
* Private medical cover.
* 6% employer pension contribution.
* 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
* Comprehensive family‑friendly benefits.
* Flexible working options.
* Professional development and progression pathways.
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