Deputy Design Manager - Mechanical - Science & Research

Laing O'Rourke
Oxford
1 week ago
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Help Deliver a Next‑Generation R&D Campus

Laing O'Rourke is supporting the creation of a world‑class research and technology environment at theEllison Institute of Technology (EIT) in Oxford -a highly collaborative campus blending laboratories, teaching spaces, clinical/innovation suites, and advanced workplace environments.


We're seeking aDeputy Design Manager with an Mechanical Engineering backgroundto drive coordination and assurance across complex MEP systems and specialist lab infrastructure. If you're an experienced electrical engineer (or early‑stage design manager) ready to step into broader design leadership on a flagship UK science & technology project, this is your platform.


What You’ll Do
Design Coordination & Technical Assurance

  • Lead the coordination and review of electrical and MEP design packages forbuildability, compliance, maintainability, and safety.
  • Integrate specialist requirements typical oflaboratories and research facilities (e.g., resilient power, life‑safety systems, containment, structured cabling/data, UPS/backup, controls integration).
  • Track client, statutory, and contractual requirements and maintain robustdesign assurancerecords.

Programme, Delivery & Interfaces

  • Develop design programmes, dependencies, and reporting—keeping multidisciplinary teams aligned to key milestones.
  • Chair or contribute todesign reviews, technical workshops, andinterface meetings(architectural, structural, MEP, specialist vendors).
  • Support onsite delivery: respond totechnical queries (TQ/RFI), collaborate onQA, and enablecommissioning and handover.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

  • Contribute torisk and opportunitymanagement for electrical and integrated building systems.
  • Ensure alignment withstatutory complianceand external assurance (e.g., Building Regulations, British Standards, HTMs/ISO where applicable).
  • Evidence compliance withLaing O'Rourke governance, procedures, and digital tools.

People & Collaboration

  • Partner with the Design Manager to drive project‑wide design strategy.
  • Coach and supportapprentices/trainees/graduatedesign managers and foster a collaborative culture with consultants and specialist supply chain partners.

What You’ll Bring
Qualifications (Recommended)

  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering(or closely related discipline).
  • Charteredorworking towards chartershipwith a recognised professional body.

Experience & Mindset

  • Multidisciplinary design coordination experience; comfortable working with consultants and specialist subcontractors.
  • Exposure toscience/technology/healthcareor other complex building types is beneficial.
  • Strong communicator who enjoys problem‑solving, structured planning, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Digital‑first mindset; comfortable using modern design management andBIM‑enabledworkflows.
  • Commitment tosafety, sustainability,and delivering high‑performance, future‑ready buildings.

Why Join This Project?

  • Impact:Help deliver a cutting‑edge environment that accelerates research, teaching, and innovation.
  • Growth:Step beyond single‑discipline engineering intoend‑to‑end design leadershipon a landmark UK project.
  • Culture:A supportive team that values collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and high performance.
  • Flexibility:Hybrid working with time split acrossOxford site officesand other LOR locations as needed.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply now and help us shape a transformative science & technology campus in Oxford.


If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email


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