Job Description

The Construction Consultancy Services (CCS) team provide client-side construction consultancy services across a range of professional disciplines to deliver capital build projects and programmes of all sizes, value and complexity on behalf of Durham County Council. The overall objective is to support the Council in improving the built environment to benefit the residents of County Durham.



The team and has a full and varied portfolio of projects and an expanding mechanical and electrical design requirement. As such we are seeking applications from candidates for the role of Principal Building Services Design Engineer.



As the manager of the mechanical and electrical (MandE) design section, you will drive the delivery of high-quality MandE design solutions across a diverse portfolio of projects. You will manage our internal (and where appointed external) MandE designers in the production of high quality schematics and specifications to aid the delivery of our capital programme.



With a secured and an expanding capitalised maintenance and repair budget in excess of 8M per annum, in addition to the wider capital programme of work where the MandE designers form part of multi discipline design teams, the volume of work will be challenging but varied.



This is a key role in the CCS team, responsible for overseeing MandE design output, ensuring technical excellence and supporting the continuous development the service.



Your section will form part of the wider offering of professional services provided by the CCS team. Our staff are experienced in construction design and management. and hold a diverse range of professional accreditation and chartership including MCIBSE, IHE, CIOB, RICS, CIAT and RIBA.



The range of professional disciplines and services provided by the team cover:
Construction Project Management Quantity Surveying and Accounts Contract Administration Construction, Design and Management Programme and Project Support Architectural Building Design Mechanical and Electrical Design Building Surveying Clerk of Works Building Condition Surveys

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

You will be responsible for providing high quality and multidisciplinary, cost effective design, project management and associated services to deliver various projects or programmes of work for the County Council.




You will:
Lead and manage the MandE design section in the provision of technical guidance, design review and quality assurance for project deliverables. Oversee of the full design lifecycle on certain projects, in accordance with RIBA stages of delivery, from concept through detailed and technical design, construction on site and ultimately handover. Act as the project lead and principal designer on certain projects or programmes of work, including the production of tender documents and evaluation of tenders and contract administration. Appoint and manage consultants, both in-house and external. Mentor and develop staff, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and technical excellence. Design and deliver project solutions to the required time, cost, quality, scope, benefit and risk performance criteria.
We encourage you to contact Paul Wilkinson, Construction Consultancy Services Manager via email at paul.wilkinson3@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

Please note that Durham County Council will be closed for Christmas from 24 December 2025 until 2 January 2026.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject Substantial professional experience in a relevant role Evidence of a leadership role in the provision of MandE design advice and project management.
Grade 13 :-
Working towards a relevant professional qualification such as Chartered Building Services Engineer (MCIBSE)
Grade 14:-
Chartered Membership of a relevant professional qualification such as Chartered Building Services Engineer (MCIBSE)
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.




If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held week commencing 19 January 2026.



We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits-if-you-work-for-us)

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

HOW TO APPLY

Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the Person Specification section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/2083/How-to-apply-for-a-job-with-us)



If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentResources@durham.gov.uk



We welcome applications from disabled people and those who are or consider themselves to be neurodivergent.



All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you dont miss any updates.

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