ROLE OVERVIEW

Our client is seeking an experienced MEP Project Manager to provide dedicated, onsite leadership for a large data center project in Columbus, Ohio. This position requires a seasoned professional with deep technical expertise in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems to drive the successful delivery of complex building infrastructure. As a key member of the delivery team, you will be embedded within the client's organization, representing their interests and ensuring that all MEP-related project goals are achieved. You will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of these critical systems, from design and procurement through commissioning and turnover.

This role demands a high degree of accountability, technical credibility, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced, large-scale campus environment. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who excels at mitigating risk, controlling costs, and enforcing the highest standards of quality and safety.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of MEP systems, from design review and procurement through to construction, commissioning, and final turnover.
• Oversee all MEP financial controls, including budget development, cost forecasting, change order negotiation, and payment application review.
• Drive the MEP project schedule, proactively identifying dependencies, managing the critical path, and implementing mitigation strategies to prevent delays.
• Lead technical coordination and clash detection efforts between MEP trades, architectural and structural teams, and equipment vendors to resolve issues before they impact field execution.
• Enforce stringent quality and safety standards for all MEP work, conducting regular site inspections and ensuring full compliance with project specifications, building codes, and safety regulations.
• Serve as the primary technical advisor to the client and project leadership on all MEP matters, providing clear, concise reporting on progress, risks, and issue resolution.
• Direct the MEP commissioning process, ensuring that all systems are rigorously tested, documented, and proven to meet the design intent and operational requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent professional experience.
• 8+ years of progressive project management experience with a dedicated focus on large-scale, technically complex MEP systems.
• Demonstrated experience managing MEP scope on projects with budgets exceeding $100M, preferably within data center, life sciences, or mission-critical environments.
• Deep technical understanding of mechanical systems (HVAC, chilled water, plumbing, building controls) and electrical systems (medium/low voltage power distribution, emergency power, fire alarm).
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage multiple contractors, and communicate effectively with senior-level client representatives and stakeholders.
• Expertise in project management fundamentals, including advanced cost control, critical path scheduling, risk management, and contract administration.
• Experience with the full commissioning and turnover process for complex building systems is required.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our client is a multidisciplinary commercial real estate firm delivering development, construction, brokerage, data center, and investment services with a focus on reducing risk and driving successful outcomes. By integrating expertise across disciplines, they provide clients with deeper insight and better decision-making across the full real estate lifecycle, with particular strength in mission-critical/data center, life sciences, and complex mixed-use projects. The firm is known for identifying risk early, deploying experienced professionals, and guiding clients through complex decisions with confidence. Their culture is built on trust, teamwork, and a driven mindset, empowering high-caliber talent to deliver exceptional results for clients, teams, and communities.