Job Title: Sales Engineering Manager (Mechanical – Data Centre Projects)

Location: London, UK

Job Purpose

A leading provider of data centre design, supply, build, and managed services is seeking a Sales Engineering Manager to lead its mechanical-focused sales engineering function.

This role is responsible for translating client requirements into robust, technically sound mechanical solutions that support commercial success. You will lead solution development, estimation, and proposal activities, acting as the mechanical technical authority throughout the sales cycle and into early project delivery.

The ideal candidate will come from a strong mechanical design and estimation background within data centre or mission-critical environments.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Own technical qualification of opportunities, capturing mechanical scope, site constraints, and client requirements (performance, compliance, programme)
• Develop mechanical solution architectures, including cooling systems (e.g., CRAC/CRAH, chilled water, in-row, liquid cooling), airflow management, and containment strategies
• Produce and review technical proposals, system schematics, equipment schedules, and supporting documentation
• Lead bid engineering activities including take-offs, BOQs, labour build-ups, and cost estimation
• Apply value engineering principles to optimise solutions for cost, performance, and deliverability
• Collaborate with internal design teams and external partners to ensure solutions meet relevant standards (e.g., CIBSE, CDM) and client specifications
• Lead the preparation and coordination of technically and commercially robust proposals, including pricing, programme, risk, and assumptions
• Conduct technical evaluations and clarifications with suppliers and subcontractors to achieve optimal outcomes
• Own mechanical elements of tenders (RFPs/RFQs) and present solutions at client design reviews and bid interviews
• Develop and maintain standardised solution libraries, pricing tools, and proposal templates
• Act as the primary mechanical technical contact during pursuits, leading client workshops and solution discussions
• Build strong relationships with client stakeholders including facilities, design, and project teams
• Support development of coordinated project schedules aligned with mechanical scope and delivery requirements
• Deliver clear and persuasive technical presentations to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Lead technical handover to delivery teams, ensuring clarity of scope, design intent, and programme
• Support early-stage project activities including submittals, RFIs, and change management
• Capture and implement lessons learned to improve future bids and standardisation
• Manage and mentor sales engineers and estimators, setting performance standards and development plans
• Implement best-practice bid governance including stage gates and quality reviews
• Champion safety, compliance, and engineering excellence across all pre-sales activities
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to data protection and information security standards

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree or HND in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• 7+ years’ experience in mechanical engineering within data centres, critical infrastructure, or complex building services projects
• Strong background in mechanical design and estimation, including cost planning and bid support
• Demonstrable experience in pre-sales or sales engineering, including solution development, pricing, and bid submissions
• In-depth knowledge of data centre mechanical systems, particularly cooling technologies (DX, chilled water, free cooling, containment strategies)
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations (e.g., CIBSE, CDM)
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and produce high-quality engineering documentation
• Experience with estimation tools and design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Bluebeam) is advantageous
• Strong commercial awareness, including pricing strategies, risk management, and contract considerations
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence in client-facing environments

Desirable

• Professional registration (IEng/CEng) or working towards chartership
• Experience delivering hyperscale or colocation data centre projects
• Knowledge of energy efficiency and sustainable cooling strategies