Design Manager - Mechanical Ballymena
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£54,400
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2161 (85% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £54,400, and J.F. & H. DOWDS LIMITED is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2122 (Mechanical engineers, Strong mechanical design engineering content in the description) or SOC 1122 (Production managers and directors in construction, Construction context and managing design delivery). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2161 Research and development (R&D) managers Most likely code | £38,100 | £43,500 | £48,900 | £54,400 |
2122 Mechanical engineers Also possible | £33,400 | £37,400 | £42,100 | £46,800 |
1122 Production managers and directors in construction Also possible | £37,400 | £42,700 | £48,100 | £53,400 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
We are seeking
Dowds are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Manager to lead mechanical design delivery and technical governance across major projects and preconstruction activities.
This role provides technical leadership across the full project lifecycle, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and buildable mechanical solutions are delivered.
What you'll be responsible for
- Support delivery of technical design management strategy
- Provide leadership across mechanical design standards and governance
- Contribute to wider business strategy and continuous improvement
- Lead mechanical design reviews of bids and cost plans
- Identify risks, opportunities, and value engineering solutions
- Collaborate with estimating teams to support winning bids
- Develop robust mechanical design strategies
- Review, challenge and approve design info, calculations and specifications.
- Act as mechanical technical authority across allocated projects
- Lead MEP consultant appointments and design coordination
- Chair design review meetings and drive technical decision-making
- Define scope, deliverables, and design responsibilities
- Review plant, equipment, and CDP packages for compliance
- Verify site installation against design intent
- Resolve complex mechanical technical issues
- Contribute to procurement strategies and early design decisions
- Support BIM integration and coordination
What we are looking for
Essential
- Extensive experience in mechanical building services (MEP/construction)
- Proven track record of technical design leadership
- Strong understanding of design management and procurement
- Experience leading design reviews and managing consultants
- Significant experience in mechanical building services design within an MEP or construction environment.
- Proven ability to lead, review and assure mechanical design outputs across project stages.
- Strong knowledge of HVAC, public health, plant and low‑carbon systems.
Desirable
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
- Chartered or working towards (CIBSE / IMechE or equivalent)
- Experience in complex sectors (healthcare, commercial, infrastructure)
- Knowledge of BIM and digital engineering practices
Why Join Dowds
- 41 Days Holiday
- Early Finish Fridays
- Private Medical
- Bonus
- Wellbeing Initiatives
- Pension
- Work from home
- Plus, many more
Dowds is an Equal Opportunities Employer
Dowds is a long established, multidisciplinary engineering and construction Building Services Engineering company headquartered in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1978, our expertise spans the full lifecycle of complex-built environments from initial design and systems integration through to installation, commissioning, and handover. Across specific sectors: life science, commercial, education and healthcare.
Operating at a gold standard for best managed company and investors in people, our vision is to set the standard for excellence, driving progress, responsibility, and lasting impact. While keeping our clients and our people at the heart of what we do.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with J.F. & H. DOWDS LIMITED, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Research and development (R&D) managers (SOC 2161) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~83k in sample- Middle half £45,448–73,580
- Median £56,992
- Going rate £54,400
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £38,100–48,900
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About sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. J.F. & H. DOWDS LIMITED holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2161 going rate of £54,400. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.