Commissioning Manager – Data Centre Project

Location: Middlesbrough, UK ( with regular visits to HQ based in London)
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Commissioning Manager to lead the commissioning programme on a major data centre project in Middlesbrough. This is a critical leadership position responsible for managing all commissioning activities from design review and construction readiness through integrated systems testing, client acceptance, and final handover to operations.

You will oversee multidisciplinary commissioning teams covering mechanical, electrical, controls, life safety, and integrated systems, ensuring a safe, compliant, and successful delivery of this mission-critical facility.

Key Responsibilities

Commissioning Leadership & Strategy

Develop and lead the overall commissioning strategy, execution plans, governance processes, and commissioning programme.
Manage multidisciplinary commissioning teams, providing clear direction, priorities, and performance expectations.
Act as the primary commissioning interface between project management, construction, design, QA/QC, HSE, planning, commercial teams, vendors, and the client.
Chair commissioning coordination, readiness, integration, and handover meetings, ensuring actions are tracked and closed.

Planning, Readiness & Programme Management

Develop and maintain the integrated commissioning schedule, linking construction completion, vendor activities, energisation, testing, and handover milestones.
Manage commissioning resources, including specialist vendors, personnel, temporary systems, test equipment, and permits.
Lead system readiness reviews prior to energisation and testing, ensuring all documentation, inspections, permits, and access requirements are in place.
Identify programme risks and constraints and implement recovery plans to maintain project milestones.

Technical Governance & Quality Assurance

Provide commissioning input into design reviews, technical submittals, RFIs, method statements, inspection and test plans, and commissioning procedures.
Ensure testing activities comply with UK regulations, relevant British and European standards, project specifications, and manufacturer requirements.
Oversee factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), energisation procedures, functional performance testing, and integrated systems testing (IST).
Monitor and drive closure of defects, non-conformances, and punch-list items.

Systems Integration & Handover

Lead the Level 0–5 commissioning process across all mechanical, electrical and control systems.
Manage lockout/tagout (LOTO), permit-to-work arrangements, system boundaries, and transfer of control processes.
Develop and execute integrated systems testing strategies and operational scenarios.
Coordinate client demonstrations, witnessing activities, operator training programmes, and phased handovers.
Ensure all commissioning records, certifications, O&M manuals, as-built documentation, and handover dossiers are completed and accepted.

Commercial & Stakeholder Management

Support management of commissioning budgets, subcontractor costs, specialist vendors, temporary systems, and variations.
Produce weekly and monthly commissioning reports covering progress, risks, resource requirements, readiness status, and key decisions.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, consultants, and suppliers.
Ensure effective use of digital commissioning and project management platforms for reporting and document control.

About You

Essential Qualifications & Experience

Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related discipline. Equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
Minimum 5 years' experience in a Commissioning Manager role on large-scale data centre, mission-critical, industrial, pharmaceutical, or similarly complex construction projects.
Proven experience leading multidisciplinary commissioning teams and coordinating contractor and vendor activities.
Strong knowledge of commissioning methodologies including Levels 0–5, energisation, functional testing, IST, handover, and operational readiness processes.
Thorough understanding of UK construction regulations, health and safety requirements, and relevant British and European standards.
Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, planning, and communication skills.
Strong report writing and technical documentation capabilities.
Full professional proficiency in English.

Desirable

Previous hyperscale or enterprise data centre experience.
Experience delivering phased handovers within live operational environments.
Authorised Person (AP), switching certification, commissioning certification, or equivalent industry accreditation.
Familiarity with digital commissioning and quality management platforms.

What We Offer

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering a major UK data centre project from construction completion through to fully operational status. You will work alongside leading industry professionals, manage complex commissioning activities, and help deliver a world-class mission-critical facility.

In return, we offer:

Competitive salary and benefits package
Career progression opportunities within a growing sector
Exposure to large-scale, mission-critical projects
Collaborative and international project environment
Lunch allowance and additional employee benefits
Opportunity to make a lasting impact on a flagship UK data centre development

If you are an experienced Commissioning Manager looking to lead the successful delivery of a high-profile data centre project, we would welcome your application.

Please Note:
To be considered for this role, applicants must be legally authorised to work in the UK. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship or support Skilled Worker visa applications for this position.

Commissioning Manager