Higher Education MEP Design Manager/Lab Planner (Full-Time)

MBP • New Haven, CT

2d

About The Position

MBP is seeking a project manager experienced in the design and construction of higher education laboratory facilities. The role requires creativity, foresight, and mature judgment to anticipate and solve design and construction problems, determine program objectives and requirements, and organize programs and projects. Experience with laboratory projects for higher education and/or healthcare end users is required.

The position manages laboratory projects through the design phase, coordinating owners, designers, contractors, and other stakeholders. It serves as a key client contact and supports senior project management team leaders. The role prepares, monitors, and manages the design process and project budgets, and ensures client design standards are followed. It also supports planning, permitting, design review, consultant coordination, and project delivery, advocating for the Owner’s interests and ensuring projects meet approved budgets and schedules.

The manager develops architectural program requirements, planning models, and overall project budgets; manages consultant selection and consultant work; reviews designs for code compliance and constructability; and coordinates reviews across architectural, civil, structural, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical disciplines. The role provides advice on planning and design issues, presents clear options to support decision-making, resolves planning and technical conflicts, and may manage multiple assignments simultaneously. The employee generally works independently, receiving overall guidance on emphasis and approach from the Owner’s senior leadership team.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with laboratory projects for higher education and/or healthcare end users.
• Detailed knowledge of laboratory design and construction and associated MEP requirements.
• Knowledge of code requirements and the consultant selection process.
• Knowledge of personnel and project management techniques, including budgeting, leadership, training, and business development.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, interpret technical instructions, and work with abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to analyze and optimize internal and external processes.
• Ability to stand and sit as needed at project work sites, climb ladders, work at heights, work outdoors in varied weather, and safely navigate uneven construction-site terrain.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• B.S. in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• Professional registration, job-relevant certifications such as CCM, or advanced specialized technical knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Manage laboratory projects through the design phase and coordinate the owner, designer, contractor, and other project stakeholders.
• Serve as a key client contact and support senior project management team leaders.
• Prepare, monitor, and manage the client design process and project budgets.
• Ensure client and Owner design standards are followed throughout design and planning.
• Support project planning and coordinate submissions with municipal permitting and permissions agencies to meet project timelines.
• Represent the Owner’s interests in meetings with municipal authorities and authorities having jurisdiction during planning and permitting.
• Review architectural plans and provide ongoing code and constructability review.
• Lead and coordinate plan review services from civil, structural, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical disciplines.
• Develop planning models based on departmental needs and institutional priorities.
• Resolve planning and technical conflicts and recommend cost-effective options and approaches.
• Ensure institutional planning objectives and strategies are reflected in departmental plans and projects.
• Prepare succinct presentations of complex project issues and options to support timely decision-making.
• Provide information and recommendations on physical and comprehensive planning, large-scale planning studies, and special facilities planning.
• Manage and review the progress and quality of work performed by outside and in-house consultants.
• Act as the primary contact among project architects, consultants, building committees, technical and operations groups, and staff during project planning.
• Advise on conformity with specifications, codes, regulations, and the Owner’s design standards.
• Develop architectural program requirements.
• Develop project budgets covering construction, consultants and other fees, furnishings and equipment, operations, and testing.
• Manage consultant selection.
• Ensure projects in the planning phase are completed within approved budgets and schedules.
• Provide leadership and training to other team members and provide client care.
• Operate as an expert in one or more service areas and take responsibility for the final work product.

Benefits

• Opportunities for semi-annual bonuses.
• Paid time off and holiday schedules.
• Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability benefits for the individual.
• Health Savings Account with company contribution.
• 401(k)/Roth 401(k) plan with company match.
• Tuition assistance and student loan reimbursement.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• Wellness program and fitness program reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior