MEP COE Director, Retail Construction

Job Overview

Lead the development and operation of a national MEP Center of Excellence for a premier financial services client’s retail construction program. The role combines deep technical expertise with strategic program management, providing a single point of contact for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems across hundreds of retail banking locations annually.

• Develop and continuously refine MEP design standards, best practices, and quality control processes for retail banking projects including freestanding branches, tenant improvement locations, co-located office spaces, and airport lounges.
• Conduct formal peer reviews of MEP designs at critical project milestones (50% construction documents and 90% construction documents) for approximately 30 projects annually, evaluating technical design quality and operational efficiency considerations.
• Provide regular training sessions to Architects of Record, Engineers of Record, and internal design managers on current MEP best practices and evolving client standards.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison between retail construction teams, sustainability initiatives, and facilities management groups for specialized systems including VRF HVAC, rooftop solar, commissioning protocols, and building controls.
• Analyze facilities work orders and commissioning issue logs bi-annually to identify trends, determine root causes, and implement design or process improvements to prevent recurring problems.
• Attend HVAC system startups and commissioning functional tests in the New York tri‑state area to ensure proper installation and provide hands‑on technical support.
• Manage prototype design updates across multiple project types by coordinating with external engineers and architects to enhance standardized drawings, details, and riser diagrams.
• Meet quarterly with retail facilities management teams to understand operational concerns from recently completed projects and develop solutions that improve future deliveries.
• Support the client’s decarbonization initiatives by providing technical subject matter expertise on refrigerants, HVAC system selection, renewable energy integration, and water conservation measures.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 10‑15+ years of progressive experience in MEP design, construction management, or building systems engineering with a focus on commercial or retail environments.
• Deep technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, including HVAC design, electrical service sizing, lighting controls, and building automation systems.
• Proven experience conducting design reviews, quality assurance assessments, and technical peer reviews on construction projects.
• Strong understanding of energy efficiency principles, commissioning processes, and operational considerations that impact long‑term building performance.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement technical standards, best practices, and quality control processes across multiple projects or regions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to train diverse audiences and prepare clear technical documentation.
• Willingness to travel 5‑10 times annually for site visits, client meetings, and internal conferences (typically 1‑3 days per trip).
• Proficiency with construction documentation review and ability to provide detailed markup comments on engineering drawings.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC systems and dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS).
• Knowledge of renewable energy systems, particularly rooftop solar photovoltaic design and integration.
• Familiarity with building commissioning standards (ASHRAE Guideline 0 or 1.1, LEED, or similar protocols).
• Background in sustainable building design, LEED projects, or corporate decarbonization initiatives.
• Prior experience working with national retail chains, financial institutions, or other clients with standardized prototype designs.
• Understanding of facilities management operations and the transition from…