MEP Unit Manager - Data Center Market

US-GA-Atlanta

Job ID: 2025-4560
Type: Gray Construction, Inc
# of Openings: 1
Category: OPS - Operations
Gray Construction

Overview

Gray Construction is looking for an experienced MEP Unit Manager to join their Data Center Market team in either our Atlanta, GA; Dallas, TX; Jackson, MS; Lexington, KY; Phoenix, AZ; Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH & Reno, NV office.

Responsibilities

Why Gray?

Gray is a fully integrated design-builder delivering end-to-end solutions across construction, professional services, specialty equipment, and real estate. Since 1960, Gray has grown from a regional contractor to a nationally ranked industry leader, serving top domestic and international companies in the following markets: Manufacturing, Food & Beverage, Data Centers, Advanced Technology, and Distribution. Our integrated approach allows us to deliver value at every phase of a project—from designing and building state-of-the-art facilities to fabricating custom process equipment and implementing advanced automation.

But what truly defines Gray is our people. Our success is driven by passionate, collaborative team members who take pride in their work, value strong relationships, and are committed to doing the right thing for our customers and one another. At Gray, you’ll find a culture built on teamwork, accountability, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

“Personal growth precedes Gray’s growth.” – Stephen Gray, President & CEO, Gray, Inc.

Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

TACTICAL PROJECT TEAM SUPPORT

• Works with the Project Management Teams to Understand the Customer and Their Needs: Engages closely with Project Management Teams to gain a deep understanding of the customer's specific requirements and objectives for the Project. This involves regular communication and meetings with both the teams and customers to ensure that all MEP disciplines are aligned with the customer’s expectations and achieve the Project’s goals.
• Translates MEP Strategy into Actionable Plans for Project Teams: Takes strategic MEP directions from the MEP Unit Leader and converts them into executable plans for the Project Teams. This includes breaking down strategies into understandable tasks, setting clear goals as it relates to MEP disciplines, and ensuring the teams are equipped to implement these plans effectively.
• Ensures Effective Communication of MEP Aspects Within Projects: Acts as a key communicator for MEP-related information within the project. This involves disseminating updates, changes, and crucial data regarding MEP planning, design, and implementation to ensure all Project stakeholders are aligned.
• Assists in Customizing MEP Solutions to Project Requirements: Supports the MEP Group Leader by working with the design and engineering teams to tailor MEP solutions specifically for each Project.
• Provides Tactical Oversight of MEP Implementation During Project Execution: Oversees the day-to-day implementation of MEP strategies during a Project’s execution. This includes monitoring progress, addressing any technical issues that arise, and ensuring that MEP work is completed to the highest standard and within the established schedule parameters.
• Facilitates Collaboration Between MEP and Other Project Disciplines: Encourages and facilitates effective collaboration between the MEP subcontractors and other project disciplines. This involves coordinating with Gray AE and/or consultants to ensure that MEP considerations are integrated seamlessly into the overall Project design and execution.
• Supports Project Teams in MEP Problem Solving and Decision Making: Provides guidance and support to Project stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding MEP-related challenges. This includes offering technical advice, proposing solutions, and helping to navigate complex MEP issues as they may arise during the project.

• Develops and Maintains Strategic Partnerships: Cultivates relationships with industry partners, suppliers, and subcontractors for improved service quality and Project outcomes.

PRE-CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ADMINISTRATION

• Supports the MEP Unit Leader as a secondary and/or leads as the central point-of-contact in managing the comprehensive pre-construction MEP strategy to execute - small, medium, and large (up to $200MM +) – Projects within the Market.
• Actively collects owner information and liaises with the Gray’s internal departments, design, and/or discrete services. This collaboration ensures the delivery of a detailed MEP package to Project teams, ensuring best in class pricing development, clear scope definition, and advanced illustrations to effectively communicate the design approach.
• Attends meetings with the customer to present and explain the MEP approach for the Project, ensuring clarity and alignment with the customer’s vision and requirements.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT LIASON

• Coordinates the design activities of MEP consultants and sub-contractors. This is to ensure a seamless integration and comprehensive understanding of how MEP disciplines interact with other disciplines on the Project, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the Project Management Team.
• Accountable to conduct detailed reviews of design documents to confirm that the developed design adheres to the specifications, and scope-of-work committed to the customer.
• Supports the MEP Group Leader to identify potential opportunities for the sourcing and procurement of specific equipment to provide better value to the customer and Project Management Teams.

FINANCIAL SUCCESS

• The MEP Unit Manager is responsible for continually communicating with the Project Executive and/or Project Management Team to provide regular updates on MEP discipline progress and providing status updates to the MEP Group Leader.
• Operate within budgetary limitations and requirements.

• Actively participate with the Project Management Team in the monitoring and purchasing of all required materials, subcontracts, equipment, and services for the Project(s) served.
• Actively engage in detailed reviews of change orders before they are issued to subcontractors and customers. This task requires meticulous adherence to Gray’s standard operating procedures, ensuring every change order aligns with Project specifications and commercial agreements. The focus should be on ensuring accuracy, preventing errors, and maintaining consistent communication with Project Management Teams during the review process.
• MEP Unit Managers are responsible for efficiently supporting Project Management Teams in the red file process, as necessary, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and adherence to Project budgets.

RISK MANAGEMENT

• Ensure a comprehensive understanding of all commercial terms and conditions within owner contracts and subcontracts among all involved parties and leverage this knowledge to provide valuable support by clearly articulating the impacts of decisions to the Project Executive and/or Project Management Team. Empowering them with the information needed to assess the impact and explore available options.

• In conjunction with the Project Management Team, take on the responsibility of developing a comprehensive Project risk management plan as it relates to the MEP disciplines. This plan should encompass both internal and external risks, ensuring a holistic approach to potential challenges throughout the project.
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of the current risk management strategies. Collaborate with the Project Management Team to refine and adapt the plan as needed. This process includes devising and implementing corrective action steps and strategic adjustments to be carried out by the team for continuous improvement.
• Provide diligent MEP oversight by being proactive to identify potential Project challenges early on. Actively assist Project teams in the development of targeted corrective measures for effective risk mitigation. This involves a proactive stance in foreseeing and addressing risks before they escalate.
• Demonstrate and consistently communicate a clear and effective approach to problem-solving. Ensure that this approach is coherent and aligns with the overall objectives of the Project team, setting a standard for addressing challenges efficiently and maintaining Project quality, schedule, and budget.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Serve as the primary point-of-contract for Project Management Teams as it relates to MEP disciplines.
• Collaborates with the MEP Unit Leader to assist in development of the Project’s communication and relationship management plan and executes such plan for the MEP disciplines.
• Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and uphold Gray's Core Values both within and outside the Project team. Extend consideration, courtesy, and respect to Project staff, subcontractors, suppliers, and customers.
• Serve as the primary liaison for MEP disciplines, facilitating seamless communication and coordination between customers and the Project Management Team, including Gray AE, consultants, and various Gray departments. This role involves bridging the gap between various stakeholders, ensuring a clear understanding of MEP requirements and expectations throughout the Project lifecycle.
• Collaborates with the Project Management Team to facilitate smooth workflow continuity during Project team member transitions, as required.

TEAM MEMBER DEVELOPMENT

• Ensure that the Project team members support and abide by Gray’s vision, core values, and mission statement.
• In coordination with the Project Executive, Project Manager, Gray AE, and Pre-Construction -monitor Project team cohesiveness and develop action plans to correct issues associated with MEP resources.
• Responsible for mentoring and training Project Management Team Members as it relates to MEP disciplines.

COLLABORATION

• Responsible for maintaining regular communication with the MEP Unit Leader, Project Executives, and fellow MEP Unit Managers.
• Coordinates with cross-functional teams across Gray’s discrete service offerings.
• Maintains a cooperative and productive work environment, encouraging teamwork and communication among all Project stakeholders.

ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY

The MEP Unit Manager has the authority to advise Project Management Teams and MEP Unit Leader on the execution of Subcontract agreements, early payment releases to subs and vendors, and to advise on the execution of Subcontractor change orders.

Qualifications

This individual is key to the overall project success, including planning, design, and execution. Possesses extensive expertise and a demonstrated history of success as an MEP leader, skillfully managing numerous projects, including large-scale and complex MEP initiatives. This individual plays a pivotal role in forming and guiding MEP proposal teams, showcasing exceptional leadership and project management skills.

Bachelor's degree from four-year College or university and a minimum of ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must have a minimum of ten years of experience managing MEP disciplines of design/build projects or hard bid projects as required for the market this position serves.

Must have experience in all contracting methods such as lump sum, GMP, cost plus construction management, and fee-based construction. Must understand legal aspects and implications of contractual language.

Must have a proven record in increasing project profitability from the initial project profit margin on multiple projects.

Must be sufficiently knowledgeable in technical aspects of engineering and design disciplines to represent Gray as the "primary point of contact" throughout a Project(s) development and execution with customers. Must be thoroughly knowledgeable of costs and fees associated with the variety of engineering and design disciplines and services Gray offers and exemplify proficiency as “subject matter expert” of the MEP disciplines.

Must be thoroughly knowledgeable of the impact caused by multiple changes in either the design, engineering, or construction phases and how they impact the overall project, from the cost, schedule, construction management, and construction operations perspectives. Must be knowledgeable of when and how to address these issues with customers.

Must have managed multiple Projects in which all process or production equipment procurement or installation or both was within the scope of Project services; or must have managed all components of comparable to process Projects for other specific industry types of projects, including, but not limited to, mission critical, large distribution and manufacturing, support utilities, equipment procurement, and installation, and manufacturing equipment and support utility installation. For each Project, this work element should have represented a significant portion of the overall value. Should also have experience and knowledge of costs associated with discrete equipment components and systems and installation procedures in order to prepare estimates and proposals.

This role requires exceptional mentoring and leadership capabilities, specifically aimed at nurturing and supporting the Project Management Teams dedicated to serving Projects within the Food & Beverage Market. A primary responsibility is to cultivate an environment of leadership development and collaborative synergy, essential for enhancing the effectiveness and success of our Project Management Teams within the Food & Beverage Market.

Must have proven experience in the development and implementation of aggressive schedules for Projects with variables such as Project type(s), areas, and seasonal start dates.

Must have proven experience in preparing cost estimates for design-build Projects in the industrial arena.

Must be able to develop and maintain harmonious relationships with owners, co-workers, vendors, suppliers, and community stakeholders.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical publications, or government regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Must have the ability to develop, interpret, and understand complex financial information.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Must have basic business mathematical skills.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or other forms.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must possess basic computer skills, including the ability to utilize word processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail applications. May also require working knowledge of scheduling and/or estimating applications.

The new team member should be an energetic, self-motivated individual who enjoys a team environment, as well as a passion for collaboration and professional development. If you are a high achiever striving to exceed expectations in a fast-paced innovative company, then Gray is the place for you.

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Visa Sponsorship: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the team member is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands or arms and talk or hear. They may occasionally be required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision.

Generally, normal office environment where noise level is moderate and temperature/humidity is controlled. Overtime may be required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

While no direct supervisory role is required, the individual will need to possess a strong leadership ability to direct team member across department lines as well as external members outside of Gray Construction.

EEO Disclaimer

Gray is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes everyone to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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