Hiring Questions Answered

**Data centre boom + critical infrastructure projects** = every major contractor competing for the same 500-700 active MEP PMs in the UK. ARG data shows **89% of MEP project managers are passive** (in-post, not looking). They only move for: • £65k+ salaries • Data centre/hyperscale exposure • Progression to senior PM/design management If your project is standard commercial fit-out at £55k, you will lose every quality candidate to data centre contractors paying £70k-£85k.

**ARG average:** • Electrical/mechanical engineers: 18-23 days • MEP project managers: 28-35 days • Senior design engineers: 35-42 days The bottleneck is **candidate scarcity, not process**. Most quality M&E engineers receive 3-5 approaches per week. If your interview process is 3+ weeks, they will accept another offer before you make a decision. Fast-moving contractors (1-week interview turnaround) win **70%+ of contested offers**.

**Market reality (ARG data):** • Standard commercial MEP PM: £55k-£65k • Data centre/critical infrastructure MEP PM: £65k-£85k • Senior MEP PM (multi-site/design oversight): £75k-£95k Advertised "competitive" salaries lose candidates immediately. If you are hiring for data centre or hyperscale projects and offering under £70k, you are **6-12 months behind market rate**.

**Counter-offers are rife in M&E.** ARG data: **31% of accepted M&E offers** get reneged before start date (higher than any other sector we track). **Reasons:** • Current employer counters with project promotion or pay rise • Competing contractor offer during notice period (common) • Candidate realizes commute/travel is unsustainable **Mitigation:** confirm why they are moving (project type matters more than money for many), stay in contact weekly during notice, and push for fast contract signature.