At Michael Taylor Search & Selection, we understand how critical timing is when hiring for specialist roles. One of the most commonly delayed hires across London builds is the Commissioning Specialist. Bring them in too late, and your project risks falling behind. Bring them in too early, and they may not have the right context to be effective.
So, when exactly is the right time to recruit a commissioning specialist? And how can properly timed Commissioning Recruitment help avoid delays, handover headaches and budget issues?
What does a Commissioning Specialist actually do?
Before we talk timing, it helps to be clear on what this role involves.
A commissioning specialist ensures that all the systems and components in a building or development are working together properly. That includes mechanical, electrical, plumbing, safety systems, lighting, ventilation, building management systems and more. Their job is to confirm everything performs according to the design intent, meets regulations and is fully operational by handover.
They operate at the point where construction turns into a functioning building. If systems are clashing, documentation is incomplete, or things haven’t been tested properly, they are the ones who spot it and sort it.
Why timing makes or breaks it
Commissioning may take place near the end of a project timeline, but a specialist’s input is needed much earlier. If you wait until the final stages to bring someone in, they are stepping into a situation where decisions have already been made. At that point, it’s much harder to fix mistakes without causing disruption or delays.
That’s where so many projects go wrong. We see it regularly across construction jobs in London. A team scrambles to hire a commissioning manager at the last minute, but by then, snags have built up, and the pressure is on. That’s the kind of stress no project team needs.
The smarter approach is to involve your commissioning specialist before the installation phase finishes. That way, they can help shape the commissioning strategy and prevent issues before they surface.
When to start Commissioning Recruitment
We recommend starting your Commissioning Recruitment process four to six months before commissioning is due to start. This gives you enough lead time to:
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Secure the right person for your project
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Give them time to review the scope, drawings and systems
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Ensure they are aligned with your project team and delivery goals
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Create a commissioning plan that avoids surprises
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Get ahead of any coordination gaps with subcontractors or suppliers
For large, high-spec projects, you may need even more runway. A commissioning specialist who has time to engage early can flag design issues, align with the MEP teams and prevent problems from turning into roadblocks later on.
How phased recruitment keeps you on track
Recruitment phasing is about aligning your hiring schedule with your construction timeline. At Michael Taylor Search & Selection, we use this approach to help clients plan ahead, reduce risk and avoid the last-minute rush that leads to compromises.
For roles like Commissioning Managers, Commissioning Engineers and MEP Coordinators, we help clients think proactively. That means identifying the right recruitment window for each stage of the project and working backwards from key milestones.
By phasing recruitment, you:
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Reduce stress during commissioning
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Strengthen collaboration between trades and technical leads
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Improve system performance through early oversight
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Keep your project aligned with delivery targets
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Ensure a smooth, confident handover
Why choose Michael Taylor Search & Selection
Since 2016, we’ve helped leading contractors and developers across London and the South East build reliable teams that deliver. What began with three people in a broom cupboard office on Brick Lane has grown into a respected recruitment partner to some of the capital’s most iconic projects.
Our team is deeply connected to the technical talent pool that keeps the city building. From commissioning to construction management, we know where to find the right people and how to match them to the right roles.
We don’t just fill vacancies. We listen to every detail of your requirement and work to understand the bigger picture. Then we tap into our personal networks and industry insight to find the professionals who will make a lasting difference on your project.
If you’re hiring for construction jobs in London and want more than just another CV on your desk, we can help. We take a transparent, long-term approach that adds value well beyond the start date.
Got a project on the go? Need to plan ahead for commissioning? Let us tailor our search, provide regular updates and find you the specialist who will carry your build through to a confident, problem-free handover.
