Senior Design Manager (MEP)

Job Purpose

This role is accountable for directing, aligning, and overseeing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design work across construction projects. The position ensures that all design outputs meet project specifications, local authority rules, budget expectations, and delivery schedules, while serving as the main technical link between consultants, contractors, and internal teams throughout the design phase.

Design Management and Coordination

• Direct the full MEP design process from concept development through detailed design and into the construction stage.
• Work in close partnership with architectural, structural, civil, and specialist consultants to achieve fully integrated, clash-free design packages.
• Examine and sign off on MEP drawings, design calculations, technical specifications, and submittal documents.
• Verify that all designs align with applicable codes, authority regulations, international standards, and client expectations.

Project and Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as the main contact for MEP design matters for consultants, clients, and regulatory authorities.
• Assist the Project Manager by tracking design programs, deliverables, and key milestone progress.
• Take part in design reviews, value engineering sessions, and authority coordination meetings.

Technical Leadership

• Guide and support MEP engineers and designers with technical direction and leadership.
• Spot design risks, coordination issues, and technical difficulties early, then develop practical solutions.
• Contribute to constructability reviews and work with site teams during the construction phase.

Cost and Value Engineering

• Support MEP budgeting, cost planning, and value engineering exercises.
• Recommend efficient and economical MEP solutions while maintaining safety and performance standards.
• Assist with tender reviews and technical assessments for MEP-related scope.

Quality, Compliance and Documentation

• Maintain high design quality, consistency, and compliance with company and project standards.
• Keep design records, approvals, and related documentation properly organized and updated.
• Provide design-side support for commissioning, testing, and handover activities.

Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering is required; a master’s degree is considered an advantage.
• Applicants should have 10 to 15 years of experience in MEP design across construction, consultancy, or EPC environments.
• Experience leading MEP design for medium to large projects such as commercial, residential, hospitality, infrastructure, and mixed-use developments is expected.
• Strong familiarity with MEP codes, standards, and authority requirements is necessary; GCC or Middle East experience is preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership and cross-discipline coordination ability.
• Strong technical understanding of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and ELV systems.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, BIM coordination platforms, and design review workflows.
• Effective communication skills in English; Arabic would be an added benefit.
• Comfortable handling pressure, multiple stakeholders, and tight deadlines.