My client a leading architectural & engineering consultancy is seeking a visionary MEP Head of Design to lead the MEP discipline across their high-profile luxury projects in the UAE, delivering innovative, sustainable, and net-zero-ready MEP solutions from concept to commissioning. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in MEP engineering for complex developments, with deep expertise in 2025 UAE regulations, BIM mandates, and emerging technologies. This role demands exceptional leadership, strategic foresight, and technical mastery to ensure projects achieve DEWA Green Building compliance, Estidama Pearl 4, and LEED Platinum while aligning with Dubai's sustainable urban vision and UAE's Net Zero 2050 goals.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Thinking
- Develop and implement a 3-5 year MEP strategy aligned with Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, UAE Net Zero 2050, and DEWA District Cooling 2030, including adoption of AI for load forecasting and IoT for smart building management.
- Anticipate regulatory and technological shifts (e.g., mandatory BMS for buildings >300,000 sq ft under Dubai Law No. 7 of 2025), conducting market analysis to position the firm as a leader in sustainable MEP solutions.
Communication & Presentation
- Lead client presentations and authority submissions using advanced tools like digital twins and VR simulations to showcase energy models, lifecycle costs, and compliance dashboards.
- Represent the firm in high-stakes meetings with DEWA, Trakhees, and international standards bodies, articulating complex MEP concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Team Leadership
- Mentor and performance-manage a team of 15-25 MEP engineers across multiple emirates, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and accountability through regular training on BIM and sustainability tools.
- Drive talent development, including succession planning and cross-functional knowledge sharing to build a high-retention, high-performance team.
Multi-Location Coordination
- Oversee MEP coordination across all our regional offices, implementing standardized workflows via Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) and ISO 19650-compliant BIM protocols.
- Facilitate seamless integration with architecture, structural, and interiors teams, resolving interdisciplinary conflicts in real-time to ensure project alignment.
Project Management
- Manage MEP scope, budgets, and timelines for projects valued at AED 1B+, ensuring delivery within ±4% margin and full compliance with 2025 BIM mandates for high-rises.
- Champion digital transformation by integrating AI-driven tools (e.g., Cove.tool for energy analysis) to optimize design efficiency and reduce project risks.
Decision Making
- Provide authoritative decisions on critical MEP systems (e.g., district cooling vs. on-site chillers, renewable integration), balancing cost, sustainability, and performance with rigorous risk assessments.
- Lead root-cause analysis for issues, implementing corrective actions within 48 hours to maintain project momentum.
Client Handling
- Serve as the primary MEP point of contact for Tier-1 clients, translating technical requirements into tailored solutions that enhance user comfort and operational efficiency.
- Build long-term client relationships through proactive communication, feedback incorporation, and demonstration of value via sustainability certifications.
Emotional Intelligence
- Navigate high-pressure environments by fostering empathy in team dynamics, de-escalating conflicts between disciplines, and supporting team well-being during tight deadlines.
- Cultivate inclusive collaboration in diverse, multicultural teams to drive cohesive project outcomes.
Accountability Mindset
- Take full ownership of MEP deliverables, ensuring 100% compliance with UAE regulations and contributing insights to the firm's Lessons Learnt Database for continuous improvement.
- Enforce quality assurance processes, including clash detection and commissioning oversight, to deliver defect-free systems.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or MEP Engineering from an accredited institution.
- Minimum 15 years of experience in MEP design, with at least 8 years in the UAE on high-end residential, commercial, hospitality, or mixed-use projects (>40 floors).
- Professional registration as a UAE Society of Engineers (SOE) Grade A Engineer; DEWA-approved MEP Designer preferred.
- Certifications: Autodesk Revit MEP Professional, LEED AP BD+C, Estidama Pearl Qualified Professional (PQP), PMP or equivalent.
- Advanced proficiency in MEP software: Revit MEP (LOD 400), Navisworks, IES VE, HAP, Dialux, Dynamo for automation.
- Expertise in emerging technologies: AI tools (e.g., Cove.tool, Ladybug for simulations), digital twins, and BMS platforms (e.g., Siemens Desigo).
- In-depth knowledge of 2025 UAE regulations: DEWA Green Building Regulations, Dubai Law No. 7 of 2025 (Contracting Activities), Federal Law No. 11 of 2025 (Climate Change/GHG reporting), Estidama Pearl 4, Al Sa'fat, NFPA/ASHRAE standards.
- Proven leadership in multi-office environments, with a track record of managing diverse teams and delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Exceptional communication skills (fluent in English; Arabic preferred) for client presentations, authority liaison, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong project management skills, including P&L oversight and risk mitigation..
