Building Engineering Services Business Group Manager - Middle East

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Building Engineering Services Business Group Manager for the Middle East to drive regional operations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and shape growth across markets. The role emphasizes leadership, client delivery, and achieving financial goals while upholding HDR values and our employee-owned culture.

As a senior leader, you will oversee regional teams, steer business development, coordinate with regional managers and market sector directors, and ensure high-quality project

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Professional, Architecture, Engineering or closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years experience leading diverse teams.
• Demonstrated experience with leading diverse teams and driving growth.
• Commitment to HDR values and quality improvement.
• Active engagement in professional/industry associations to enhance HDR expertise and brand.
• Ability to work cooperatively with regional/local office managers and directors.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for operations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Drive Middle East business development and growth initiatives.
• Optimize staffing and resources to meet project demands and backlog.
• Develop and maintain regional programs, QA and production standards.
• Establish external partnerships and represent HDR in industry associations.
• Collaborate with regional leaders to anticipate market trends and drive growth.

Skills

Leading diverse teams

Business development

Resource planning

Cross-region collaboration

Employee-owned culture

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Architecture or closely related field

Job description

Building Engineering Services Business Group Manager - Middle East - ( 190557 )

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

At HDR, our employee-owners are committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative environment where people are empowered to bring their authentic selves to work and make a meaningful impact. Every role at HDR contributes to shaping communities and solving the world’s greatest challenges. A

As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services (BES) Group, you will help deliver critical infrastructure that supports the digital age — from high-performance data centres and commercial developments to hospitality, leisure, finance, aerospace, and technology facilities. This role is a senior leadership opportunity to drive operational excellence, technical quality, and sustainable growth across the Middle East and UK markets.

Role Overview

HDR has an exceptional opportunity for a Building Engineering Services Business Group Manager - Middle East to provide oversight and direction for the CRE, Hotel and Leisure, Finance, Aerospace and TMT program in the Middle East. This is primarily an operational position with an emphasis on staff development and ensuring we are providing timely and quality services on projects to our clients, while meeting internal financial goals. The role will be responsible for the UAE and Saudi Arabia markets. The position will also set the vision and drive growth of the business group within the UK by establishing effective partnerships with market sector and business leadership to achieve growth objectives and promote success.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for operations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Lead and drive Business Development activities across the Middle East region, identifying new opportunities and supporting strategic growth initiatives.
• Ensure effective utilization of the team, proactively managing staffing levels and aligning resources with project demands and backlog.
• Develop, implement, and maintain an effective regional business group program, including business development strategies, new business pursuits, monitoring staffing levels, fostering technical/specialty services, quality assurance programs, production methods and standards, all within established goals and objectives of the company and business group.
• Identify and establish effective external teaming relationships to support program growth. This includes developing relationships with industry counterparts and representing HDR in industry associations and as a role model in business and community organizations.
• Work cooperatively with other Regional Business Group Managers, Regional Operations Directors, Area Managers and Market Sector Directors to identify and get ahead of market trends, drive Business Group strategies, P&L performance, and support other initiatives in the UK as part of a robust cross-market sector program.
• Participate in EMEA Building Engineering Services Business Group Senior Leadership meetings.
• Participate in all Matrix of Approval (MOA) functions and responsibilities defined by the Area Building Engineering Services Business Group Manager role.
• Work closely with other Building Engineering Services Business Group leaders around the globe in driving workshare activities.
• Address operational leadership inquiries as it relates to utilization issues, project losses and claims.
• Assist and review risk management plans for projects.
• Participate in Alternative Delivery risk reviews.
• Participate in project reviews for at-risk / critical projects as part of Quality Management System policies and procedures. Serve as Principal-in-Charge for select projects.
• Identify and prioritize hires, including active involvement in recruiting efforts. Support talent management activities.
• Review marketing forecasts and staff alignment with backlog. Drive growth and partner with Project Managers to drive delivery of work under contract.
• Participate in annual planning and preparation of annual revenue forecasts through the budgeting process. Participate in annual budgeting sessions.
• Act as the Building Engineering Services Business Group point of interface with Operational Leadership, demonstrating strong commercial and business acumen.
• Remain committed to quality, continuous improvement and HDR values.

Perform other duties as needed.

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a Professional, Architecture, Engineering or closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading diverse teams.
• Proven business development experience and ability to drive regional growth strategies.
• Strong understanding of resource planning and team utilization management.
• Ability to work cooperatively with regional managers, area managers, market sector directors, and business development teams.
• Position requires that applicant resides within the UK.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Regional Business Group teams and key Clients in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Technical background and demonstrated expertise within the Building Engineering Services Business Group.
• Ideally maintains a professional or Engineering registration.

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Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Professional, Architecture, Engineering or closely related field
• A minimum of 10 years experience
• Demonstrated experience with leading diverse teams
• Committed to quality, improvement and HDR values
• Actively engaged in professional or industry associations to enhance HDR technical expertise and brand
• Ability to work cooperatively with regional and local office managers, other area business group directors, technical directors and marketing managers
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Transportation Planning

Job Posting

Oct 6, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affine action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.