Head of MEP

BESIX

Dubai

On-site

AED 440,690 - 550,863

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Exciting Projects

Career Growth

Diverse Team

Competitive Benefits

Positive Workplace Culture

Job summary

BESIX is seeking a Head of MEP to oversee the strategic establishment and operational leadership of their MEP capabilities in Dubai. The role focuses on delivering certainty, controlling costs, and mitigating risks by integrating MEP works directly into project execution, ensuring compliance and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate should have over 20 years of experience in MEP delivery, proven leadership in mega-projects, and a strong understanding of the Middle East market. The position offers a full-time role without remote work options.

Qualifications

Minimum 20 years experience in large-scale MEP delivery.
Proven experience in self-perform MEP contracting.
Middle East experience mandatory.

Responsibilities

Establish BESIX's in-house MEP self-perform model.
Own the MEP business P&L.
Design and implement the MEP organisation structure.
Ensure timely and integrated procurement for all awarded projects.

Skills

MEP contracting experience

Leadership

Project Management

P&L management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Why This Role Matters

The Head of MEP is responsible for the strategic establishment scaling and operational leadership of BESIX Middle Easts in-house MEP self-perform capability. The role’s primary objective is to secure delivery certainty cost control and risk mitigation on BESIX projects by integrating MEP works directly into Tender (TEC) Design (DED) Planning Procurement and Site Execution while simultaneously creating a stand‑alone profitable MEP P&L. This is a start‑up and transformation role requiring strong commercial discipline, deep execution experience and the ability to build a full MEP organisation (people, processes, supply chain and governance) without creating a siloed subcontractor mentality.

What Youll Drive

1. Strategic Setup & Integration (Core Mandate)

Establish BESIXs in-house MEP self‑perform model in line with the approved strategic integration framework.
Ensure MEP is fully embedded into:
- Tender Engineering & Estimation (TEC)
- Design & Engineering (DED)
- Planning & Project Controls
- Central Procurement
- Site execution teams
Prevent the creation of an isolated MEP subcontractor structure; enforce One‑Team delivery.
Define and implement the MEP operating model including:
- Scope boundaries (self‑perform vs specialist subcontracting)
- Risk allocation principles
- Cash‑flow control mechanisms
Act as the executive sponsor for initial projects (e.g. Ajman Phase 3 Center of Excellence STP Data Centres).

2. Full P&L Ownership

Own the MEP business P&L including:
- Gross margin
- Overheads
- Cash flow
- Revenue
Ensure MEP projects are self‑funding with strict cash‑flow discipline (advance payments, material payments, milestone billing).
Define and manage:
- MEP overhead recovery strategy
- Internal pricing principles for BESIX projects
Prepare and present monthly P&L cash‑flow and risk reports to regional management.

3. Organisation Build‑Up & Manpower Strategy

Design and implement the MEP organisation structure including:
- Labour
- Foremen
- General foremen
- Site superintendents
- Engineers
- Construction managers
Lead recruitment of key leadership roles first followed by scalable site manpower.
Establish labour sourcing strategies (direct labour selective outsourcing framework partners).
Define clear competency, productivity and performance benchmarks for MEP staff and labour.
Ensure compliance with local labour regulations and BESIX HR standards.

4. Procurement & Supply Chain Leadership

Ensure timely and integrated procurement for all awarded projects.
Establish:
- Strategic supplier partnerships
- Long‑term agreements for key MEP materials and equipment
- Approved vendor lists aligned with BESIX ethics and compliance standards
Coordinate with Group / Brussels procurement where applicable through procurement team.
Ensure procurement is aligned with:
- Construction sequencing
- Cash‑flow planning
- Risk mitigation
Prevent late procurement becoming a critical path risk.

5. Project Delivery & Execution Oversight

Provide executive oversight to all MEP site teams.
Ensure:
- Programme adherence
- Quality compliance
- Authority approvals (DEWA, SEWA, Civil Defence etc.)
Actively intervene in high‑risk or delayed projects.
Ensure MEP execution supports overall project milestones and LD avoidance.
Promote constructability, modularisation and value engineering.

6. Governance Risk & Controls

Apply BESIX Golden Rules tender governance and risk sign‑off discipline to all MEP works.
Ensure no project is accepted without:
- Approved cash‑flow profile
- Clear risk allocation
Implement in collaboration with other departments:
- Cost control systems
- Progress measurement
- Claims and variation management discipline
Actively prevent industry failure patterns seen in legacy MEP contractor (e.g. underestimation of manpower).

7. Leadership & Culture

Build a high‑performance accountable MEP leadership team.
Embed BESIX values and safety culture within MEP execution.
Promote:
- Ownership
- Transparency
- Collaboration
- Zero‑blame high‑accountability environment
Act as a visible leader across projects and shared services.

Qualifications

Youre a Great Fit If You Have