MEP- Project Control Manager Dubai

Connecting Minds HR Services; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Project Control Manager for a crucial leadership role supporting hyperscale data centre programs in Dubai. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in project controls, cost management, and risk assessment. Key responsibilities include leading project controls from concept through handover, cost control, and serving as a strategic advisor to senior stakeholders. A strong understanding of MEP systems and data centre project experience is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 8–15 years of experience in Project Controls / Program Management.
• Mandatory end-to-end data centre project experience.
• Strong MEP systems knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead 360° project controls from concept to handover.
• Planning, scheduling, forecasting, and performance reporting.
• Cost control, budgeting, and financial monitoring.

Skills

End-to-end project controls methodology

Earned Value Management (EVM)

Schedule development and critical path analysis

Budget preparation and financial forecasting

Cost estimating and cost engineering

Change management and variation control

Performance measurement and KPI tracking

Progress reporting and dashboard creation

Education

PMP certification

CDCP certification

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

SAP

Job description

We are hiring a Senior Project Control Manager – Data Centres for a senior, client-side leadership role supporting hyperscale and mission-critical data centre programs.

The role requires end-to-end ownership of project controls, cost management, scheduling, risk, and performance reporting, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead 360° project controls from concept to handover
• Planning, scheduling, forecasting, and performance reporting
• Cost control, budgeting, and financial monitoring
• Risk identification, mitigation, and scenario planning
• Monitor procurement risks and long-lead items (MEP and power systems)
• Implement cost intelligence and benchmarking (Cost/MW)
• Support feasibility studies and market expansion initiatives
• Act as a strategic advisor to CEO / MD / VP-level stakeholders
• Ensure MEP systems alignment with cost, schedule, and delivery plans

Candidate Requirements

• 8–15 years of experience in Project Controls / Program Management
• Mandatory end-to-end data centre project experience
• Strong MEP systems knowledge
• Expertise in Primavera P6, MS Project, and/or SAP
• PMP and/or CDCP certification preferred
• Experience in client-side or developer roles is highly preferred

Location

📍 Dubai, UAE

Skills

• End-to-end project controls methodology (planning, scheduling, cost, risk)
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Schedule development and critical path analysis
• Budget preparation and financial forecasting
• Cost estimating and cost engineering
• Change management and variation control
• Performance measurement and KPI tracking
• Progress reporting and dashboard creation

Data Centre Specific Knowledge

• Hyperscale and mission-critical facility design standards
• Tier classifications (Uptime Institute Tier I-IV)
• Data centre capacity planning (IT load, power density, cooling requirements)
• Cost per MW benchmarking and industry metrics
• PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) optimization
• Modular vs. traditional data centre construction
• Commissioning and testing protocols (Cx, IST, SAT)

MEP Systems Knowledge (Critical)

• Electrical systems: UPS, generators, PDUs, switchgear, busbar systems
• Mechanical/HVAC: CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water systems, air-side economizers
• Fire suppression: FM-200, Novec, VESDA systems
• Plumbing: Water-cooled vs. air-cooled systems
• BMS/DCIM: Building Management Systems and Data Centre Infrastructure Management
• Understanding of N, N+1, 2N redundancy configurations

Procurement & Supply Chain

• Long-lead item identification and tracking (transformers, switchgear, chillers, UPS)
• Vendor management and expediting
• Equipment procurement risk assessment
• Global su