Senior MEP Manager

Ohana Development; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 480,000 - 620,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohana Development seeks an experienced Senior MEP Manager to lead MEP functions across luxury residential, high-rise, and mixed-use developments in Abu Dhabi. You will guide design coordination, engineering delivery, and construction oversight in a demanding premium environment.

The role requires extensive UAE market experience, a strong consultancy background, and a track record of delivering high-quality, energy-efficient projects on schedule.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of relevant MEP engineering and management experience
• Extensive UAE market experience with familiarity of local regulations
• Mandatory consultancy background with experience for engineering or multidisciplinary firms
• Proven track record delivering complex, high-value developments (luxury, high-rise, mixed-use)
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical distribution, plumbing and drainage, fire protection, ELV, BMS, and integrated services

Responsibilities

• Lead MEP strategy, planning, design coordination, execution and delivery across developments
• Coordinate with consultants, architects, and structural teams to resolve design clashes and interface challenges
• Oversee MEP installation, construction quality, scheduling, and cross-disciplinary integration
• Establish QA/QC, testing, commissioning plans, and handover readiness for all systems
• Manage budgets, procurement, variations, and supplier performance within approved contracts
• Ensure UAE regulatory compliance and effective liaison with authorities and stakeholders

Skills

Leadership

MEP engineering

Design coordination

Stakeholder management

Quality and safety

Budget and procurement management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Job description

Ohana Developments is seeking an experienced Senior MEP Manager to lead the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) functions across complex, high-value real estate developments, including luxury residential and mixed-use projects.

The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in managing MEP systems throughout the project lifecycle, from design development and technical coordination through construction, testing, commissioning, and handover. This role requires a strong technical leader with substantial UAE market experience, the ability to manage multiple stakeholders, and a proven track record of delivering technically demanding projects to the highest standards of quality, safety, performance, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

1. MEP Strategy and Technical Leadership

• Lead the overall MEP strategy, planning, design coordination, execution, and delivery across assigned development projects.
• Provide technical leadership on mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, ELV, BMS, and other building services systems.
• Review and challenge MEP designs to ensure compliance with project requirements, applicable codes, authority regulations, and international best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve system performance, energy efficiency, maintainability, and long-term operational reliability.
• Ensure MEP solutions align with the architectural vision, interior design intent, and premium quality expectations of luxury developments.

2. Design Management and Coordination

• Oversee MEP design development and coordination with consultants, architects, structural engineers, interior designers, and other project stakeholders.
• Review design drawings, specifications, calculations, technical submissions, and coordinated shop drawings.
• Identify and resolve design clashes, constructability issues, spatial constraints, and interface challenges before construction.
• Ensure effective coordination of MEP services within complex architectural features, premium finishes, high-end residences, and specialist building systems.
• Manage design changes, technical queries, value engineering proposals, and design optimization while protecting project quality and functionality.

3. Construction and Project Delivery

• Oversee MEP installation and construction activities to ensure compliance with approved drawings, specifications, project schedules, and quality standards.
• Monitor progress against project milestones, identify critical path risks, and implement corrective measures where required.
• Coordinate with project directors, construction managers, consultants, main contractors, and specialist subcontractors to resolve technical and execution challenges.
• Ensure appropriate sequencing and integration of MEP works with civil, structural, architectural, and interior fit-out activities.
• Conduct regular site inspections and technical reviews to monitor workmanship, installation quality, and compliance with approved standards.

4. Quality Assurance, Testing and Commissioning

• Establish and enforce MEP quality assurance and quality control requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee inspection and testing plans, material approvals, method statements, and installation procedures.
• Lead testing, adjusting, balancing, commissioning, integrated systems testing, and final acceptance of building services.
• Ensure all MEP systems are fully operational, properly documented, and ready for handover.
• Drive the timely closure of defects, snagging items, and outstanding technical issues before project completion.

5. Commercial and Contract Management

• Review MEP budgets, cost plans, tender documents, contractor proposals, and subcontractor submissions.
• Monitor variations, claims, procurement risks, and potential cost overruns in coordination with commercial and project teams.
• Identify cost optimization opportunities without compromising safety, functionality, durability, or luxury quality standards.
• Support procurement and technical evaluation of MEP contractors, specialist suppliers, and equipment manufacturers.
• Ensure MEP deliverables are achieved within approved budgets and contractual requirements.

6. UAE Regulatory Compliance and Stakeholder Management

• Ensure MEP designs and installations comply with applicable UAE building regulations, local authority requirements, fire and life safety codes, and relevant utility standards.
• Coordinate with relevant authorities and utility providers, including Civil Defence, electricity and water authorities, and other applicable regulatory bodies.
• Manage technical approvals, inspections, NOCs, and commissioning requirements necessary for project completion and occupancy.
• Maintain effective working relationships with consultants, contractors, developers, suppliers, and authority representatives.

7. Leadership and Team Management

• Lead and mentor MEP engineers, design coordinators, site teams, and specialist consultants.
• Establish clear technical responsibilities, performance expectations, reporting procedures, and delivery priorities.
• Drive accountability, proactive problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and timely decision-making.
• Provide regular progress updates, risk assessments, and technical recommendations to senior management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 20 years of relevant professional experience in MEP engineering and management within the construction and real estate development sectors.
• Extensive UAE experience, with a strong understanding of local construction practices, authority approvals, regulations, and industry standards.
• Mandatory consultancy background, with substantial experience working for a reputable engineering or multidisciplinary consultancy.
• Proven experience managing MEP works on complex, high-value developments, preferably luxury residential, high-rise, mixed-use, hospitality, or other premium projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing MEP design consultants, main contractors, specialist subcontractors, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong background in design management, construction supervision, technical coordination, testing, commissioning, and handover.
• Experience managing project budgets, procurement, contractor performance, variations, and construction schedules.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical distribution, plumbing and drainage, fire protection, ELV, BMS, and integrated building services.
• Familiarity with relevant UAE codes, Civil Defence requirements, utility authority standards, and international engineering practices.
• Professional engineering certification or chartered status would be an advantage.