The MEP Design Manager will lead and supervise the design and engineering activities for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Fighting, Fire Alarm, HVAC, and related MEP systems across a wide range of facilities, including residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare, and other specialized projects.
The role is responsible for ensuring technically sound, coordinated, code-compliant, cost-effective, and timely design deliverables while managing the design team and coordinating closely with consultants, clients, project managers, operations, procurement, and other stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- MEP Design & Engineering
- Lead and oversee the design and development of MEP systems for Design & Build projects across residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare, and other facility types.
- Design and review mechanical and electrical systems, including:
- HVAC systems
- Fire Fighting systems
- Fire Alarm systems
- Plumbing systems
- Electrical systems
- Other related MEP services
- Prepare concept design drawings for selected projects and clients prior to contract award.
- Prepare and supervise the development of shop drawings for awarded projects.
- Ensure accuracy, precision, constructability, and technical quality of all designs and engineering deliverables.
- Apply value engineering principles to optimize designs while maintaining quality, functionality, safety, and compliance.
- Ensure that designs comply with applicable local codes, regulations, and international standards, as applicable, including ASHRAE, SMACNA, DIN, BS, EU standards, UPC, IPC, NFPA, and applicable energy codes.
- Design Management & Coordination
- Manage, supervise, and coordinate the development, review, and progress of all MEP design activities.
- Ensure that all MEP systems are properly coordinated across different disciplines before submission to the consultant or client.
- Ensure that drawings are reviewed, signed, and coordinated by the relevant discipline designers and coordinators prior to submission.
- Follow up on consultant and client reviews and approvals and ensure approved documents are formally delivered to the Operations Division.
- Delegate technical responsibilities to design team members and monitor progress against project schedules.
- Monitor the technical performance, productivity, and work quality of the Design Division.
- Ensure the Design Division maintains proper reporting, attendance, and compliance with company procedures.
- Technical Review & Quality Control
- Review design drawings, technical documents, equipment specifications, data sheets, and material submittals prior to submission for consultant/client approval.
- Review construction documents submitted to project sites, including:
- Bills of Quantities (BOQs)
- Construction drawings
- Technical specifications
- Equipment documentation
- Other relevant engineering documents
- Ensure that all MEP works and deliverables comply with applicable codes, standards, specifications, and project requirements.
- Maintain high technical and quality standards throughout the design and documentation process.
- Identify design issues, coordination conflicts, and technical risks and ensure timely resolution.
- BOQ, Cost & Commercial Support
- Prepare Bills of Quantities (BOQs) based on approved shop drawings and designs.
- Provide accurate BOQs and related technical information to the Operations, Cost Control, and Procurement Divisions.
- Coordinate with Project Managers in the preparation and evaluation of Variation Orders.
- Support project teams with technical input related to quantities, materials, equipment, and design changes.
- Approvals & Project Coordination
- Prepare approval requests for project systems, equipment, and materials.
- Follow up with consultants and/or owners to obtain required approvals promptly.
- Coordinate with Project Managers, Operations, Procurement, Cost Control, consultants, clients, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution.
- Conduct site inspections when required to verify design implementation and identify technical or coordination issues.
- Analyze project specifications, drawings, and site conditions and provide appropriate technical recommendations.
- Leadership & Team Management
- Provide technical leadership and direction to the MEP Design team.
- Allocate responsibilities according to team members' capabilities and project priorities.
- Monitor team performance, productivity, progress, and quality of deliverables.
- Establish priorities and make timely technical decisions to support project objectives.
- Promote teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and adherence to company standards.
- Protect and represent the company's technical and commercial interests throughout the project lifecycle.
- Project Delivery
- Manage technical engineering processes to ensure successful project delivery.
- Ensure MEP design services are delivered according to client requirements, project specifications, approved schedules, and company standards.
- Balance technical quality, cost effectiveness, constructability, and project timelines.
- Ensure that design deliverables are completed accurately and submitted within agreed deadlines.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in MEP engineering and design.
- Extensive experience in MEP systems across multiple facility types, including:
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Healthcare
- Other specialized facilities
- Strong experience in Design & Build projects.
- Proven experience in MEP design management, technical coordination, shop drawings, BOQs, material/equipment approvals, and project support.
- Strong knowledge of applicable local and international MEP codes, standards, and regulations.
Technical Knowledge
Strong working knowledge of applicable standards and codes, including, as relevant to the project:
- ASHRAE
- SMACNA
- DIN
- British Standards (BS)
- European (EU) standards
- UPC
- IPC
- NFPA
- Applicable energy codes and regulations
- Relevant local codes and authority requirements
Key Competencies
- Strong MEP design and engineering expertise.
- Excellent technical coordination and problem-solving skills.
- Strong leadership and team-management capabilities.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and make sound technical decisions.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet strict deadlines.
- Strong understanding of value engineering and cost optimization.
- Ability to work effectively with consultants, clients, contractors, project managers, and internal departments.
- High level of professionalism, commitment, accountability, and ownership.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Languages
- Fluent in English, including written, spoken, and technical communication.
- Arabic language is an added advantage.