Senior Manager Engineering

The Senior Manager Engineering is responsible for leading and managing the design of airport engineering systems, building services, and infrastructure utilities across airport development and expansion projects. The role ensures engineering solutions are compliant, operationally efficient, sustainable, constructible, and aligned with airport master planning requirements, stakeholder expectations, and applicable local and international regulations. Acting as a senior technical authority, the position provides engineering governance, consultant management, technical leadership, and cross-functional coordination throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

Engineering Design & Technical Leadership

• Lead the design and engineering of airport systems, including:
  • MEP systems
  • Life safety systems
  • ELV systems
  • Utilities infrastructure
  • Specialized airport systems (BHS, PBB, PCA, GPU, AGL, scanners, etc.)
• Ensure compliance with international and local standards, codes, and regulations.
• Integrate sustainability principles and support certifications such as LEED and Estidama.
• Develop scopes of work, design briefs, BOQs, DBRs, GFC packages, and technical specifications.
• Coordinate engineering disciplines including HVAC, Fire Protection, Plumbing, Electrical, ELV, Lighting, Drainage, Architecture, Civil, and Structural engineering.
• Oversee design development from concept through detailed design, construction support, and handover.
• Review and approve engineering submissions, calculations, specifications, and reports.
• Identify, manage, and escalate engineering risks, design conflicts, and non-compliance issues.
• Maintain design integrity and intent throughout all project phases.

Project Delivery & Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with Contracts & Procurement, Project Controls, Finance, and project teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Prepare management reports covering project budgets, schedules, claims, disputes, safety performance, and progress.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, specifications, drawings, and BOQs.
• Provide technical guidance and managerial support to project teams.
• Administer and support change control processes.
• Resolve complex design interfaces and coordination issues.
• Present dashboard reports to senior management on project status, risks, and mitigation measures.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to resolve design-related issues.
• Drive continuous improvement and process optimization within the design function.

Consultant & Quality Management

• Manage engineering consultants to ensure delivery within scope, budget, schedule, and quality expectations.
• Monitor consultant performance through reviews, inspections, audits, and quality assurance processes.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, Design Management Plans, and project requirements.
• Lead corrective actions related to engineering quality, compliance, and coordination issues.
• Promote value engineering, constructability, and lifecycle cost optimization.
• Ensure system integration with existing airport infrastructure to:
  • Reduce spare parts inventory
  • Lower operational expenditure (OPEX)
  • Maintain warranties
  • Standardize assets and support Facilities Management

Sustainability & Innovation

• Implement sustainability initiatives aligned with Estidama, LEED, IGBC, and other certification frameworks.
• Promote renewable energy, water reuse, energy-efficient systems, and low-carbon solutions.
• Identify and adopt emerging technologies and engineering best practices to improve project outcomes.

Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Support risk assessment reviews in collaboration with HSE teams.
• Promote safe work practices and encourage reporting of incidents, near misses, and environmental concerns.
• Monitor compliance with HSE procedures and coordinate corrective actions with stakeholders.
Ensure designs comply with health, safety, and regulatory requirements

Requirements & Skills

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (full-time) in:
  • Electrical Engineering, or
  • Mechanical Engineering, or
  • Plumbing Engineering, or equivalent accredited qualification.
• Certification in Project Management processes and software.
• Strong knowledge of national and international engineering codes and standards.

Experience

• Minimum 8+ years of Airport/Aviation industry experience.
• Minimum 5 years in a managerial role leading engineering and design activities.
• Minimum 8+ years in client-side or engineering consultancy roles involving airport infrastructure, utilities, and building services design and supervision.
• Minimum 5 years of experience on UAE/GCC airport projects (greenfield and/or brownfield).
• Experience interpreting and incorporating requirements from multiple airport stakeholders into engineering designs.
• Experience with Facilities Management environments is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of:
  • Airport infrastructure and utilities
  • Building services engineering
  • MEP systems
  • Specialized airport systems (BHS, PBB, PCA, GPU, AGL, etc.)
• Proficiency in:
  • AutoCAD
  • Revit
  • Navisworks
  • BIM platforms
  • Microsoft Office Suite

Core Competencies

• Strong engineering and technical expertise.
• Ability to think laterally and apply sound engineering judgment.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership capabilities.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of change management processes.