Senior Manager Mechanical

About the role

A growing retail group in the Middle East, represented by WhiteCrow Research, is looking for a Senior Manager Mechanical in Dubai. You will provide strategic leadership and technical governance for all mechanical disciplines, from concept design through final handover and defect liability close-out.

Key responsibilities

• Direct consultants and project teams to deliver coordinated, buildable, sustainable and lifecycle-cost-effective designs aligned with briefs, asset standards, budgets and programmes.
• Review and approve mechanical design deliverables, specifications, calculations, BIM models, tender documents, IFC packages, shop drawings, material submittals and method statements.
• Lead value engineering, technical due diligence and option assessments to optimise capital expenditure, operating costs, energy performance and maintainability.
• Ensure compliance with UAE regulations, authority requirements, codes, fire and life-safety standards and sustainability commitments.
• Monitor contractor and consultant performance, identify technical, cost, quality and programme risks and drive corrective action and recovery plans.
• Lead site inspections and technical audits, and ensure NCRs, RFIs and design changes are resolved within agreed timelines.
• Oversee testing, commissioning, performance verification, authority inspections, training, documentation, asset data, warranties and handover.
• Manage mechanical budgets, technical variations, claims support and procurement evaluations.
• Develop team capability through coaching, performance management, resource planning and succession development.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; Master's in Engineering, Project Management or Business Administration preferred.
• Professional engineering registration or membership of a recognised engineering institution preferred.
• Minimum 12-15 years of experience in mechanical building services and major real estate or infrastructure developments, including at least 5 years in a senior management or discipline leadership role.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing consultants and contractors through design, construction, testing, commissioning and handover in the UAE or GCC.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of UAE authority requirements and international mechanical codes
• Fire and life-safety standards and sustainability requirements
• BIM coordination and testing and commissioning practices