Design Manager – MEP

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – MEP
Company: Surbana Jurong Group
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Engineering & Design Management (MEP)
Date Posted: December 23, 2025
Experience Level: Senior (15+ years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the end-to-end MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) design delivery for complex, high-profile building projects.
• Provide robust technical leadership and hands-on design expertise to ensure high-quality, practical engineering solutions aligned with project objectives.
• Drive effective coordination across all MEP disciplines, resolving technical and spatial challenges within demanding program and commercial constraints.
• Act as the primary representative for Surbana Jurong (SJ) in day-to-day interactions with clients, contractors, and key project stakeholders.
• Manage commercial aspects of design delivery, including change control, variations, and associated impacts, in close collaboration with project leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within the Building Services Design team, requiring a blend of strong technical MEP engineering acumen and effective project management capabilities. The emphasis on "hands-on design background" suggests that while leadership is key, the individual must retain a deep understanding of MEP engineering principles and be able to contribute directly to design problem-solving. The "15+ years" experience level and focus on "complex and high-profile projects" indicate a significant level of responsibility and strategic input.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Representation: Serve as the primary point of contact for SJ on MEP design matters with clients, contractors, and other key project stakeholders throughout all project phases.
• MEP Design Leadership: Lead and manage the comprehensive MEP design process, from conceptualization through to detailed design and construction support, ensuring strict adherence to agreed scope, program timelines, quality standards, and budget allocations.
• Technical Expertise & Guidance: Offer strong technical leadership grounded in a mandatory hands-on design background, guiding the engineering team to develop and implement high-quality, practical, and innovative MEP engineering solutions.
• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Ensure seamless and effective coordination among all MEP engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, etc.), proactively identifying and resolving spatial, technical, and interface challenges to maintain design integrity.
• Stakeholder Communication: Communicate design intent, technical requirements, and project progress clearly and confidently to a diverse range of project stakeholders, including senior client representatives, internal teams, and external design consultants.
• Commercial Management: Oversee and administer the change control process, manage variations, and assess associated commercial impacts, working collaboratively with the project leadership team to safeguard project profitability and contractual obligations.
• Team Management & Mentorship: Mentor and guide junior engineers and design staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment focused on delivery excellence and professional development.
• Quality Assurance: Implement and enforce rigorous quality assurance processes throughout the design lifecycle to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and client specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical leadership and commercial acumen. The role requires not only the ability to oversee design but also to actively manage client relationships and project financials, particularly concerning design changes. The emphasis on "hands-on design background" suggests the need for practical engineering problem-solving capabilities beyond pure management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (B.E / B.Tech or M.E / M.Tech) in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering from a recognized university.

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in MEP design and delivery specifically within building projects.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading multidisciplinary MEP design teams, with direct responsibility for resource allocation, budget oversight, and program delivery timelines.
• Experience in delivering large-scale, complex, or landmark projects is highly advantageous and preferred.

Required Skills:

• MEP Design Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing engineering principles, systems, and best practices for building applications.
• Project Leadership: Proven ability to lead and manage complex design projects from inception to completion, ensuring successful outcomes.
• Technical Coordination: Strong capability in coordinating multiple engineering disciplines (MEP, structural, architectural) to achieve integrated and conflict-free designs.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage confidently and effectively with senior clients, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Commercial Acumen: Solid understanding of project commercial aspects, including change control, variation management, contractual awareness, and financial impact assessment.
• Problem-Solving: High-level analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex technical and logistical challenges in design and delivery.
• Team Management: Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to motivate, mentor, and manage design teams effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced MEP Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with cutting-edge MEP technologies, sustainable design practices, and building information modeling (BIM) implementation.
• International Project Experience: Prior experience working on projects within the Middle East or similar international markets, with an understanding of local regulations and practices.
• Contract Administration: Experience with various forms of construction contracts and their implications for design management.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design-related risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "hands-on design background" alongside 15+ years of experience suggests a need for a candidate who is not only a seasoned manager but also a technically proficient engineer capable of diving deep into design challenges. The emphasis on "complex and high-profile projects" points towards a need for experience managing significant project scopes and stakeholder complexities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct building projects where you held a significant MEP design leadership role, detailing your specific contributions, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.
• Design Coordination Evidence: Include examples demonstrating your ability to manage and resolve cross-disciplinary coordination issues, potentially through clash detection reports, coordination meeting minutes, or integrated design documentation.
• Commercial Management Documentation: Present evidence of managing change control processes, including sample variation orders, impact assessments, and negotiation outcomes.
• Technical Solution Examples: Provide concise examples of innovative or complex MEP engineering solutions you've championed, highlighting their technical merit, efficiency gains, or sustainability benefits.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship Examples: Illustrate your approach to leading and developing design teams, perhaps through project team structures, performance feedback examples, or mentorship initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Design Management Workflow: Clearly outline your standard workflow for managing MEP design delivery from inception to handover, including key gates, review processes, and approval stages.
• Quality Assurance Protocols: Detail your approach to implementing and maintaining quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) within the MEP design process, including checklists, review procedures, and sign-off protocols.
• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Document your methodology for identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Stakeholder Engagement Framework: Present your strategy for effective communication and engagement with clients, contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority and technical nature of the role, a robust portfolio demonstrating practical application of design management principles, technical problem-solving, and commercial oversight is crucial. The emphasis should be on quantifiable achievements and clear documentation of processes managed.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the senior level (15+ years of experience), the complex nature of projects, and the location in Dubai, UAE, a competitive salary range is anticipated. Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers in MEP for large-scale projects in the UAE, the estimated annual salary range is likely to be between AED 350,000 - AED 550,000 (approximately USD 95,000 - USD 150,000). This estimate accounts for the required expertise, leadership responsibilities, and the cost of living in Dubai.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical coverage for the employee and potentially dependents, often including international coverage.
• Annual Leave: Generous paid annual leave days, typically in line with UAE labor law and company policy.
• End-of-Service Gratuity: As mandated by UAE labor law, a gratuity payment upon completion of service.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and professional certifications relevant to MEP engineering and design management.
• Relocation Assistance: For candidates relocating to Dubai, potential support with visa processing, accommodation allowance, and moving expenses.
• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to individual and company project success.
• Travel Allowances: Depending on project requirements and company policy, potential allowances for site visits or business travel.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or address critical issues, especially during peak project phases or site support activities.
• Flexibility may be expected to accommodate project demands and client meetings across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for senior MEP Design Managers in Dubai, UAE, considering the extensive experience required and the nature of Surbana Jurong's projects. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and negotiation. Benefits are standard for professional roles in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Global Multidisciplinary Consultancy. Surbana Jurong operates within the Engineering, Construction, and Urban Development sectors, focusing on shaping cities and creating sustainable, people-centric environments. Company Size: Over 16,500 professionals globally. This indicates a large, established organization with significant resources and a broad reach. Founded: While the exact founding year of the group is not specified in the provided text, Surbana Jurong has a significant history through its constituent companies, with a strong presence in Asia and an expanding footprint in the Middle East.

Team Structure:

• Building Services Design Team: The Design Manager – MEP will be a key member of this specialized team, likely comprising various engineering disciplines (MEP, structural, architectural).
• Reporting Structure: The role will report to a senior leadership position within the Building Services or Project Management division, likely a Principal Engineer, Director, or similar.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role demands extensive collaboration with project managers, architects, structural engineers, contractors, clients, and other consultants to ensure integrated project delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: SJ emphasizes evidence-based approaches, utilizing data analytics to inform design and project decisions.
• Integrated Design Process: Fostering collaboration and communication among all disciplines to achieve optimal project outcomes.
• Sustainability Focus: Commitment to developing sustainable, people-centric urban environments and building solutions.
• Client-Centric Approach: Prioritizing client needs and delivering value through tailored solutions.

Company Website: https://www.surbanajurong.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Surbana Jurong's global scale and multidisciplinary nature suggest a dynamic work environment with exposure to diverse project types and international best practices. The emphasis on "shaping cities" and "sustainable, people-centric environments" indicates a forward-thinking company culture focused on impactful development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Engineer within MEP Design. This role represents a significant step in a career focused on the technical and managerial aspects of building services engineering, commanding substantial responsibility and strategic input. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager – MEP will likely report to a Director or Senior Principal within the Building Services division, overseeing a team of MEP engineers and designers. This position holds significant influence within project teams. Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on project success by ensuring the efficient, compliant, and high-quality delivery of MEP systems, which are critical for building functionality, sustainability, and occupant comfort. Effective MEP design directly influences project budgets, timelines, and long-term operational costs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into more senior leadership roles, such as Head of MEP Design, Director of Building Services, or Regional Technical Director, managing larger teams and portfolios.
• Project Portfolio Expansion: Opportunity to lead design on even larger, more complex, and iconic projects within the Middle East and potentially globally.
• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in specific areas of MEP, such as sustainable design, smart buildings, or advanced HVAC systems, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.
• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership and mentoring skills by guiding and developing junior talent within the organization, contributing to the company's knowledge base.
• International Mobility: Potential to transfer to other Surbana Jurong offices globally, leveraging experience in diverse markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, global consultancy. The emphasis on leadership and complex projects provides a strong foundation for future growth into senior management or specialized technical expert roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Dubai, UAE, within Surbana Jurong's regional office. This environment is expected to be a professional, collaborative consultancy setting. Office Location(s): Surbana Jurong has offices in Dubai, UAE. Specific office details and accessibility would need to be confirmed directly.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and resources to support multidisciplinary teams.
• Technology-Enabled: Expect access to industry-standard design software, BIM tools, communication platforms, and IT infrastructure necessary for efficient project delivery.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse team of engineers, designers, project managers, and support staff, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is typically Monday to Friday, 40 hours.
• The nature of managing complex projects may occasionally require flexibility and extended hours to meet critical deadlines or address urgent client needs. This is common in senior project delivery roles within the consultancy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical for a senior design management role in a global consultancy, emphasizing collaboration, technology, and professional development within a structured office setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess alignment with minimum qualifications and experience.
• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focused on MEP engineering principles, design methodologies, and problem-solving capabilities, often with a senior MEP engineer or technical lead.
• Management & Leadership Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team management experience, stakeholder engagement skills, and commercial awareness, potentially with a hiring manager or departmental head.
• Project Case Study Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present one or two key projects from their portfolio, detailing their role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.
• Final Interview: May involve a senior executive or regional director to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment with Surbana Jurong's goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state your specific responsibilities and highlight quantifiable achievements (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, energy efficiency gains).
• Focus on Leadership & Problem-Solving: Emphasize your role in leading teams, managing complex coordination challenges, and resolving critical design issues.
• Demonstrate Commercial Understanding: Showcase examples of how you managed variations, change orders, and their commercial implications effectively.
• Tailor to the Role: Select projects that best exemplify your experience in building services, MEP design, and project delivery in environments similar to those SJ operates in.
• Clear Structure & Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, with concise descriptions and high-quality visuals (drawings, diagrams, renderings) where appropriate. Ensure it's easy to navigate and understand.

Challenge Preparation:

• MEP Design Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical design challenges, such as resolving complex spatial clashes between services, optimizing energy performance, or addressing specific client requirements for sustainable systems.
• Project Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions on managing project timelines, budgets, stakeholder expectations, and team conflicts.
• Commercial Acumen Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle significant design variations, contractor claims related to design, or budget overruns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly evaluate both technical expertise and managerial capabilities. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates leadership in MEP design and project delivery, coupled with a strategic approach to presenting achievements, will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• MEP Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD and BIM software is essential. This typically includes:
  • Revit MEP: For Building Information Modeling, parametric design, and coordination.
  • AutoCAD MEP: For 2D drafting and design documentation.
  • Navisworks: For model aggregation, clash detection, and 4D/5D simulation.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking, such as:
  • Microsoft Project: For detailed project planning and scheduling.
  • Primavera P6: For complex, large-scale project scheduling and resource management.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with platforms for team communication and document sharing:
  • Microsoft Teams / Slack: For team communication and collaboration.
  • SharePoint / Document Management Systems: For organized storage and retrieval of project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, financial tracking, and report generation.
• Power BI / Tableau: Experience with business intelligence tools for creating dashboards and visualizing project performance metrics is advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data feeds into broader project management and client relationship systems is beneficial.
• Familiarity with document control systems and potentially workflow automation tools used in consultancy environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strong proficiency in BIM software like Revit MEP and Navisworks is paramount, as is experience with project scheduling tools like MS Project or Primavera P6. The ability to leverage these tools for effective coordination and management is a key expectation for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and innovative MEP engineering solutions that meet and exceed client expectations.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are encouraged among team members and across disciplines.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards, taking ownership of responsibilities, and being accountable for project outcomes and commitments.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Proactively seeking new methods, technologies, and sustainable practices to enhance design processes and project delivery efficiency.
• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong relationships, and delivering exceptional value.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Project Delivery: Actively promoting a collaborative approach across all project stakeholders, ensuring seamless integration of MEP design with architectural, structural, and other disciplines.
• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels with internal teams, clients, and contractors to anticipate and resolve issues swiftly.
• Constructive Feedback: Encouraging an environment where feedback is exchanged constructively, leading to continuous improvement in design processes and team performance.
• Cross-Functional Synergy: Working closely with project managers, commercial teams, and construction teams to ensure design intent is maintained through to project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Surbana Jurong's stated values of shaping cities and creating sustainable environments suggest a culture that values impact, innovation, and responsible development. The emphasis on "talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace" points towards a dynamic and engaging team culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Project Interfaces: Ensuring seamless integration of MEP systems within architecturally complex or structurally constrained buildings, requiring advanced coordination skills.
• Balancing Technical Rigor with Commercial Pressures: Delivering high-quality, compliant designs while adhering to strict project budgets and demanding program timelines.
• Navigating Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively managing diverse requirements and expectations from clients, regulatory bodies, and contractors, ensuring alignment and consensus.
• Adapting to Evolving Technologies and Regulations: Staying abreast of new MEP technologies, sustainable design standards, and evolving building codes in the UAE and international markets.
• Leading Multidisciplinary Teams: Effectively guiding and motivating diverse engineering teams to achieve unified design goals, often under high-pressure project conditions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in areas like sustainable MEP systems, smart building technologies, energy modeling, and advanced BIM workflows.
• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance leadership, negotiation, and strategic management skills through company-offered programs.
• Industry Certifications: Support for pursuing professional certifications such as P.Eng., CEng, LEED AP, or other relevant accreditations.
• Global Exposure: Learning from and collaborating with experts on international projects, gaining exposure to different design approaches and market demands.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Surbana Jurong or to mentor junior engineers, fostering professional growth and knowledge transfer.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to senior design management roles on large-scale projects. The growth opportunities are robust, reflecting SJ's commitment to talent development within a global consultancy framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Management Philosophy: Be prepared to articulate your overall philosophy for managing MEP design delivery, including your approach to quality, coordination, and risk management. Discuss how you ensure designs are practical, compliant, and cost-effective.
• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Discuss how you would handle a situation where a key stakeholder (e.g., client, contractor) disagrees with a critical design decision. Provide examples of successful stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution.
• Problem-Solving & Innovation: Describe a time you encountered a significant technical challenge in an MEP design. How did you approach problem-solving, what innovative solutions did you consider or implement, and what was the outcome?
• Commercial Acumen: Explain your process for managing design changes and variations. How do you assess their impact on cost and schedule, and what is your strategy for negotiating these with contractors?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Alignment with SJ Values: Research Surbana Jurong's mission and values. Be ready to explain how your professional approach and values align with their commitment to shaping cities and delivering sustainable environments.
• Team Collaboration: Describe your ideal team collaboration style. How do you foster a positive and productive working relationship with architects, structural engineers, and other project team members?
• Leadership Style: How would your team describe your leadership style? Provide specific examples of how you motivate, guide, and develop engineering talent.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership in MEP design for complex buildings, highlighting your direct impact on coordination, technical solutions, and project success.
• Narrative Structure: For each project, follow a clear story: Project context and challenges -> Your role and responsibilities -> Key design decisions and technical solutions -> Coordination efforts and problem-solving -> Commercial management aspects -> Project outcomes and lessons learned.
• Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, present data-backed results, such as percentage improvements in energy efficiency, cost savings achieved through value engineering, or schedule adherence.
• Visual Aids: Use high-quality drawings, diagrams, or renderings to illustrate complex systems or coordination challenges. Keep text concise and focus on key takeaways.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it’s impactful and fits within the allotted time, leaving room for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of technical MEP expertise, proven leadership in complex project environments, and sound commercial understanding. A well-structured portfolio presentation is key to conveying your capabilities effectively.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager – MEP position:

• Navigate to the Surbana Jurong careers portal via the provided URL.
• Click the “Apply Now” button and complete the online application form.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your CV and any supplementary documents clearly highlight your 15+ years of MEP design and delivery experience on building projects, with specific emphasis on leadership roles and complex project delivery.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description, such as "MEP Design Management," "Building Services," "Technical Leadership," "Stakeholder Engagement," "Change Control," and "Multidisciplinary Coordination." Quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Prepare for Case Studies: Select 2-3 key projects from your portfolio that best demonstrate your capabilities. Practice presenting them concisely, focusing on your leadership, technical problem-solving, and commercial management contributions.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Surbana Jurong's recent projects, company values, and their presence in the Middle East market. Understand their approach to sustainable and people-centric urban development.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.