MEP Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: MEP Design Manager

Company: Mace

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Construction Operations / Engineering Management

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Implied 5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) design process, ensuring seamless integration with project timelines, quality benchmarks, and commercial objectives.

• Drive collaborative efforts among consultants, project teams, and stakeholders to guarantee integrated and efficient design delivery for a landmark residential community development.

• Proactively identify and mitigate design-related risks, monitor progress against key performance indicators, and ensure adherence to all regulatory and client-specific requirements.

• Champion the implementation of sustainable and energy-efficient design strategies, aligning with the company's net-zero ambitions and project's people-centric urban destination vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the construction and consultancy sector, focusing on the critical MEP design management aspect of large-scale real estate development. The emphasis on sustainability, net-zero ambitions, and a people-centric approach suggests a forward-thinking organization requiring a manager adept at balancing technical execution with strategic corporate values. The implied experience level of 5-10 years indicates a need for a candidate with a proven track record in managing complex design processes and stakeholder relationships.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the comprehensive MEP design lifecycle, from conceptualization through to detailed design, ensuring alignment with overall project masterplans, budgets, and schedules.

• Facilitate robust communication and collaboration channels between design consultants, project management teams, and external stakeholders to foster an integrated design development environment.

• Conduct rigorous reviews of MEP design deliverables, including mechanical, electrical, public health, fire protection, and specialist systems, to ensure compliance with client briefs, operational needs, local authority regulations (UAE codes), and international design standards.

• Proactively monitor design progress, identify potential risks and deviations from project objectives, and implement effective mitigation strategies to safeguard project success.

• Manage and coordinate complex multidisciplinary design interfaces between MEP, architectural, structural, and infrastructure disciplines, ensuring seamless integration and avoiding clashes.

• Oversee the execution of design programmes, track the delivery of key design milestones, and manage consultant performance to ensure timely project advancements.

• Facilitate and lead crucial design workshops, value engineering sessions, and technical review meetings with all relevant parties, driving consensus and optimal solutions.

• Provide expert support in resolving design-related issues, coordinating responses to technical queries, and ensuring that design development remains on track.

• Manage the design risk register, implement robust change control processes, and conduct design assurance activities throughout the project lifecycle to uphold quality and compliance.

• Liaise effectively with client representatives, consultants, contractors, end-users, and regulatory authorities to secure necessary design approvals and maintain project alignment.

• Integrate sustainability, energy efficiency, and specific operational requirements into the MEP design strategy, particularly for retail and mixed-use development components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on management role requiring deep technical understanding of MEP systems, coupled with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills. The emphasis on UAE codes, BIM processes, and sustainability indicates a need for a candidate familiar with regional construction practices and modern design methodologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in managing MEP design delivery for large-scale projects, specifically within the retail, mixed-use, commercial, or hospitality sectors.

• Proven track record in coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and managing consultants effectively throughout the project lifecycle.

• Experience with design management methodologies, Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes, and established project delivery frameworks. Required Skills:

• MEP Design Management: Comprehensive knowledge of managing the design, coordination, and approval of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Expertise in integrating MEP designs with architectural, structural, and other project disciplines.

• BIM Processes: Proficiency in understanding and managing BIM workflows for design coordination and clash detection.

• Project Delivery Frameworks: Familiarity with standard project management and construction delivery methodologies.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively engage with and manage diverse stakeholders, including clients, consultants, contractors, and authorities.

• UAE Codes & Regulations: Strong understanding of local building codes, authority approval processes in the UAE, and relevant international design standards.

• Risk Management: Capability to identify, assess, and mitigate design-related risks.

• Design Compliance & Governance: Ensuring designs meet all required standards, regulations, and project specifications.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional membership with a recognized engineering institution such as CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) or IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology).

• Experience in Value Engineering studies to optimize design solutions for cost-effectiveness and performance.

• Knowledge of sustainability strategies and energy efficiency best practices in building design.

• Familiarity with Mace's specific project delivery methodologies and consultancy practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of formal education, practical experience in large-scale development, and specific technical skills related to MEP design and project coordination. The preference for professional membership suggests a desire for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to professional development and industry standards.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful management of MEP design for complex, large-scale developments (e.g., retail, mixed-use, commercial).

• Include case studies highlighting your ability to coordinate multidisciplinary designs and resolve integration challenges.

• Provide examples of design review processes, compliance checks, and adherence to project specifications and local regulations.

• Showcase experience with BIM coordination and how it contributed to efficient design delivery and clash avoidance. Process Documentation:

• Present documentation or evidence of your process for managing design programmes and tracking consultant performance.

• Include examples of risk assessment and mitigation strategies implemented during the design phase.

• Showcase your approach to facilitating design workshops, value engineering, and technical review meetings.

• Demonstrate your methodology for managing design changes and ensuring design assurance throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it will serve as tangible evidence of the candidate's ability to manage complex MEP design processes. The focus should be on demonstrating practical application of design management principles, stakeholder engagement, and successful project outcomes in relevant development types.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated annual salary for an MEP Design Manager in Dubai, UAE, with 5-10 years of experience, typically ranges from AED 350,000 to AED 550,000 (approximately USD 95,000 to USD 150,000). This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the exact scope of responsibilities within the project. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• Paid annual leave and public holidays as per UAE labor law.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and further certifications.

• Flexible working options and hybrid working arrangements may be discussed.

• Contribution to end-of-service gratuity as mandated by UAE labor law. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, often Monday to Friday. However, project demands may require flexibility and occasional overtime, particularly during critical design phases or to meet project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry benchmarks for MEP Design Managers in Dubai, considering the mid-senior experience level and the nature of large-scale construction projects. Benefits are standard for the region and industry, with specific details to be confirmed by Mace. The mention of flexible and hybrid working options suggests a modern approach to work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Consultancy. Mace operates at the intersection of construction expertise and consultancy, offering a unique blend of services to clients.

Company Size: Mace is a global company with a significant workforce, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and potential for career advancement across various projects and geographies.

Founded: Mace was founded in 1990, bringing over three decades of experience in delivering complex projects worldwide. This history suggests a company with a robust foundation, established methodologies, and a proven track record in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The MEP Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project management or delivery team, reporting to a Project Director or Head of Engineering.

• The role involves managing a team of MEP engineers, designers, and potentially external consultant teams.

• Close collaboration is expected with architectural, structural, commercial, and site delivery teams, highlighting a cross-functional and integrated project structure. Methodology:

• Mace emphasizes a values-driven approach, focusing on safety, client focus, integrity, and creating opportunities for its people.

• The company champions continuous improvement and collaboration, suggesting an environment that encourages innovation and process optimization.

• Net-zero ambitions indicate a strategic focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility in project delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's culture appears to prioritize safety, client satisfaction, ethical conduct, and employee development. The company's global presence and commitment to sustainability are key cultural differentiators that successful candidates should align with.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level position, acting as a key technical lead for MEP design within a major project. It requires significant autonomy in managing the design process, coordinating diverse teams, and ensuring technical compliance.

Reporting Structure: The MEP Design Manager will likely report to a senior project leader (e.g., Project Director, Head of Engineering) and will directly manage a team of MEP specialists and consultants. This structure emphasizes leadership and direct accountability for MEP design outcomes.

Operations Impact: The MEP Design Manager has a critical impact on project success by ensuring that the building's mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are designed efficiently, safely, sustainably, and to the required quality standards. Effective design management directly influences project cost, schedule, operational performance, and occupant satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization & Leadership: Progression to senior leadership roles within MEP design on larger, more complex international projects, or specialization in areas like sustainable design or smart building technologies.

• Project Management: Transition into broader project management roles, leveraging a deep understanding of the technical aspects of construction delivery.

• Consultancy Development: Opportunities to contribute to Mace's consultancy services, advising clients on MEP strategy, design best practices, and sustainability integration across multiple projects.

• Continuous Learning: Access to Mace's internal training programs, professional development support for certifications (e.g., LEED, CIBSE), and opportunities to attend industry conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a global construction and consultancy firm. The growth potential lies in increasing project complexity, leadership scope, and specialization in high-demand areas like sustainability and advanced building systems.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, indicating a need for the candidate to be physically present at the project location in Dubai. This suggests a dynamic, fast-paced environment directly connected to the development activities.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Specific site office details would be provided upon engagement.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely involve a combination of site office and potentially consultant office visits, facilitating direct interaction with project teams and construction activities.

• Access to project documentation, design software, and collaborative platforms will be essential for managing the design process effectively.

• Opportunities for direct collaboration with site engineers, project managers, and various specialist teams will be a key aspect of the daily work. Work Schedule:

• The role is designated as full-time, typically 40 hours per week. However, due to the nature of large-scale construction projects, there may be requirements for flexible hours or occasional overtime to meet critical deadlines, especially during peak design or construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes practical engagement with the project, requiring a candidate comfortable working within a construction environment and engaging directly with project stakeholders.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications, focusing on qualifications, experience, and alignment with Mace's values.

• Technical Interview: A discussion with a hiring manager or senior technical lead to assess MEP design management expertise, understanding of project delivery, and problem-solving skills. This may include scenario-based questions related to design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on specific project examples that demonstrate their experience in managing MEP design, stakeholder coordination, and achieving project objectives. Expect detailed questions about their role, contributions, and outcomes.

• Cultural Fit/Values Assessment: An interview to evaluate alignment with Mace's core values (Safety First, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity) and assess suitability for the team and company culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or project director for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 2-3 significant projects that best represent your MEP design management experience, particularly those similar in scale and type to the Mace project.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your role, responsibilities, key challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, compliance successes, sustainability achievements).

• Showcase Coordination: Specifically demonstrate how you managed multidisciplinary coordination, resolved clashes, and facilitated communication between different teams and stakeholders.

• Document Processes: Include examples of design review processes, risk management approaches, and how you ensured compliance with codes and standards.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio items, explaining your decision-making process, the impact of your contributions, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential case study questions or hypothetical scenarios related to managing MEP design on a large project, such as dealing with design conflicts, budget constraints, or stakeholder disagreements.

• Practice articulating your approach to problem-solving, emphasizing a structured, data-driven, and collaborative methodology.

• Consider how you would contribute to Mace's sustainability and net-zero goals within the MEP design context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing heavily on practical experience and the ability to demonstrate past successes through a well-curated portfolio. Candidates should prepare to discuss specific project details and their personal contributions in depth.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• MEP Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard MEP design and modeling software such as AutoCAD MEP, Revit MEP, and potentially Navisworks for clash detection and coordination.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management platforms like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar tools for scheduling and progress tracking.

• BIM Software: Experience with BIM platforms and workflows, including using BIM for coordination, clash detection, and information management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience using reporting tools for tracking design progress, consultant performance, and budget adherence.

• Familiarity with data analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for design optimization. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with broader project management and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems may be beneficial.

• Familiarity with document management systems and collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex, Procore) for managing project documentation and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong command of specialized MEP design software and a solid understanding of BIM processes. Familiarity with project management and document control systems is also essential for effective design coordination and project execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value, requiring a constant focus on safe design practices and ensuring that MEP systems contribute to overall site safety and operational security.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client requirements, delivering high-quality MEP designs that align with project objectives and contribute to long-term client satisfaction.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all design decisions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining transparency in dealings with stakeholders.

• Create Opportunity: Championing continuous improvement in MEP design processes, fostering a collaborative environment for team members to excel, and contributing to Mace's overall growth and innovation.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: A collaborative approach is essential, working closely with architects, structural engineers, contractors, and clients to achieve unified project goals.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and regular communication channels to address design issues promptly, share information effectively, and build strong working relationships.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise within the MEP team and across project disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate a strong alignment with Mace's core values, particularly in prioritizing safety and client satisfaction. The collaborative nature of the role requires excellent interpersonal skills and a proactive communication style.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Balancing the diverse needs and expectations of clients, consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies on a large-scale development.

• Design Integration: Ensuring seamless integration of MEP systems with architectural and structural elements, especially in complex or innovative designs, while avoiding clashes and ensuring constructability.

• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating and adhering to specific UAE building codes and authority requirements, which can be intricate and subject to change.

• Sustainability Integration: Effectively embedding sustainability and net-zero principles into MEP design without compromising functionality or budget, requiring innovative solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Technologies: Opportunities to work with cutting-edge BIM tools, parametric design, and potentially smart building technologies.

• Sustainability Expertise: Deepen knowledge in sustainable building design, energy efficiency strategies, and net-zero carbon initiatives through project involvement and specialized training.

• Leadership Development: Formal and informal leadership development programs within Mace to enhance management and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining exposure to a wide range of project typologies and learning from a global network of experts within Mace.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of large-scale international construction projects, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development in areas of high demand within the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex MEP design challenge on a large-scale project. What was the situation, what steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical expertise, and project management.)

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration between MEP consultants, architects, and structural engineers to achieve integrated design solutions?" (Assess stakeholder management and coordination skills.)

• "How would you approach the integration of sustainability and net-zero principles into the MEP design for a residential community project like this?" (Evaluate understanding of sustainable design and Mace's strategic goals.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Mace and our values? How do you see yourself embodying 'Safety First' or 'Create Opportunity' in your daily work?" (Demonstrate research and cultural alignment.)

• "Describe your experience working with UAE building codes and authority approval processes. What are some common challenges and how do you overcome them?" (Assess local knowledge and practical experience.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest MEP design technologies and sustainability trends?" (Show commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, clearly outline the Project Scope, Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges, Design Solutions Implemented, Stakeholder Engagement, and Achieved Outcomes (quantified where possible).

• Visuals: Use diagrams, drawings, or BIM screenshots where appropriate to illustrate design concepts, coordination efforts, or clash resolutions.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your design management contributed to project success, client satisfaction, cost efficiency, schedule adherence, and sustainability goals.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about technical aspects, decision-making processes, and your personal contributions to the project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical experience, a strong understanding of MEP design principles, and alignment with Mace's values. The portfolio review is a critical component, so candidates must be prepared to discuss their work in detail and highlight quantifiable achievements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this MEP Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Mace Careers portal via the provided link.

• Customize Your CV: Tailor your resume to highlight specific MEP design management experience, large-scale project involvement, stakeholder coordination skills, and familiarity with UAE regulations. Use keywords from the job description and Mace's values.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a strong portfolio showcasing relevant projects, detailing your role, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your MEP design management capabilities and stakeholder engagement.

• Research Mace: Thoroughly research Mace's company profile, values, recent projects, and sustainability initiatives. Understand their approach to construction and consultancy.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples and strategy-based scenarios related to MEP design management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder collaboration. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ 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.