Head of Engineering Department

Job description / Role

Our Tier 1 Main Contracting Client has a new requirement for a seasoned Head of Design & Engineering / Design & Engineering Director to head up their design and technical team in Dubai working on major new hospitality, residential (towers and villas) and mall projects. Successful candidates will have a proven background as a Design & Engineering Head leading and driving the design and technical aspects of major new build & refurbishment projects in the UAE up to AED 1 billion in value and have worked for recognised main contracting companies previously.



This role is available for immediate joining and is a direct hire, permanent opportunity, employed by our client.



Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Department Management

Lead, supervise, and mentor the engineering team (civil, structural, MEP, architectural, CAD/BIM, document control).
Allocate responsibilities and monitor workload distribution to ensure timely and efficient deliverables.
Establish departmental goals, KPIs, and performance standards aligned with company strategy.
Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance

Review and approve engineering deliverables, including design drawings, shop drawings, technical submittals, and method statements.
Ensure compliance with Dubai Municipality (DM), DDA, RERA, DEWA, Civil Defense, and international building codes.
Enforce strict quality standards for luxury projects, ensuring flawless detailing and high-end finishing.
Design & Consultant Coordination

Act as the primary liaison with consultants, architects, and interior designers to resolve technical queries.
Coordinate design modifications, RFIs, and approvals, ensuring smooth flow of updated drawings to site teams.
Conduct value engineering exercises to optimize designs while balancing cost, aesthetics, and function.
Project Support & Site Coordination

Provide engineering guidance to project managers and site engineers during construction.
Conduct regular site visits to verify compliance with approved drawings and specifications.
Resolve complex technical issues promptly to avoid project delays.
Regulatory & Approvals

Manage authority approvals and NOCs with DM, DDA, DEWA, Civil Defense, RTA, and other statutory bodies.
Ensure documentation and submissions meet UAE legal requirements and project timelines.
Documentation & Reporting

Oversee preparation of engineering reports, compliance statements, as-built drawings, and project records.
Provide regular technical and progress reports to senior management and clients.
Ensure the department adheres to ISO procedures and internal quality management systems.

Requirements:

Head of Design & Engineering Experience:

Degree Educated _ Architecture – BSc Minimum
15-20 Years Post Graduate Experience Minimum – ideally at least 2 years in a recognised main contracting company in a relevant capacity
Proven track record in delivering high profile and high value hospitality, villas, residential towers and commercial projects.
Strong knowledge of UAE construction codes, Dubai authority requirements, and international best practices.
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit/BIM, Primavera/MS Project, and engineering management software.
Membership in SOE, PMP, or equivalent certifications preferred.
Strong leadership and team management skills. (Overseeing a team of 40+)
Excellent communication and stakeholder coordination abilities.
High attention to detail and commitment to quality in high profile, high value construction.
Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure.
Strategic mindset with ability to align engineering deliverables to business goals.

Salary:
AED 70,000 to 85,000 per month inclusive of fixed allowances.

About the Company

J10 Consulting are Construction Recruitment experts in the Middle East.

We help businesses and careers grow by delivering Temporary Contract & Permanent Contingency hiring solutions within Construction & Engineering in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain & Kuwait

J10 Consulting provide collaborative engagement and a deep understanding of both client and candidate requirements to cover temporary and permanent requirements across a number of vertical markets within Construction & Engineering.