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Head of Design & Engineering - Main Contractor

United Arab Emirates  |  Permanent

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.


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.


Interested candidates are invited to share their up to date CV directly to jobs@j10consulting.ae for further review and shortlisting.


Date Posted: 16 Sep 2025

Status: Open