About the Role
For a major development project in the hospitality sector in Saudi Arabia, we are seeking an internationally experienced senior engineering professional to take strategic and technical responsibility for Mechanical Building Services Engineering.
As Head of Mechanical Engineering, you will be responsible for all mechanical building services, including HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), plumbing, water supply and drainage systems, and water-based fire protection systems throughout the entire project lifecycle. Your responsibilities will encompass design reviews, technical coordination, construction execution, testing, commissioning, and final handover. You will lead and support the local technical team in Jeddah and work closely with the Project Management team, Head of Electrical Engineering, design consultants, contractors, subcontractors, and hotel operator. You will ensure that all technical solutions meet the highest standards and operational requirements of a premium hospitality development. The position can be based at the client's Vienna office, remotely, or directly on-site in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with relocation assistance provided for candidates moving to Jeddah.
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Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and technical leadership for mechanical building services, focusing on HVAC, plumbing, water supply and drainage systems, and water-based fire protection systems.
- Manage all mechanical engineering activities from design review and construction execution through testing, commissioning, and final handover.
- Lead, guide, and support the local Mechanical Engineering team and coordinate design consultants, contractors, subcontractors, and specialist suppliers.
- Review and approve detailed engineering designs, shop drawings, calculations, technical specifications, and material submittals within your area of responsibility.
- Ensure effective multidisciplinary coordination with electrical engineering, building automation, architecture, and structural engineering teams.
- Evaluate mechanical system designs in terms of performance, energy efficiency, operational reliability, maintainability, and hotel operator requirements.
- Monitor construction progress, quality, costs, and project schedules while proactively identifying and resolving technical risks.
- Ensure compliance with relevant international standards, the Saudi Building Code, and applicable Civil Defence requirements.
- Oversee pressure testing, functional testing, flushing, hydraulic balancing, air-side testing and balancing, and integrated system testing.
- Establish and monitor QA/QC processes and implement value engineering and cost optimization initiatives.
- Review and assess variation orders and contractual claims while developing technical recovery and mitigation strategies.
- Prepare regular management reports covering project progress, risks, costs, and quality performance.
Requirements
- Ideally, a university degree in Building Services Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Building Systems Engineering, or a comparable discipline. Alternatively, an equivalent technical qualification supported by extensive relevant professional experience.
- Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in mechanical building services engineering and construction/project management.
- At least 5 years of professional experience in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland (DACH region).
- Extensive experience in leading complex engineering projects and managing international teams.
- Proven project experience in high-rise buildings, five-star hotels, luxury hospitality developments, or complex mixed-use projects.
- Strong technical expertise in HVAC, plumbing, water-based fire protection systems, and commissioning.
- Experience managing engineering consultants and construction contractors, including technical and contractual interface management.
- Saudi Arabian or GCC project experience and knowledge of the Saudi Building Code will be considered an advantage.
- Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Fluent German and English, both written and spoken.
- Knowledge of Arabic will be an advantage.
- Willingness to undertake occasional business trips to Jeddah.
Benefits
- Annual Gross Salary: Starting from EUR 182,000, with flexibility for a higher offer depending on qualifications and experience.
- Performance Bonus: Up to three additional monthly salaries.
- Long-Term Engagement: Intended minimum project commitment of five years.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Company car for the Jeddah-based position.
- Reimbursement of agreed business travel expenses.
- 30 days of paid annual leave.
- Flexible working arrangements: Vienna office, remote, or on-site in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Relocation support for candidates moving to Jeddah.
