Associate Director - Technical

As a provider of multi-disciplined technical services to the built environment, Atkins Middle East (part of the SNC-Lavalin Group) is committed to excellence in the design and delivery of first class solutions which combine innovation, imagination and best practice.

Due to our continuing expansion we now require an experienced discipline engineer to work in the capacity of Associate Director - Technical to work on a variety of construction projects across the Middle East Region. The role will entail the leadership and management of the discipline team leaders across the region together with representing the Department to Clients on all technical issues arising, in support of the post-contract technical engineering team. It will also involve technical control of the department’s small design unit and the implementation of all aspects of the Quality / HSE management systems and the control of site supervision services provision in support of the Design & Engineering Site Operations (DESO) goals for continual performance improvement and completion of project functions.

Close and collaborative working with the Heads of Disciplines, Area Managers, project Resident Engineers and Design teams to assure professional delivery of the department’s services will be an essential requirement for the role.

Working in a multidiscipline team of engineers and designers providing a comprehensive professional service to our clients, this is a great opportunity to take a technical leadership role within an internationally renowned consultant, affording the opportunity to work on large and small scale multidiscipline projects, in the Middle East.

Responsibilities

• Provide line management and operational guidance to Heads of Disciplines (HoDs): Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical / ICT&S and Inspectorate.
• Support the HoDs in the determination and coordination of staff deployment for projects / design reviews etc.
• Technical management of DESO Design Unit, focussing mostly on design of variations on supervision projects, including the arrangement of resources and supporting the establishment of the associated fees.
• Manage the design review process for all new supervision projects, both designed by Atkins and other consultants, including finalisation of reports, feedback to design teams and engagement to brief clients on findings and recommendations.
• Lead and drive initiatives to share knowledge and experience both within DESO and with the D&E design teams as appropriate.
• Working in conjunction with the Heads of Disciplines, lead and drive the development of technical training initiatives for DESO staff development.
• Work with DESO management team, HoDs and Area Managers to develop and implement effective competency matrices for all technical staff.
• Support the HoDs to organise and implement buddying and mentoring systems, particularly for new staff and staff with identified development requirements.
• Support the HoDs to develop clear role succession planning.
• Lead and coordinate initiatives for the development of digital opportunities to enhance the DESO service delivery.
• Provide key point of contact between DESO and the D&E design teams to facilitate improved interaction and cooperation.
• Lead the engagement with clients on technical matters arising, in conjunction with appropriate Heads of Disciplines.
• Support the HoDs to implement Quality / HSE management systems relevant to each discipline.
• Support the HoDs to organise and implement rigorous line management processes for technical staff, including regime of work place visits for performance review purposes.
• Oversee the HoDs to arrange leave cover for the discipline staff and ensure that the project sites are properly administered.
• Oversee the HoDs to organise and perform internal / surveillance audits, prepare audit reports and monitor the close out / corrective action of findings / observations / non-conformance notices raised.
• Oversee the HoDs to conduct performance reviews of discipline staff and monitor progress against set objectives.
• Support the HoDs to monitor and perform objective verification of the quality and consistency of reviews undertaken by the discipline staff.
• Support the HoDs to monitor and perform objective verification of the documents at handing over and ensure that it is complete and that the reviews are done thoroughly.
• Coordinate the HoDs to assist the respective project REs and discipline staff in resolving any technical issues, claims, disputes arising and requiring input for satisfactory close out.
• Coordinate the HoDs to assist the project REs and discipline staff with the Local Authorities for approvals, inspections, permits, etc.
• Coordinate the HoDs to monitor performance of the Contractors / Suppliers and evaluate the Contractors / Suppliers at project close-out.
• Support the HoDs to assist the project REs and the discipline staff and ensure that all statutory authority NOCs / permits / design approvals are available at start-up of project.
• Extend support to the HoDs and discipline staff to avoid contractor(s) claims for cost and /or delay.
• In conjunction with the HSE Director, raise the profile of HSE considerations and performance requirements for all discipline engineers and inspectors.
• Assist the HoDs to liaise with the REs and discipline staff for the effective implementation of the quality management systems and site supervision provision activities.
• Attend meetings with the relevant local authorities and review any actions mandated following these meetings around authority approvals.
• Attend meetings with other stakeholders involved on the project to ensure smooth delivery of the project.
• Coordinate with the HODs the review of project quarterly Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and continual improvement actions taken.
• Support the HODs to assist with the factory visits, performance testing and reporting following the teams visit.
• Attend in conjunction with the HODs to any technical issues around services provided that are likely to cause reputational damage or professional liability claims and take ownership to resolve.

Functional Relationships

• Site Operations Director (SOD)
• Deputy Site Operations Director (DSOD)
• Site Commercial Director (SCD)
• Site HSE Director (SHSED)
• Design Project Manager (DPM)
• Design Teams
• Director Quality & Bids (DQB)
• Site Area Manager (SAM)
• Site Head of Disciplines (SHODs)
• Business Support Manager (BSM)
• Resident Engineers (RE)
• Supervision Teams

Atkins has been established in the Gulf for over 40 years, having first carried out design and supervision commissions in the Gulf area in 1967. The regional head office (Dubai) was established in 1979.

We provide a full range of design, engineering and project management services for buildings, transportation and other infrastructure programmes.

Atkins in the Middle East now employs around 2,000 staff serving Gulf clients across all market sectors from offices in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Manama, Muscat, Riyadh, and Sharjah.

Requirements

• Engineering Degree qualified
• Chartered Member of a recognised Professional Engineering Institution
• Familiar with FIDIC construction contract
• Significant experience as a Principal Engineer, preferably in Middle East
• Well versed with all regulations of prevailing local authorities in the Middle East
• Experience leading substantial technical teams in the Middle East
• Extensive knowledge of the design processes adopted in the Middle East
• Extensive knowledge of applicable local authority regulations in the Middle East
• Must have integrity, be flexible and proactive
• Must demonstrate ability to act independently and as part of a team
• Reasonable knowledge of MS Word, Excel
• Good communication skills in written and spoken English essential
• Good report writing skills, experience of making presentations to and attending meetings with clients is essential
• Good team player, able to communicate effectively with colleagues

Rewards & Benefits

We offer an excellent package which includes:

• A competitive salary
• Accommodation allowance
• Transportation allowance
• 25 working days annual leave, based on 5 days working week
• Medical and life insurance cover
• Company gratuity scheme
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Annual flight allowance to point of origin
• Employee Well-Being Programme – 24 hour free advice on financial, legal and family care specialists and also access to personal health, fitness and nutrition consultants

Apply and the process:

We are in the process of shortlisting the candidates and will advise you on your status soon.