Senior Design Manager (Mechanical)

Requisition #ENG-L8.79Job titleCategoryContract typeFixed Term (Employee)Full TimeDescriptionZutari: Co-creating an Engineered ImpactZutari is a purpose-driven, management-owned engineering and advisory firm with over 90 years of experience across the Middle East and Africa. We are human‑centred consultants who collaborate with clients, communities, and partners to co‑create sustainable infrastructure solutions that leave a positive and lasting legacy.In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Zutari is playing a critical role in supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals by delivering innovative, sustainable water solutions that address water scarcity, urbanization, and environmental stewardship.About the roleLead and assure mechanical design delivery across major programmes/projects in Saudi Arabia within a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) environment. The role provides end‑to‑end design management, technical governance, coordination, and stakeholder interface to ensure mechanical designs are compliant, buildable, cost‑effective, safe, and aligned with programme requirements, Saudi codes, and Zutari quality standards.Reporting & InterfacesReporting to: Design Director / Engineering ManagerKey interfaces (internal/external):Client (Employer) project leadership and technical teamsLead Designer / A&E consultants, specialist designers, and subconsultantsContractors (EPC / D&B), suppliers and OEMs (as needed)Authorities Having Jurisdiction (Civil Defence, utilities, municipalities, regulators)Other disciplines: Civil/Structural, Architectural, Electrical, Public Health/Plumbing, Fire & Life Safety, ICT/ELV, Sustainability, Cost/Commercial, Planning, HSE, QA/QC, CommissioningKey ResponsibilitiesDesign ManagementOwn mechanical design management plan and discipline deliverables across project phases (concept to IFC/as‑built where applicable).Establish and manage design stage gates, deliverable schedules, and design risk controls.Lead technical reviews of consultant and contractor submissions (drawings, specs, calculations, reports, schedules) and issue consolidated comments.Ensure alignment to:Employer’s Requirements / Project BriefProject standards, performance criteria, and design guidelinesSaudi/local authority requirements and approvals workflowDrive interdisciplinary coordination and clash avoidance (via BIM/coordination processes), ensuring mechanical interfaces are closed.B. Technical Leadership (Mechanical)Provide technical leadership across (as applicable): HVAC, ventilation/smoke control, chilled water systems, district cooling interfaces, plumbing/public health, fire suppression interfaces, BMS integration, plant rooms, and energy strategies.Ensure mechanical system selection is fit‑for‑purpose and optimized for:Reliability, maintainability, access and operationsEnergy performance and life‑cycle costConstructability and phased deliveryLead resolution of key technical challenges, value engineering, and alternative technical proposals without compromising performance or compliance.Codes, Compliance, and QualityEnsure compliance with relevant Saudi codes/standards and project requirements, including authority submission readiness.Implement QA/QC for mechanical deliverables: completeness, consistency, traceability, and coordinated issue management.Manage technical queries (RFIs), deviations, waivers, and design change control with clear audit trails.Commercial, Schedule & RiskSupport cost planning by ensuring mechanical designs are measurable, specified, and aligned with BoQs and procurement packaging.Identify and manage design risks, mitigation actions, and constraints (utilities, authority approvals, long‑lead items).Monitor progress vs programme, intervene early on delays, and recover design schedules with consultants/contractors.Construction Support & Commissioning Readiness (as required)Provide design support through construction: shop drawing review inputs (PMC assurance), site technical support, and NCR/design non‑conformance resolution.Ensure commissioning requirements are embedded in design: testing regimes, sequences of operation, TAB requirements, O&M manuals structure, training needs, spares strategy.Leadership & Stakeholder ManagementLead the mechanical design review team (if applicable), mentor junior staff, and contribute to capability building.Chair/lead technical workshops, coordination meetings, and client presentations; produce clear decision papers and recommendations.Deliverables (Typical Outputs)Mechanical Design Management Plan (discipline inputs)Stage gate review packs and consolidated comment trackersTechnical assurance reports (Concept/Schematic/DD/IFC)Risk registers (mechanical scope), design issue logs, interface matricesTechnical specifications reviews and compliance matricesValue engineering / options assessments (with LCC rationale)Commissioning readiness review notes and sequences of operation reviewRequirementsBEng/BSc in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent)15+ years relevant ex