MEP Director

MEP DIRECTOR – LUXURY HOSPITALITYLocation: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Department: Project Operations Reports To: Project Director / Executive Project DirectorRole OverviewWe are seeking an exceptional MEP Director to lead the complete MEP delivery of high-end hospitality projects in Saudi Arabia.The role carries overall responsibility for the engineering, design coordination, procurement, construction, testing & commissioning, operational readiness and handover of all MEP systems, ensuring delivery to the highest standards of luxury, quality, reliability, guest experience and operational performance.The successful candidate will operate at executive level, leading large multidisciplinary teams and managing interfaces with the Client, Hotel Operator, PMC/Consultant, designers, authorities, specialist subcontractors, vendors and internal project functions.Key AccountabilitiesEstablish and lead the MEP delivery strategy from design development through construction, commissioning and handover.Provide overall leadership across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, public health, fire protection, ELV, BMS, ICT and specialist hospitality systems.Ensure MEP systems meet the demanding requirements of luxury hotels, resorts and high-end hospitality environments.Lead coordination with Hotel Operators, Interior Designers, Architects, Kitchen Consultants, Lighting Designers, AV/IT specialists and other specialist consultants.Drive design coordination, BIM/VDC, constructability, clash resolution and MEP integration with architectural and interior finishes.Manage critical hospitality interfaces including guestrooms, suites, restaurants, kitchens, spas, pools, back-of-house, laundry, ballroom/event spaces and premium public areas.Ensure exceptional standards of thermal comfort, indoor air quality, acoustics, lighting integration, water quality, energy efficiency and system reliability.Develop strategic procurement plans for long-lead and specialist MEP equipment, including chillers, AHUs, FCUs, generators, UPS, switchgear, controls and specialist systems.Lead major MEP subcontractors, specialist vendors and manufacturers, ensuring contractual, technical, programme and quality performance.Integrate MEP works with the overall project programme, protecting critical milestones including mock-ups, room readiness, soft opening and hotel opening.Establish and lead the testing, commissioning, integrated systems testing and operational readiness strategy.Ensure all systems are fully tested, balanced, commissioned, documented and handed over to the required Hotel Operator standards.Lead authority approvals and ensure compliance with Saudi Building Code, Civil Defense, utility authorities, project specifications and applicable international hospitality standards.Maintain executive oversight of MEP cost, procurement, variations, claims, productivity and commercial risk.Proactively identify and mitigate technical, programme, commercial and operational risks.Drive MEP quality and HSE performance, including inspections, mock-ups, testing and technical compliance.Establish and monitor KPIs covering engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, quality, cost and operational readiness.Champion energy efficiency, sustainability, smart-building technologies, value engineering and lifecycle performance without compromising luxury or guest experience.Build and lead a high-performing MEP organization capable of delivering technically complex hospitality projects to international standards.Experience & QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering; Master’s degree or professional qualification is an advantage.20+ years of MEP experience, with significant senior leadership responsibility.Proven experience as an MEP Director / MEP Project Director / Senior MEP Executive with a Tier-1 main contractor.Strong track record delivering luxury hotels, resorts, branded residences or other high-end hospitality projects.Significant Saudi Arabia / GCC experience; experience on major KSA hospitality or giga-projects is highly desirable.Demonstrated experience managing complex MEP systems and high-value specialist hospitality packages.Strong understanding of hotel operator requirements and the complete design-to-handover lifecycle.Proven experience with testing & commissioning, integrated systems testing, operator training and operational readiness.Strong commercial, contractual, procurement and subcontract management capabilities.Advanced understanding of BIM/VDC and multidisciplinary design coordination.Strong knowledge of Saudi Building Code, Civil Defense and relevant authority requirements.Excellent executive communication, stakeholder management, negotiation and leadership skills.Excellent command of English; Arabic is an advantage.Ideal ProfileA world-class MEP leader with a proven record of delivering technically sophisticated luxury hospitality projects where engineering performance, architectural integration and guest experience are equally critical.The ideal candidate understands that in luxury hospitality, MEP is not simply infrastructure—it is fundamental to the guest experience and the hotel's operational success.They will bring the technical authority, commercial discipline and executive presence required to manage complex interfaces, drive specialist contractors and deliver exceptional quality from first fix through opening day.Experience with internationally branded luxury hotels, resorts and major Saudi hospitality developments is highly desirable.