Technical Director - Data Centers

Overview

We seek an experienced Technical Director to spearhead the Technical Office for a significant data center project in Abu Dhabi. This leadership position entails comprehensive responsibility for design, engineering, technical governance, BIM coordination, material approvals, and overall technical execution from initial design through commissioning and handover.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage teams within the Technical Office including Design Management, Engineering, BIM, and Material Management.
• Serve as the chief technical authority on all engineering and design aspects of the project.
• Establish and execute technical delivery strategies aligned to project goals.
• Mentor Design Managers, Package Managers, Engineers, BIM specialists, and Technical Office personnel.
• Supervise design work spanning MEP, ELV, Fire Protection, Utilities, and other specialized systems.
• Coordinate integration among CSA, MEP, ELV, ICT, and critical systems.
• Conduct design reviews, technical workshops, value engineering sessions, and constructability evaluations.
• Ensure adherence to project specifications, client needs, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Address complex engineering and design challenges promptly and effectively.
• Manage technical submittals, material approvals, RFIs, and consultant coordination processes.
• Oversee material selection, vendor evaluations, bid assessments, and support procurement activities.
• Maintain accuracy and timeliness of technical deliverables.
• Drive BIM coordination ensuring seamless integration across all disciplines.
• Provide technical leadership for critical infrastructure systems including MV/LV distribution, UPS, diesel generators, chilled water plants, CRAH/CRAC systems, fire detection and suppression, BMS & EPMS, ICT & ELV infrastructure, plus security and monitoring systems.
• Facilitate smooth handovers between design, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning phases.
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), Integrated Systems Testing (IST), and Operational Readiness programmes.
• Develop practical solutions enhancing constructability, safety, quality, and operational reliability.
• Act as the primary technical liaison to clients, consultants, authorities, OEMs, and internal leadership.
• Participate in executive technical reviews and project governance forums.
• Foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders to ensure project alignment and success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electromechanical, Civil Engineering or related discipline (Master's favored).
• Minimum 20 years’ experience in engineering, design management, and technical leadership.
• At least 10 years working on large-scale data centers, mission-critical or hyperscale industrial facilities, or major infrastructure projects.
• Prior leadership experience managing Technical Office and design teams on contractor-led Design & Build projects.
• In-depth knowledge of Tier III and Tier IV data center standards.
• Strong familiarity with critical power, cooling, fire protection, Building Management Systems (BMS), Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS), and mission-critical technologies.
• Proficient in design governance, constructability review, value engineering, and design-construction integration.
• Experienced with BIM and digital engineering platforms.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.