Engineering Director
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Full-Time
Overview
A leading engineering organisation is seeking an experienced Engineering Director to oversee and drive the performance of the Engineering department. The role is responsible for the management, planning, and coordination of engineering and procurement activities across multiple projects, ensuring technical excellence, resource optimisation, and timely delivery.
This is a senior leadership role for a strategic and results-oriented professional with extensive experience in the oil & gas or industrial engineering sector. The Engineering Director will manage multidisciplinary teams, mentor senior engineers, and provide technical guidance across complex projects.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the Engineering section as functional head, overseeing commercial and technical performance
Develop and manage annual manpower and resource budgets
Coordinate tender inputs and approve manpower estimates from Engineering Managers and Technical Authorities
Deliver presentations to clients, addressing technical queries and highlighting project features
Provide expert technical guidance to resolve complex engineering challenges
Drive process improvements and automation initiatives for enhanced engineering efficiency
Recruit, mentor, and develop high-caliber engineering teams
Implement succession planning and oversee staff appraisals
Develop procurement strategies aligned with project requirements
Evaluate vendors, negotiate contracts, and monitor vendor performance
Prepare accurate material estimates for project bids
Conduct training programs to develop team skills
Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards
Manage budgetary controls and approve payments in line with delegated authority
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent in a relevant discipline
Minimum 15 years of engineering experience, with at least 9 years in managerial roles
Extensive knowledge of oil & gas engineering disciplines, processes, and systems
Strong planning, organising, and decision-making skills
Proven leadership and talent development capabilities
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and innovation skills
Advanced understanding of engineering software and technical systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation abilities
Ability to manage multiple projects and teams under high-pressure environments
Candidate Profile
Strategic thinker with a record of managing large, complex engineering functions
Strong collaborator capable of building cross-functional relationships
Resilient under pressure and able to maintain team performance during challenging situations
Innovative and proactive in driving process improvements and technology adoption
Mentoring and developing future technical leaders within the organisation
Insightful understanding of industry trends, competitive positioning, and long-term business planning
This position offers the opportunity to lead a high-performing engineering department, shape strategic initiatives, and influence technical direction in a dynamic and challenging industry environment.