Regional Director (MEP Building Services) – Data Centres

Regional Director (MEP Building Services) - Data Centres

Location: Dubai

Job Type: Permanent

About the Role - Regional Director (MEP Building Services) - Data Centres

Due to continued exponential growth in the Technology & Data Centre sector across the MENA region, an international, multi-disciplinary consultancy seeking an experienced Regional Director (MEP Building Services) with a strong mechanical engineering (HVAC Design) background.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity to spearhead the Data Centre MEP Design Team for a globally renowned multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in MEP Building Services design, business development, client relationship management, and team leadership.

Working within the Data Centres Market Sector, you will act as an industry ambassador, engaging with hyperscale and colocation clients across EMEA and globally. Your expertise in technical design delivery and business development for mission-critical data center projects will drive innovation and excellence within the sector.

This role is pivotal in maintaining and expanding the consultancy's leading position in the Hyperscale and Colocation Data Centre markets. You will contribute to thought leadership, strategic objectives, and technical excellence within the sector.

Key Responsibilities - Regional Director (MEP Building Services) - Data Centres

• Leadership & Team Development: Lead and grow a specialist Data Centre MEP Design Team, mentoring technical experts across the EMEA.
• Technical Delivery Strategy: Oversee the full MEP design lifecycle (Concept, Schematic, Detailed, Construction & Commissioning). Ensure designs meet international data centre standards, including ASHRAE, Uptime Institute, BICSI, and TIA-942.
• Work Winning & Business Development: Develop new business opportunities and leverage existing client relationships with hyperscale data centre providers, colocation operators, and technology firms.
• Client Engagement: Partner closely with colocation and hyperscale clients to understand their business objectives, organizational structure, and technical requirements.
• Project Risk & Performance Management: Monitor KPIs, risk mitigation strategies, and technical benchmarks to ensure successful project delivery.

Technical Expertise & Requirements - Regional Director (MEP Building Services) - Data Centres

• Strong background in MEP building services engineering, specifically within data centres and critical infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in delivering high-performance HVAC, refrigeration, electrical distribution (MV/LV switchgear), UPS, generators, fire suppression systems, potable water systems, and redundant (N+1, N+N) systems.
• Ability to oversee MEP integration with architectural, structural, and civil disciplines throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Expertise in sustainable design, energy efficiency, and decarbonization strategies for mission-critical facilities.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in financial management, resource planning, and project profitability tracking.
• In-depth knowledge of global data centre design standards and regulations, including Uptime Institute, ANSI/BICSI 002, NFPA, and EN 50600.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills - Regional Director (MEP Building Services) - Data Centres

• Degree qualified in Mechanical or Building Services Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with CIBSE, IMechE, or equivalent professional institution.
• Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer (ATD) or Certified Data Centre Design Professional (CDCDP®) certification.
• Experience working in an engineering consultancy or contractor design environment across all RIBA stages.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience engaging with hyperscale cloud providers, colocation operators, and enterprise data centre clients.

Why Join?

• Lead a globally recognized MEP team in one of the fastest-growing market sectors.
• Work on high-profile data centre projects across EMEA and beyond.
• Be at the forefront of innovative engineering solutions in mission-critical environments.
• Competitive salary, career progression opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge technology.

How to Apply

To apply for this exceptional opportunity, please contact James Mowat, Managing Director - EMEA at Energi People, for a confidential discussion.

About Us - Energi People

Energi People are a privately owned global multi-disciplinary recruitment consultancy, established in 2002.

We are one of the most experienced and successful recruitment consultancies in the built environment & have successfully helped some of the largest and most technically advanced building construction projects across the world be completed by bringing the best technical people in our industry together. We strive to help companies grow & careers flourish.

Our MEP Design consultancy team have more than 35 years of recruitment experience within building services engineering recruitment within the MENA region, including a former building services design and project engineer.

James Mowat has been elected as a Judge at the MEP Middle East Awards for the past 3 years running & the CIBSE UAE Awards last year. A real statement of recognition of our commitment, presence, and dedication to the MENA Built environment Industry.