Assistant Vice President – Engineering Projects

Job Title: Assistant Vice President – Engineering Projects

Department: Engineering

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

About the Department:

The Engineering department provides critical support to Emirates Flight Catering operations by delivering comprehensive maintenance, capital project execution, and asset management. It oversees a wide range of functions, including catering infrastructure, facilities, HVAC, automation, refrigeration, real estate, and utilities, ensuring the highest standards of safety, system reliability, and regulatory compliance across all EKFC sites in the UAE.

Role Purpose:

We seek a visionary and results-driven engineering leader to join our senior leadership team as AVP – Engineering Projects. In this pivotal role, you will lead the end-to-end execution of strategic, large-scale engineering initiatives, most notably, the high-profile Al Maktoum International (AMI) project at Dubai World Central (DWC). You will be responsible for planning, designing, and delivering complex infrastructure and systems, ensuring on-time, within-budget execution while upholding the highest safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Beyond project delivery, you’ll champion innovation, value engineering, and sustainability to support EKFC’s long-term operational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end execution of mega-engineering projects, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and successful delivery within scope, budget, and timelines.
• Oversee the design and development of EKFC’s future-ready facilities, including kitchens, storage, transport, and amenities, integrating advanced systems such as automation, HVAC, and refrigeration.
• Collaborate with internal teams, consultants, regulatory bodies, and contractors to streamline execution, manage dependencies, and ensure stakeholder alignment.
• Drive strategic vendor and contract negotiations while managing key service agreements and engineering partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with UAE and international safety, aviation, and engineering standards across all project phases from construction through commissioning.
• Embed innovation into every project by adopting smart technologies and sustainable practices that improve operational efficiency and environmental performance.
• Build and lead a high-performing engineering team, cultivating a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Develop and manage large-scale budgets, track KPIS, and report regularly to senior leadership on progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of engineering assets to ensure reliability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of all infrastructure.
• Drive long-term strategic planning and futureproofing for EKFC’s facilities through effective capital investment and design innovation.

Operating Environment & Context:

This is a high-impact leadership role within a fast-evolving industry where precision, safety, and operational agility are non-negotiable. The AVP will operate at the intersection of engineering, aviation, and culinary infrastructure, balancing regulatory requirements with the challenges of real-time project execution. With the AMI project being a core strategic priority, this role demands both visionary thinking and hands-on leadership to guide complex, multi-phase development in a rapidly growing operational landscape.

Qualifications and Professional Experience:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Transport Engineering, or a related discipline (required)
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related field (preferred)
• PMP certification and safety-related certifications (required)
• Chartered Engineer or equivalent registration (preferred)

Experience:

• Minimum of 9 years’ experience in engineering project management, with 7+ years in senior leadership roles
• Proven experience with large-scale projects in aviation, airport infrastructure, food production, or flight catering industries
• Hands-on knowledge of Autocad, BIM, Primavera, or similar engineering tools

Skills & Expertise:

• Strong grasp of engineering standards related to high-volume catering and automated infrastructure
• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks (HACCP, ISO, aviation safety, etc.)
• Strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement at the executive level
• Exceptional leadership, analytical thinking, and multi-project management capabilities
• Ability to champion sustainable engineering practices and lead large, diverse teams in complex environments