Senior MEP Design Manager

Job Purpose:

Senior MEP Design Manager will play a strategic leadership role in the Design Centre of Excellence. The role will lead MEP design innovation, drive cost efficiency, and bring technological advancements to life across our new store rollouts and renovation programs. They will also mentor a high-performing MEP team, roll out initiatives that yield immediate and long-term savings, and collaborate with global experts and suppliers to embed cutting-edge technology across all Americana restaurant designs.

This role demands leadership, technical mastery, and a relentless drive for performance and will serve as a pillar in the Design Centre of Excellence, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver world-class designs at unmatched speed and value.

Responsibilities:

MEP Cost Optimization Value Engineering

1. Deliver minimum 15-20% cost savings in MEP Capex/Store within 6 months through lean designs, VE, and technology interventions.
2. Implement MEP cost benchmarking tools across markets.
3. Conduct and document value engineering workshops and design colleges quarterly.

Innovation Proof of Concept (PoC) Implementation

1. Identify, test, and roll out minimum 3 high-impact POCs/year with measurable ROI and energy savings.
2. Achieve 80% success rate in transitioning POCs to standard practice.
3. Collaborate with at least 2 global suppliers annually for new tech adoption.

Scalable MEP Design for New Stores Remodels

1. Ensure 100% on-time delivery of MEP designs for new stores and renovations across all assigned regions.
2. Maintain 100% compliance with local codes and zero rework incidents.
3. Achieve <5% variance between design estimates and actual execution costs.

Team Leadership Capability Building

1. Conduct monthly design colleges/trainings for the MEP team.
2. Develop and mentor 2-3 high-potential team members annually for succession planning.
3. Maintain team engagement scores 90% in performance reviews.

Automation, AI Integration Design Turnaround Speed

1. Automate 30-40% of repetitive design tasks via AI, BIM scripting, or templates within 12 months.
2. Reduce design turnaround time by 25-30% using digital tools.
3. Implement one AI-based cost estimation or design platform within 6 months.

Stakeholder Collaboration Cross-Functional Alignment

1. Achieve 95%+ stakeholder satisfaction (Construction, Ops, Development teams) on design deliverables.
2. Conduct bi-monthly reviews with key stakeholders to align on MEP initiatives and priorities.

Compliance, Risk Mitigation Quality Assurance

1. Achieve zero non-compliance reports in audits.
2. Implement MEP QA/QC framework across regions.
3. Conduct quarterly risk assessments on new designs and technologies.

Sustainability Energy Efficiency Initiatives

1. Implement minimum 2 energy-saving initiatives/year with 10% reduction in energy usage/store.
2. Achieve LEED certification or equivalent for key flagship stores.
3. Deliver sustainability ROI reports per initiative.

Supplier Technology Partner Management

1. Forge a minimum of 2 strategic partnerships annually with tech-forward MEP vendors or innovators.
2. Conduct bi-annual performance evaluations for key MEP suppliers.

Contribution to Design Centre of Excellence

1. Develop MEP Best Practice Playbook and roll across all hubs.
2. Lead quarterly innovation summits within Design COE.
3. Drive cross-market knowledge sharing initiatives (monthly).
4. Participation in Industry think tanks, MEP innovation forums, or academic collaborations for cutting-edge system design.
5. Stay updated with global trends, codes, and sustainability goals to ensure future-ready designs.
6. Develop partnerships for bulk procurement of cost-effective yet high-quality MEP components.

Stakeholders: Internal contacts are Design and Construction, Maintenance, Franchise Operations, Finance and Planning Team, Investment Committee, Legal Counsel and Brands GMs, while the external contacts are Franchisors (and their Representatives), Vendors and suppliers.

Qualification:

1. Bachelors or masters degree in mechanical / electrical engineering or related fields.
2. Masters Degree (preferred) in Sustainable Building Systems, Energy Management, or MEP Design Engineering (not essential but will be a plus)

Experience:

1. Minimum 12-15 years of progressive experience in core MEP design leadership, with at least 5+ years in FB, QSR, Retail, or Hospitality industries.
2. Proven track record of delivering large-scale MEP designs for multi-site development programs (500+ stores annually or equivalent project scale).
3. Demonstrated expertise in value engineering, MEP cost optimization, and innovative system implementation with quantifiable savings.
4. Experience leading multi-regional MEP teams, managing consultants, contractors, and suppliers across high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
5. Deep understanding of sustainability frameworks, energy modeling, and MEP life-cycle cost analysis.

Professional Certifications (Mandatory):

1. Certified Professional Engineer (PE) USA / or Chartered Engineer (CEng) UK.
2. Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).
3. LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP BD+C) US Green Building Council.
4. Certified MEP Professional ASHRAE, NFPA, CIBSE, or equivalent globally affiliated MEP regulatory body.
5. Proficiency in local and international MEP Codes NEC, IBC, ASHRAE, NFPA, BS, EN, and GCC codes.