Manager - Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering

Our client is a UAE-based international resources and mining group developing new metals-processing operations across Africa. As the asset owner, they are building an in-house technical function to steer the design and delivery of these plants alongside their appointed engineering and EPC partners.

Their projects span the full processing chain, from crushing, screening, grinding and flotation through to concentration and smelting, with a current focus on concentrator developments and plant expansions in Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other locations.

They are seeking an experienced Manager, Electrical & Instrumentation Engineering to act as the owner's engineer for these projects from Abu Dhabi, with occasional travel to project sites for design and critical reviews. This is a hands-on technical leadership role: you will review, challenge and approve the electrical, instrumentation and automation design produced by external consultants and EPC contractors, safeguard quality, cost and schedule, and build and lead the E&I engineering team as the function grows.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and lead the Product and Plant Engineering team on all electrical, instrumentation and automation matters across the group's metals-processing plant projects.
• Review, check and approve the E&I design deliverables produced by appointed EPC/engineering consultants, electrical load lists, instrument lists, datasheets, hook-up drawings, loop and logic diagrams, cable-tray and earthing layouts, and Bills of Materials, and release them for execution.
• Demonstrate technical leadership during detailed engineering and design activities, ensuring all disciplines are correctly integrated.
• Apply strong knowledge of field instrumentation, DCS/PLC systems and related applications.
• Ensure compliance with location-specific and international codes, standards and industry best practice (European, US, Indian and Chinese standards).
• Conduct project due diligence and issue critical technical comments on consultant and contractor deliverables.
• Review and approve engineering calculations, datasheets, specifications, value-engineering proposals and tender evaluations in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensure adherence to safety standards and legal compliance requirements.
• Develop, mentor and lead the electrical and instrumentation engineering team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical, Electronics or Instrumentation Engineering from a recognised university.
• 15 to 20 years of relevant experience in heavy industry, metals processing, power, oil & gas or petrochemical.
• Proven experience as an owner's engineer, or in detailed-design review and approval, rather than pure execution.
• Strong command of field instrumentation and DCS/PLC systems.
• Genuine international project exposure; experience on projects in Africa is an advantage.
• Conversant with international engineering codes, with the ability to locate and apply the appropriate standards.
• Proven team leadership, with the ability to build and manage an engineering team while remaining hands-on.
• Strong command of English, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment.
• Based in, or willing to relocate to, Abu Dhabi.