Commissioning Manager - Handover

Location: Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Industry: Construction

Function: Project-Program Management

Experience: Minimum 15 years

Job Type: Full-time

The Commissioning Manager
- Handover leads multidisciplinary testing, operational readiness, project closeout and formal asset transfer for major infrastructure developments. Responsibilities include ensuring civil, MEP, utility, building and control systems satisfy approved performance, safety, documentation and regulatory requirements before client acceptance.

• Develop and govern the project-wide testing, commissioning, operational readiness and handover strategy.
• Prepare the commissioning master plan, stage gate framework, systems completion sequence and asset transfer schedule.
• Define commissioning requirements for civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, utility, automation, life safety and infrastructure packages.
• Coordinate pre commissioning, functional testing, performance testing, integrated systems testing and final acceptance activities.
• Review contractor commissioning plans, method statements, test procedures, inspection records and system completion dossiers.
• Ensure commissioning activities align with approved designs, specifications, contract requirements and regulatory standards.
• Establish system boundaries, turnover packages, completion certificates and acceptance criteria.
• Monitor construction readiness and confirm systems are safe and complete before energization or functional testing.
• Lead commissioning coordination meetings involving contractors, consultants, vendors, client teams and independent agents.
• Resolve technical, contractual, sequencing and interface issues affecting commissioning progress.
• Govern the compilation and verification of as built drawings, operating manuals, warranties, test certificates and asset registers.
• Confirm that final documentation is complete, accurate, approved and suitable for long term operation and maintenance.
• Manage digital completion platforms such as eHub, Omega or comparable tracking systems.
• Establish and enforce punch list categorisation, ownership, priority, target dates and closure requirements.
• Track defects, incomplete work, test failures and outstanding documentation through verified resolution.
• Prevent premature closure by ensuring every item is supported by physical inspection and documentary evidence.
• Coordinate formal stage sign offs with client representatives, operational teams and relevant authorities.
• Lead Operational Readiness and Airport Facility Transfer planning where required.
• Ensure operating personnel receive appropriate system training, technical demonstrations and emergency response preparation.
• Verify that BMS, control, monitoring, life safety and utility systems are stable before live operation or occupancy.
• Coordinate trial operations, reliability runs, seasonal testing and performance validation.
• Monitor commissioning KPIs, completion percentages, defect trends, document status and handover risks.
• Produce executive progress reports, recovery plans, readiness assessments and decision papers.
• Manage and mentor commissioning engineers, handover specialists, document coordinators and systems completion personnel.
• Support contractual closeout, final acceptance, asset transfer and post handover defect management.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in major construction and infrastructure delivery.
• Significant leadership experience managing commissioning, systems completion, operational readiness and handover.
• Proven involvement in large infrastructure, commercial, aviation, industrial or giga project developments.
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary commissioning and integrated systems testing.
• Detailed knowledge of stage gate handover methodologies, completion dossiers, asset registers and close out requirements.
• Experience managing defects, punch lists, contractor obligations and final acceptance processes.
• Familiarity with eHub, Omega or comparable digital completion and handover platforms.
• Ability to coordinate civil, MEP, utilities, automation, BMS, life safety and operational systems.
• Strong understanding of as built documentation, operating manuals, certifications, warranties and asset data.
• Experience working with contractors, independent commissioning agents, PMO teams, operators and regulatory authorities.
• Proven ability to lead multinational engineering and commissioning teams.
• Strong negotiation, decision making, problem solving and stakeholder management capability.
• Excellent written and spoken technical English.
• Ability to perform effectively within complex contract structures and high pressure project environments.
• Willingness to relocate to and work full time in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
• Previous commissioning or handover experience in Saudi Arabia or the GCC region is highly preferred.
• Exposure to NEOM, Trojena, Oxagon, Red Sea…