Testing and Commissioning Manager

Job Description

Role Summary

The Testing & Commissioning Manager shall lead and manage all Testing & Commissioning (T&C) activities for infrastructure, utilities, support facilities, and assets within the SILZ programme. The role shall ensure all systems are commissioned safely, integrated effectively, and handed over in accordance with the Project Execution Plan, applicable aviation regulations, contractual requirements, and international best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Testing & Commissioning Leadership: Develop, implement, and manage the overall Testing & Commissioning Strategy, Commissioning Management Plan, Integrated Commissioning Schedule, and asset readiness programme covering infrastructure, utilities, buildings, and specialist systems throughout the project lifecycle.
• PMCA and Client Coordination: Act as the primary Testing & Commissioning representative for the PMCA, coordinating with SILZ, contractors, design consultants, operators, and end users to ensure successful delivery of all commissioning and handover activities.
• Authority and Stakeholder Interface: Coordinate all Testing & Commissioning activities with regulatory authorities and stakeholders including SILZ, PMCA, Matarat, GACA, utility providers, Civil Defence, and other statutory authorities, ensuring all approvals, inspections, permits, certifications, and operational acceptance requirements are achieved.
• Integrated Systems Testing: Lead multidisciplinary commissioning of civil infrastructure, roads, utility networks, buildings, MEP systems, ICT, ELV, security systems, SCADA, BMS, fire protection systems, pumping stations, substations, and other specialist airport support systems to ensure successful integrated systems operation.
• Commissioning Readiness and Technical Assurance: Establish commissioning readiness gates, verify construction completion, monitor pre-commissioning activities, oversee Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), Integrated Systems Testing (IST), performance testing, and operational trials prior to handover.
• Interface and Issue Resolution: Manage commissioning interfaces across multiple contractors and work packages, proactively resolving technical issues, deficiencies, punch lists, and commissioning constraints to minimize programme impacts and facilitate phased asset completion.
• Operational Readiness and Handover: Lead the preparation, verification, and acceptance of commissioning dossiers, O&M manuals, asset registers, warranties, as-built documentation, operator training, and handover packages to support Taking-Over Certificates (TOC), Operational Acceptance, and Final Completion.
• Quality, Compliance and Reporting: Ensure all Testing & Commissioning activities comply with project specifications, applicable Saudi Codes, GACA regulations, NFPA, IEC, ASHRAE, British Standards, manufacturer requirements, and international commissioning best practices. Provide regular commissioning progress reports, risk assessments, and performance dashboards to SILZ and the PMCA.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in Testing & Commissioning of major infrastructure, airport, mixed-use, industrial, or mega development projects.
• Minimum 8 years in a senior leadership or managerial Testing & Commissioning role.
• Demonstrated experience managing commissioning for both horizontal infrastructure (roads, utilities, substations, pumping stations, ICT networks, utility corridors) and vertical buildings (commercial, aviation support, industrial, or institutional facilities).
• Proven experience coordinating with airport authorities, government agencies, utility providers, and multiple contractors on complex multidisciplinary projects.
• Previous experience on aviation, airport, giga-project, or large-scale mixed-use developments is highly desirable.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or relevant Engineering discipline. Professional Engineer registration or equivalent is preferred.

Technical & Managerial Competencies

• Thorough knowledge of Testing & Commissioning principles, integrated systems testing, operational readiness, and asset handover.
• Strong understanding of international industry standards including ISO 9001, ISO 55001, ISO 19650, ASHRAE Commissioning Guidelines, NFPA, IEC, BS EN, and relevant GACA and Saudi regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated capability in commissioning programme management, interface management, risk management, and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Proficient in reviewing Commissioning Plans, Method Statements, Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs), FAT/SAT procedures, Integrated Systems Testing protocols, and Operational Readiness Plans.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, technical decision-making, and problem-solving skills within complex multi-contractor environments.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills with experience presenting technical matters to executive management, PMCA, SILZ, Matarat, GACA, and other regulatory stakeholders.

Additional Information