FM Director - Hard Services

Role Purpose:

The FM Director - Hard Services will play a pivotal role in the development phase of The LINE, ensuring that hard services systems (mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing) are designed with operability, maintainability, and serviceability in mind. This role is primarily strategic but also requires hands-on involvement in developing operational approaches, collaborating with design teams, and ensuring the systems are future-proof for operational readiness.

The FM Director - Hard Services will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure that all systems are ready for seamless operations post-development, while also supporting the Digital FM team in the selection and integration of smart technologies.

Key Responsabilites:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead approaches focused on embedding operability, maintainability, and serviceability into the design and development of hard services systems.
• Influence design and construction decisions to ensure that systems are prepared for long-term operational efficiency and ease of maintenance.
• Guide the FM team in integrating operational considerations into the LINE’s broader vision, ensuring alignment with NEOM’s sustainability and technological innovation goals.

Operational Framework Development

• Lead the development of Concept of Operations (ConOps), maintenance strategies, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that align with The LINE’s future operational FM needs.
• Ensure all frameworks are designed for long-term serviceability, addressing challenges such as system complexity and maintainability.

Design Collaboration

• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to ensure that operability and maintainability are integrated into system design and configuration.
• Provide continuous feedback on design decisions, ensuring that all systems support future operational needs, such as ease of access for maintenance.
• Participate actively in design workshops, advocating for the inclusion of FM requirements during the development phase.
• Ensure that design modifications incorporate serviceability concerns early on, minimizing future operational disruptions.
• Work with architects and engineers to resolve any design challenges that may affect the maintainability of hard services.

Vendor and Contract Management

• Provide input during the development of vendor contracts to ensure alignment with FM’s future serviceability requirements.
• Ensure that vendors and contractors understand and commit to meeting FM’s operational expectations.

Technology Collaboration

• Work closely with The LINE FM Digital team to support the selection of technologies that enhance monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance capabilities.
• Ensure that selected technologies are compatible with long-term operational serviceability and smart city infrastructure.
• Contribute to the evaluation and testing of FM technologies to ensure they align with FM’s future serviceability requirements.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Develop risk management frameworks tailored to the development phase, anticipating long-term serviceability risks.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, emphasizing future maintainability and system reliability.
• Conduct risk assessments focused on potential operational challenges post-development.
• Work with legal and compliance teams to ensure that all systems meet future serviceability and safety standards.
• Implement contingency plans to address future operational risks, particularly related to system downtime or serviceability issues.

Strategic Planning

• Develop FM Approaches focused on embedding operability and maintainability into hard services design and development, ensuring alignment with NEOM’s broader vision.
• Ensure that FM’s strategic input is embedded into all phases of the project, from early design to final development / construction.

Documentation and Readiness

• Deliver comprehensive SOPs, ConOps, and maintenance plans that are designed for use once systems become operational.
• Ensure that all documentation reflects the long-term operability and serviceability requirements of The LINE.

Vendor and Contract Management

• Ensure that vendor contracts reflect FM’s future requirements for serviceability and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with procurement teams to ensure that vendor deliverables meet FM’s long-term goals for ease of maintenance.

Technology Integration

• Support the Digital FM team in selecting technologies that will enhance future monitoring and maintenance capabilities.
• Ensure that chosen technologies align with FM’s operational needs for predictive, reactive and planned maintenance and ease of access.

Risk and Compliance

• Develop and implement risk management plans focused on mitigating long-term serviceability risks during operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards, particularly regarding system accessibility and maintenance.
• Create contingency plans to address future risks, ensuring system resilience and readiness.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

Experience

• A minimum of 20 years of relevant experience in Facilities Management for large-scale, complex urban developments, with at least 10 years in a strategic leadership role. Experience in overseeing projects in Saudi Arabia or the Middle East is highly desirable.
• Experience specifically focused on hard services (e.g. mechanical, electrical, HVAC) within large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience working in the pre-operational and development phases of major projects, with a strong focus on operational readiness.

Technical Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of operations and maintenance for mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems, with a focus on ensuring long-term serviceability.
• Familiarity with smart FM technologies, including IoT-based monitoring and predictive maintenance systems.

Specific Skills

• Strong leadership in strategic planning for future operability, maintainability, and serviceability.
• Hands-on experience in developing operational documentation, such as SOPs and maintenance plans, during the development phase.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with technology teams to support the integration of smart FM systems into future operations.

• Exceptional leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to build, motivate, and manage diverse and high-performing teams. Ability to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team.
•  Excellent communication skills with a high standard of English (oral and written), vital for effective collaboration and coordination with various stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and urban planners.
• Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to develop innovative solutions to complex urban design challenges. Adept at navigating the unique challenges of a linear urban development like The LINE.
• Demonstrated proficiency in financial management, including budgeting, cost management, and financial modeling for large-scale FM projects.
• In-depth knowledge of local market dynamics, regulations, and best practices in the FM industry, particularly in the Saudi Arabian market. Understanding of international standards and certifications relevant to FM and sustainable urban development.
• Understanding of the cultural nuances and expectations within Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region, ensuring alignment with local practices and sensitivities.
• Advanced proficiency in project management tools, Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel for cost modeling and PowerPoint for high-quality presentations), and familiarity with the latest FM technologies and trends.
• Deep understanding of sustainable design principles and practices, with a focus on creating environmentally responsible and operationally efficient urban spaces.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations, ensuring all designs comply with international and local standards for safety and sustainability.
• Familiarity with relevant international standards and certifications, such as ISO 41000, ISO 45000 and ISO 55000.

Qualifications:

• Practical, hands-on experience is highly valued, particularly for candidates who have grown through the organization by acquiring relevant skills in facilities management.
• Technical qualifications such as City & Guilds