Ravinder Singh Umra
Sharjah
Summary
Results-driven Senior MEP Director with over 34 years of distinguished experience in delivering large-scale, high-value MEP projects exceeding USD 850M. Expertise spans the entire project lifecycle, including concept design review, authority approvals, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning, and final handover. Proven track record of on-time project delivery complemented by consistent achievement of 10-20% cost optimization through value engineering, strategic resource planning, and proactive risk management. Renowned for successfully managing iconic high-rise towers, mixed-use developments, commercial malls, hospitals, five-star hotels, and critical defense and power infrastructure projects.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director - MEP Projects
AMBIENCE ENGINEERING COMPANY FOR GENERAL TRADING & CONTRACTING
11.2018 - Current
- Provide executive oversight of all project phases from scope definition through completion, ensuring strict adherence to timelines and budgets.
- Lead construction teams and manage owner relationships to ensure alignment, transparency, and successful project delivery.
- Achieve strong profit margins through disciplined budget control, cost containment, and effective change management.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive project management frameworks to streamline workflows and improve delivery timelines.
- Support business development initiatives to expand market presence and profitability.
- Fostered cross-functional collaboration to drive innovation and align project goals with organizational objectives.
- Established performance metrics to evaluate team effectiveness, driving continuous improvement in project execution standards.
- Oversaw contract negotiations, ensuring compliance with regulations while maximizing profitability for key projects.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to inform strategic planning decisions and identify growth opportunities.
- Review preconstruction activities, including bid strategies, schedules, cost estimates, procurement processes and subcontractor pre-qualification
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Streamlined and monitored quality programs to alleviate overdue compliance activities.
MEP Director
ALGHANIM INTERNATIONAL GENERAL TRADING & CONTRACTING CO
01.2016 - 11.2018
- Led the successful delivery of multiple complex construction projects, within schedule and budget.
- Managed multidisciplinary teams comprising project managers, engineers, and field staff.
- Implemented process improvements resulting in reduced project turnaround times and cost savings.
- Reviewed contracts, budgets, schedules, and assist commercial teams in managing project finances.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Conducted design reviews for compliance, technical accuracy, and sustainability objectives.
- Chaired MEP design, coordination, and approval meetings with subcontractors and specialist suppliers.
- Oversaw regulatory permits, licenses, and statutory approvals.
- Negotiated with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable commercial terms.
- Implemented commissioning strategies and ensure seamless project handover with proper documentation.
- Led project close-out, including client training and final approvals.
- Maintained strong client relationships through regular reporting and issue resolution.
- Issued and followed up on contractual notices for change and variation orders.
- Evaluated contractual and financial impacts of variations and additional cost claims.
- Supported HR in recruitment, training, and development of construction personnel.
- Assisted tendering teams in MEP cost estimation.
- Supported legal teams in preparing counterclaims and defense strategies.
- Ensured full compliance with building codes, safety regulations and quality standards.
- Monitored KPIs and advised senior management on risks affecting profitability, schedule, and stakeholder relations.
- Stayed up to date with industry trends and best practices to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
MEP Manager
ALGHANIM INTERNATIONAL GENERAL TRADING & CONTRACTING CO
11.2009 - 12.2015
Manager Projects (HVAC)
SAYED HAMID BEHBEHANI & SONS CO. W.L.L (MECHANICAL DIVISION)
01.2009 - 11.2009
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
- Led cross-functional teams in project management, driving timely completion of objectives.
- Managed budget allocations, optimizing resource utilization across departments.
- Established key performance indicators to measure success and drive accountability within teams.
Project Manager (Major Projects)
BADER AL MULLA & BROS. CO.W. L.L (ENGINEERING GROUP)
08.2007 - 01.2009
Project Engineer (Major Projects)
BADER AL MULLA & BROS. CO.W. L.L (ENGINEERING GROUP)
01.2005 - 07.2007
Project Engineer (Major Projects)
BADER AL MULLA & BROS. CO.W. L.L (ENGIEERING GROUP)
12.2000 - 12.2004
HVAC Project Engineer
INTERTEC CONTRACTING CO: A/S
07.1995 - 12.1999
HVAC Engineer
SARAN ENTERPRISES
08.1991 - 06.1995
Education
Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical
Bangalore University
India01.1991
Skills
- Team-oriented leadership
- Stakeholder management
- Comprehensive reporting capabilities
- Effective strategic planning
- Project management
- Financial budget oversight
- Operations management
- Crisis management
- Contract administration
- Business communication
- Collaborative team development
- Customer relationship management
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Legal compliance management
- Adherence to company guidelines
Accomplishments
- Delivered an USD 853.88M mixed-use mega development 2–3 months ahead of the approved master program and 5–10% below sanctioned budget, through lean construction, advanced planning, and proactive risk governance, achieving 95% client and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Led strategic MEP value engineering and authority-compliant design optimization for the Kuwait Cancer Center (hospital mega-project), securing USD 18.5M in CAPEX savings and accelerating project completion by 6 months, while maintaining full compliance with MEW, MOH, and international healthcare standards.
- Recovered a high-risk design-build power infrastructure project following sustained subcontractor non-performance and contract termination. Assumed full end-to-end ownership of HVAC systems from concept design and authority approvals to testing, commissioning, and handover by mobilizing an in-house mechanical delivery team.
- Executed HVAC system re-engineering for Al Zour & Subiya Power Plants, achieving USD 6.25M cost savings per project, 3 months program recovery, and full mitigation of liquidated damages exposure, protecting the company from MEW contractual penalties.
- Led a team that achieved zero safety incidents over a project life cycle.
Projects Handled
Please refer to attached list.
Timeline
Senior Director - MEP Projects
AMBIENCE ENGINEERING COMPANY FOR GENERAL TRADING & CONTRACTING
11.2018 - Current
MEP Director
ALGHANIM INTERNATIONAL GENERAL TRADING & CONTRACTING CO
01.2016 - 11.2018
MEP Manager
ALGHANIM INTERNATIONAL GENERAL TRADING & CONTRACTING CO
11.2009 - 12.2015
Manager Projects (HVAC)
SAYED HAMID BEHBEHANI & SONS CO. W.L.L (MECHANICAL DIVISION)
01.2009 - 11.2009
Project Manager (Major Projects)
BADER AL MULLA & BROS. CO.W. L.L (ENGINEERING GROUP)
08.2007 - 01.2009
Project Engineer (Major Projects)
BADER AL MULLA & BROS. CO.W. L.L (ENGINEERING GROUP)
01.2005 - 07.2007
Project Engineer (Major Projects)
BADER AL MULLA & BROS. CO.W. L.L (ENGIEERING GROUP)
12.2000 - 12.2004
HVAC Project Engineer
INTERTEC CONTRACTING CO: A/S
07.1995 - 12.1999
HVAC Engineer
SARAN ENTERPRISES
08.1991 - 06.1995
Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical
Bangalore University