AVP – Electrical & Automation (Mega Capital Projects | Food Manufacturing | Robotics)

Shape the Future of the World’s Most Advanced Aviation Catering Facility

Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) is delivering one of the largest and most technologically advanced food manufacturing and aviation catering facilities globally , as part of the Al Maktoum International Airport (AMI) expansion at Dubai World Central — a AED 10+ billion mega capital investment .

We are seeking a senior, hands-on engineering leader to own the end-to-end Electrical, Industrial Automation and Robotics agenda for this landmark project — from concept through ORAT, commissioning, and live production startup.

This is not a facilities management or maintenance role.

This role is for leaders who have designed and delivered future automated food factories from the ground up .

Role Purpose

As AVP – Electrical & Automation , you will act as the ultimate technical authority for:

• High-voltage / low-voltage power infrastructure (100MW scale)
• Industrial automation (PLC/SCADA)
• Advanced robotics and material handling systems
• AI-enabled, data-driven smart factory solutions

You will lead the planning, design, execution, commissioning, ORAT, and operational handover of a fully automated, high-volume airline food production ecosystem supporting 500,000 meals per day across 421,000 sqm of built-up area.

Key Accountabilities

• Serve as the approving technical authority for all HV/LV, PLC/SCADA, MCC, VSD, robotics and automation system designs.
• Own the full technical lifecycle from concept design to live food production startup.
• Design and deliver fault-tolerant, zero-downtime electrical and automation architectures supporting mission-critical cold chain and robotics.
• Lead HV interface with DEWA, primary substations, backup generation, ATS and life-safety systems.
• Drive world-class energy efficiency, smart grids, real-time power analytics and electrification strategies.
• Implement AI-driven predictive maintenance, digital twins, and IIoT platforms for a smart factory environment.
• Lead FAT, SAT, IST, ORAT, commissioning and validation strategies.
• Own CAPEX / OPEX governance, value engineering, procurement strategy and risk mitigation.
• Ensure full compliance with DEWA, IEEE, NFPA, ISO, HACCP, ISO 22000, BRCGS, ISO 50001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and LEED Platinum targets.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, regulators, OEMs, integrators and contractors to deliver a globally benchmarked facility.

NON-NEGOTIABLE REQUIREMENTS (CVs WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT THESE)

Experience

• 15+ years in industrial automation and advanced robotics
• Food manufacturing / high-volume food production is mandatory
• Proven leadership of large-scale automated food factories (not retrofits)
• Hands-on ownership of automation & robotics programs — beyond power, IT or generic controls
• Demonstrated experience in cold chain automation, hygienic design and food-grade facilities
• Strong exposure to ORAT, commissioning and live food production startup
• Experience on mega capital investment projects (airport, industrial, manufacturing campuses)

Facilities Management, maintenance-only, utilities-only or generic electrical profiles will not be considered

Technical Expertise (Must Have)

• Large-scale HV/LV power distribution (100MW+ environments)
• PLC/SCADA, industrial networks, MCCs, VSDs
• Robotics & material handling systems (AGVs, robotic arms, automated packaging)
• AI-driven analytics, digital twins, predictive maintenance
• BIM, Revit, AutoCAD, Primavera, industrial automation platforms

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Robotics or equivalent ( mandatory )
• PMP and relevant safety certifications ( mandatory )
• Master’s Degree ( preferred )
• Chartered Engineer (C.Eng / P.E.) ( highly desirable )

Why Join EKFC

• Deliver one of the largest automated food manufacturing facilities globally
• Influence the future of aviation catering, smart factories and robotics
• Operate at executive level on a nationally strategic infrastructure program
• Shape a world-class, sustainable, digitally enabled operation

Important Notice

Only candidates meeting all mandatory requirements will be considered.

Applications not demonstrating direct food manufacturing, advanced automation & robotics leadership on mega projects will be screened out.