Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Dean Ahmed Zalzala

Engineer
Dubai,U.A.E
Dean Ahmed Zalzala

Summary

Aspiring Fire & Security Senior Engineer with experience of 15+ years leading development and delivery of varied major engineering projects in the UAE and GCC region.

Passionate about team development and mentoring for increased capacity and retention. Plans and delegates well to achieve changing priorities within strict deadlines. Coordinates and delivers projects to achieve cost, quality and timeframe targets.

Overview

27
years of professional experience
10
years of post-secondary education

Work History

3M Gulf, GCC Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division
Dubai, UAE

Senior Applicant Engineer – Fire Protection Solutions (FPP)
01.2021 - 05.2023

Job overview

  • Manage technical design & execution of 3M Firestop Products in GCC region (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman) including Egypt and Pakistan
  • Traveled throughout sales territory visiting potential authorized partners, clients covering both in-hand projects and as well as possible project opportunities
  • Promoted 3M Fire Product Line could benefit from product in designated region meeting consultants and major MEP contractors
  • Identified and managed authorized Distributors/Applicators complete technical cycle for above assigned market regions starting with full product in-depth training to design and selection to installation and application in-line with approved UL System until final inspection and handover stage
  • Worked with major consultants to specify 3M Fire Protection Product range
  • Acquired local government product approvals/certification from Civil Defense and Municipality in GCC Gulf region (Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Sharjah UAE, Kuwait KFD, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain) to enable 3M to sell complete product line
  • Ensured end-user satisfaction by offering right solution based on project specifications and requirements
  • Conducted technical training and Symposiums sessions for Civil Defense Department, FCIA, IFC, Consultants, and approved applicators at International Exhibitions (i.e., Big 5 Global event, Intersec (Dubai), ADIPEC Exhibition & Conference (Abu Dhabi)
  • Designed project tailor solution Engineering Judgment (EJ) to meet specific site conditions when listed UL Systems/testing are not available
  • Worked closely with Global US Fire Test Centre in St Paul on specific special cases to be Fire Resistance tested
  • Was 1st globally to test 8”, 10”, and 12” HDPE pipes and come with approved solution to be implemented at Evaluated New Products Introduction (NPI’s) activities including market assessment, voice of customer, and voice of market, pricing strategy, supply chain control plan, sales plan, and integrated marketing communication plan
  • Worked on LEED (US Green Building), Estidama (Abu Dhabi) and Global Sustainability Assessment System GSAS (Qatar) regulations in order to meet requirements Support 3M regional branches and partners in GCC region, Egypt and Pakistan.

3M Gulf, GCC Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division
Dubai, UAE

Advance Applicant Engineer – Fire Protection Solutions (FPP)
03.2015 - 12.2020

Job overview

  • Established technical design & execution of 3M Firestop Products in GCC region (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman) including Egypt and Pakistan
  • Traveled throughout sales territory visiting potential authorized partners, clients covering both in-hand projects and as well as possible project opportunities.
  • Resolved complex issues, applying troubleshooting and critical thinking to address numerous technical solutions.
  • Analysed engineering project feasibility to support management decision-making.
  • Proposed engineering solutions to address project challenges and foster on-time completion.
  • Worked with production teams to facilitate smooth transition from design and testing to full-scale manufacturing.

Johnson Controls Int.
Dubai, UAE

Senior Technical Product Support Specialist III
05.2012 - 12.2014

Job overview

  • Prime point of contact for all technical product support queries related to Access Control / CCTV and Fire Alarm Systems in MENA region
  • Provided full support covering Security and Fire Safety solutions offered by Johnson Controls
  • This included engineering drawings
  • Supported with full system design, risk assessment and selection of best solution to meet customer expectations
  • Provide pre-sales support and product marketing brochures to all JCI direct branches, after sales team and indirect channels within MENA territory
  • Prepared quarterly reports and strategic suggestions to higher management to include market analysis and customer’s trends, product competitive analysis, competitor’s offerings
  • Worked closely with global product management team in order to maintain product development and market optimal level of region feedback for future development and product enhancement
  • Participated in weekly and monthly product conference calls/online meetings with global product team
  • Successfully launched Johnson Controls new CCTV cameras Products and Video Management solution range. This activity included product line-card and complete online product catalogue
  • Worked closely with JCI global product team in US on ways to improve current product line and make it more competitive to GCC market
  • Delivered technical and sales training to Johnson Control branches and Authorized Building Security Specialists (ABSS’s) and partners in GCC & MENA region. This was targeted to sales/commissioning engineers and technicians across region
  • Provided Security Systems technical, sales and commercial support to JCI branched and ABSS’s in order to respond to new projects and tender enquires including spare parts
  • Worked in parallel with JCI branches and ABSS in setting-up each branch with teams required to run day-to-day operations which included product demo ordering and hardware setup based on market trends
  • Participated in customer meetings and events, focusing on transferring product details and know-how to both JCI customers as well as channel partners such as Al Futtaim Engineering
  • Maintained product continuity and replacement – this is part of “new product introduction” NPI process
  • Traveled within sales territory covering all JCI branched and distribution channels providing product presentations, road shows and product lunch.

Siemens Building Technologies LLC
Dubai, UAE

Project Manager – Atlantis Hotel Project, The Palm Island
04.2009 - 09.2011

Job overview

  • Managed on-site activities related to Electronic Security technologies installation, commissioning and handover
  • This included site-wide CCTV Surveillance Systems, Access Control System, and Key Management System (KMS)
  • Directed team of more than 15 engineers and technicians in delivering small to medium scale projects on time within budget and with high standards of system performance
  • Provided day-to-day direction to project team and also regular project status to customer
  • Developed and maintain detailed project plan
  • Managed project deliverables in-line with project plan
  • Recorded and manage project issues and escalated when necessary
  • Monitored project progress and performance
  • Resolved all conflicts and restore relations with client
  • Worked closely with sales team to provide tenders technical support in order to have most comprehensive solution / technical design to matches both customer’s specifications and business need
  • Headed final approval of design specification
  • Worked closely with end users to ensure project meets business needs and user “ease of use”
  • Insured that project User Acceptance Testing and Final Handover are done as per specifications
  • Prepared final project documentation, technical packages to ensure high level & up-to-date technical content is provided to client
  • Provided technical support to both customers and employees with specialized knowledge of latest range Security products and systems
  • Took lead to complete and handover of Atlantis Hotel Total Security Solution project
  • Developed training plans/programs, presentations and documentations tailored for new clients, final project handover and also internal Siemens staff (when needed)
  • Successfully identified user technical training needs and delivered both Administrator and Operator System training to Security team for Atlantis and Palm team
  • Enjoyed establishing and building relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and end client
  • Studied and worked with various international security standards such as National Security Inspectorate (NSI) & British Standard Institution (BSI)
  • Successfully completed (handed over) Atlantis Hotel – The Palm, Dubai.

Siemens Building Technologies LLC
Dubai, UAE

Product Portfolio Engineer
03.2007 - 03.2009

Job overview

  • Managed on-site activities related to Electronic Security technologies installation, commissioning and handover
  • This included site-wide CCTV Surveillance Systems, Access Control System, and Key Management System (KMS)
  • Designed Access Control, CCTV Surveillance, Intrusion Detection Security Systems
  • Installed and commission advance Security Management Systems (SMS) & Time Management applications
  • Integrated SMS with other sub-systems such as Genetec, Aimetis Video Surveillance Systems (VMS), Traka Key Management System (KMS), Salto wireless readers, Easy Lobby Visitor Management Systems and many other vendors
  • Demonstrated features of Siemens portfolio to clients using security systems installed in lab and leading presentations and demonstrations in clients’ premises
  • Tested new devices and security platforms manufactured by Siemens and Siemens partners
  • Delivered product training and demonstrate key features of what each product can offer to meet customer needs
  • Designed, developed, tested, and maintained On-line Product Catalogue tool that is available 24/7
  • This product is targeted to serve all employees and sales engineers in order to ensure best access to on-line recourses
  • Enjoys working and dealing with multi-cultural clients.

Tyco New Zealand – (WORMALD Fire Protection)
Auckland, New Zealand

Systems Design Engineer
03.2005 - 03.2007

Job overview

  • Designed Fire Alarm Detection Systems for wide range of buildings which includes industrial, commercial, and residential applications in line with NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling code and local New Zealand standard code NZS 4512 (Fire Detection and Alarm Systems in Buildings)
  • Used AutoCAD to produce complete FA System floor plans including mimic panel designs
  • Prepared Fire Alarm System design documents and shop drawings based on original project specifications
  • Attended project meetings accompanying project manager with client, developer, or consultant
  • Enjoyed working and building relationships with architects, clients & control services trades.

Benefis Fire Protection
Auckland, New Zealand

Field Service Engineer
10.2003 - 10.2005

Job overview

  • Studied and worked with New Zealand & International Fire Protection Standards NZS4512 and NFPA 72
  • Responsible to install, commission, troubleshoot, test, perform annual survey and service wide range of Fire Alarm Systems including Pneumatic, Conventional and Addressable Fire Alarm Panels
  • Experience in Sprinkler protection systems and special hazard systems testing
  • Delivered complex projects such as The Women’s Prison and The Sentinels Towers in Auckland-New Zealand
  • Solid skills in operations of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT (certified by AUTODESK NZ)
  • Successfully trained other staff on various Fire Protection Systems and also to take multitasking role as part of their daily role.

Tyco Electronics & Telecommunication
Auckland, New Zealand

Quality Assurance Engineer (Summer Job)
11.2000 - 02.2001

Job overview

  • Inspected and verified all IP network products passes quality test and are fault-free
  • Worked closely with development team to insure defects detected are resolved
  • Identified and communicated issues and Root cause analysis (RCA) to product team
  • Gained strong experience with wide range of AMP "NETCONNECT" networking products
  • Engaged with development team and assisted stakeholders with queries to resolve problems and identify further improvements.

Shantec International
Auckland, New Zealand

Software Testing Engineer (Summer Job)
11.1998 - 02.1999

Job overview

  • Developed and translated entire Electronic Cabinet Menu System used for electronics lockers from English to Arabic
  • Final product of this project was targeted specifically to UAE and GCC market
  • Prepared complete user manual and documented technical specifications and requirements in alignment with company-established protocols
  • Conducted final test on complete system to insure it meets customer expectation

Shantec International
Auckland, New Zealand

Field Engineer (Trainee) (Summer Job)
06.1996 - 09.1997

Job overview

  • Performed day-to-day maintenance process to ensure smooth production operations
  • Liaised with Support Engineers in order to become familiar with all operational systems required to actively fulfill daily duties
  • Assisted Supervisors in preparing job order documentation detailing specific work instructions
  • Followed instruction to complete testing requests of senior field engineers.

Education

Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)
Auckland, New Zealand

Bachelor of Engineering from Electronics & Computer Engineering (B.E.)
02.2000 - 11.2003

University Overview

Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)
Auckland, New Zealand

Diploma from Computer Network Engineering
02.2000 - 11.2002

University Overview

Al Balqa Applied University
Amman, Jordan

Bachelor of Engineering from Electro-Mechanical Engineering
01.1995 - 06.1998

University Overview

Skills

  • Business development, Employee management
  • Project Management
  • Product design
  • Quality Management Systems
  • Problem-solving
  • Leadership
  • Upselling, Cost calculations
  • Programme development
  • Public speaking, Training and Development
  • Decision-making
  • Networking
  • Technology integration
  • Attention to Details
  • Design risk assessments
  • Customer relations

Languages

Arabic
NATIVE LANGUAGE
English
Fluent
A1
Chinese (Mandarin)
Beginner
A1

Affiliations

Affiliations
  • Reading
  • Mountain biking, Kayaking & Yoga
  • Preparing Good Food

References

References
References available upon request.

Timeline

Senior Applicant Engineer – Fire Protection Solutions (FPP)
3M Gulf, GCC Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division
01.2021 - 05.2023
Advance Applicant Engineer – Fire Protection Solutions (FPP)
3M Gulf, GCC Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division
03.2015 - 12.2020
Senior Technical Product Support Specialist III
Johnson Controls Int.
05.2012 - 12.2014
Project Manager – Atlantis Hotel Project, The Palm Island
Siemens Building Technologies LLC
04.2009 - 09.2011
Product Portfolio Engineer
Siemens Building Technologies LLC
03.2007 - 03.2009
Systems Design Engineer
Tyco New Zealand – (WORMALD Fire Protection)
03.2005 - 03.2007
Field Service Engineer
Benefis Fire Protection
10.2003 - 10.2005
Quality Assurance Engineer (Summer Job)
Tyco Electronics & Telecommunication
11.2000 - 02.2001
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)
Bachelor of Engineering from Electronics & Computer Engineering (B.E.)
02.2000 - 11.2003
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)
Diploma from Computer Network Engineering
02.2000 - 11.2002
Software Testing Engineer (Summer Job)
Shantec International
11.1998 - 02.1999
Field Engineer (Trainee) (Summer Job)
Shantec International
06.1996 - 09.1997
Al Balqa Applied University
Bachelor of Engineering from Electro-Mechanical Engineering
01.1995 - 06.1998

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Dean Ahmed ZalzalaEngineer