About the job
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join a leading real estate development organisation in the UAE, with a strong focus on Special projects (Public & Civic Developments).
The role will oversee the end-to-end design management process, from concept and ideation through design development and delivery, ensuring projects meet the highest standards of design quality, functionality, programme, cost and delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the full design management lifecycle from concept through execution and delivery.
- Manage multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, engineers and project stakeholders.
- Oversee design development for large-scale Public & Civic Development projects (i.e, Government buildings, Cultural, Parks & public realm, Sports & recreation facilities, Educational developments and Healthcare & wellness facilities), ensuring alignment with project objectives and design intent.
- Review consultant designs for compliance with approved briefs, regulations, codes and best practices.
- Manage design quality, programme, cost, risk and project deliverables.
- Coordinate design changes, technical issues, stage-gate submissions and construction documentation.
- Conduct site inspections and ensure design intent is maintained through implementation.
- Present design strategies, project updates and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Support consultant procurement, design briefs, scopes of work and delivery strategies.
- Drive innovative, functional and commercially effective design solutions.
Qualifications:
- 10–12 years’ experience in design management within real estate development.
- Proven experience delivering large-scale Public & Civic Development projects.
- Strong UAE/GCC experience is essential.
- Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Urban Planning or related discipline.
- Strong multidisciplinary design and consultant-management experience.
- Excellent stakeholder management and senior-level presentation skills.
- Strong understanding of design development, construction documentation and project delivery.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit/SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance design excellence, cost and programme.