Senior Design Manager

JOB DETAILS

Position Title: Senior Design Manager
Reports to: Director of Projects
Department: Projects

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Design Manager leads the multidisciplinary design development of large-scale real estate projects, ensuring architectural and engineering alignment with organizational goals, design quality standards, and regulatory requirements. The role bridges conceptual vision and technical execution by managing internal teams, consultants, and key stakeholders.

JOB DIMENSIONS

Number of Staff Supervised
Direct Reports: 2-3
Total Reports: Project-specific design teams

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Key Accountabilities:

- Lead and manage the overall design process across project stages, from feasibility and concept to construction documentation.

- Coordinate and integrate inputs from architectural, structural, MEP, landscape, interior, and sustainability disciplines.

- Review and validate design deliverables for functionality, buildability, and compliance with project briefs and design guidelines.

- Manage design consultants, ensuring deliverable quality, milestone adherence, and cost-effectiveness.

- Act as the primary design liaison among internal stakeholders, authorities, and external consultants.

- Facilitate value engineering and design optimization without compromising project integrity.

- Guide the resolution of complex design issues and ensure incorporation of regulatory, operational, and end-user considerations.

- Monitor design program and budgets to ensure alignment with overall project objectives.

- Champion design innovation and sustainability standards in line with global benchmarks and UAE regulations.

KEY TECHNICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Technical Competency

Description

Proficiency Level

Project Planning & Scheduling

Define project scope, timeline, and resources across initiatives.

Advanced

Budgeting & Cost Management

Estimate, monitor, and control project costs.

Advanced

Risk & Issue Management

Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues.

Advanced

Stakeholder & Communication Management

Engage and inform stakeholders with timely, transparent communication.

Advanced

Scope & Change Control

Manage scope and adapt to project change while maintaining compliance.

Advanced

Interdisciplinary Coordination

Lead integration of architectural, engineering, and specialty design.

Advanced

Regulatory and Code Compliance

Ensure designs meet UAE and international standards and approvals.

Advanced

Digital Design & BIM Tools

Use Revit, Navisworks, and similar tools for design coordination.

Intermediate

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

- Internal: Director of Projects, Development Team, Design, Engineering, PMO

- External: Consultants, Authorities, Contractors, Architects

WORK SETTING & DECISION AUTHORITY

Strategic office-based design management role with regular site engagement. Exercises independent judgment on design quality and compliance decisions within defined parameters.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Supports budget adherence during design development; contributes to value engineering and cost-efficiency recommendations.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Qualifications (Essential):

- Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field

Experience (Essential):

- 10+ years of experience in design management across large-scale developments

Experience (Desirable):

- Experience with high-rise, mixed-use, or hospitality projects in the GCC

- Exposure to LEED, WELL, or similar sustainability standards