Senior Design Manager

The Senior Manager - Design will be responsible for leading and coordinating the design process across all stages of real estate development projects, ensuring that outcomes align with the overall project brief, design philosophy, commercial and strategic objectives, and vision. The role champions design excellence, innovation, and quality while driving technical coordination, managing consultant inputs, and ensuring timely decision‑making and approvals.

Acting as the client‑side design lead, the role will work closely with consultants, internal departments, and statutory authorities to deliver integrated, cost‑effective, and buildable design solutions across residential and mixed‑use developments. The role requires a strong blend of creative leadership, technical depth, and stakeholder management.

• Lead the overall design strategy and manage design activities across multiple concurrent projects and all project stages.
• Contribute to shaping the overall design vision, ensuring feasibility and architectural excellence.
• Drive creative direction and uphold high design quality across all development phases.
• Champion design innovation, sustainability, and brand alignment throughout the design lifecycle.
• Manage and refine the project brief in alignment with internal and external stakeholders.

• Direct and manage design consultants to ensure that their deliverables align with the project brief, development goals, and technical requirements.
• Define scope of work, support consultant appointments, advise on fee structures, resourcing, progress‑based payments, and variation entitlements.
• Ensure rigorous multidisciplinary coordination (architecture, structure, MEP, , landscape) for integrated and buildable design outputs.
• Lead internal and external design coordination meetings, workshops, and presentations.

• Review and validate consultant submissions for completeness, aesthetics, functionality, compliance, buildability, HSE, and budget alignment.
• Oversee the implementation of design quality standards and sustainability benchmarks.
• Monitor design progress and consultant performance against project programmes.
• Provide expert input on design‑related RFIs, contractor proposals, and value engineering options.
• Track and manage design risks, changes, and dependencies proactively.
• Oversee and participate in the review of materials, samples, and mock‑ups; conduct quality inspections as required.
• Ensure design quality is maintained through to project handover.

• Liaise with relevant statutory authorities such as Dubai Municipality, DDA, DCD, and Trakhees to secure necessary design approvals.
• Ensure compliance with local codes, UAE design standards, and applicable international regulations.
• Coordinate timely close‑out of authority comments and ensure alignment with regulatory expectations.

• Collaborate with internal departments to provide relevant design input.
• Maintain clear communication and alignment among all stakeholders to ensure coordinated project delivery.

• 10–15 years of experience in design management or architectural coordination, with a strong focus on residential and mixed‑use developments.
• Minimum 3 years of experience representing or working with real estate developers in the UAE.
• Proven track record in managing multidisciplinary consultant teams, delivering coordinated design packages, and securing timely authority approvals.
• Strong experience working with local authority regulations, UAE building codes, and international standards.
• Familiarity with consultancy contracts, fee negotiations, and scope definitions.
• Experience working within project frameworks such as RIBA or other international equivalents.
• Demonstrated involvement in sustainability‑led design with understanding of LEED, Estidama, or WELL certification processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a related field is required.
• A postgraduate qualification is considered an advantage.

• Strong design sensibility with passion for quality, innovation, functionality, and cost‑efficiency.
• Hands‑on and proactive approach to design leadership and problem‑solving.
• Excellent ability to review and coordinate architectural, structural, and MEP design deliverables.
• Commercially aware with sound decision‑making and problem‑solving abilities.
• Highly skilled in stakeholder management, communication, reporting, and coordination.
• Able to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced development environment.
• Proficiency in design and coordination software, including Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, Sketch Up, Bluebeam, and BIM 360.
• Ability to lead design discussions, mentor teams, and present effectively to senior leadership and external partners.