Design Manager

The Design Manager will own and shape the design of a Luxury Hotel Development in Fujairah, UAE, from concept through construction and handover. In a project where SML is the developer, designer, builder, and operator, the role defines the design intent, details, and specifications; ensures they are buildable, on budget, and operator-ready; and hands them over clearly to the construction and fit-out teams.

The role manages the full design process: approvals with UAE authorities, consultant coordination, and design support during construction.

• Lead and shape the design from concept to handover: define design intent, detailing, materials, and specifications, rather than only coordinating a design that is already frozen.
• Manage design-build delivery, coordinating and directing consultants and designers through to the construction stage, and carrying design ownership into execution.
• Ensure the design is buildable, with strong focus on constructability, detailing, fit-out, and finishes, working hands-on with site and construction teams as works progress.
• Review and approve design deliverables, drawings, BOQs, and specifications for technical accuracy, completeness, and alignment with the project budget and programme.
• Manage stakeholder and authority approvals in the UAE during the design stage, including Fujairah authorities, the hotel operator, and the owner/client side.
• Identify design risks and lead value engineering and practical solutions, balancing aesthetic, technical, operational, and commercial priorities.
• Manage the design programme, tracking milestones and deliverables across all consultants, and provide design direction and clarifications to site during construction.

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture (architect by training is required); a Master's degree is preferred.
• 10+ years of Design Management experience, including a minimum of 5 years within the UAE.
• Proven hotel experience: delivered Luxury Hotel, Hospitality, or High-End developments.
• Proven design-build experience on the contractor/developer side, coordinating and managing design and then construction. EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) background is also acceptable.
• Strong UAE experience is essential, with strong knowledge of UAE building regulations, codes, and authority approval processes, and stakeholder/authority management at design stage.
• Hands-on technical background in detailing, constructability, and execution, with capability to progress into a fit-out management role (a consultancy-only or a coordination-only design manager background will not meet this requirement).
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office.

• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to manage and motivate multidisciplinary design teams.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across consultants, contractors, authorities, operator, and client representatives.
• Sharp eye for design detail and quality standards appropriate to luxury/hospitality-grade developments.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple design packages and deadlines concurrently.
• Sound commercial awareness, including BOQ review and value engineering practices.
• Ability to translate design intent into clear information for site, subcontractors, and fit-out teams.