Design Manager - Retail Mall Refurbishment - Mace - Dubai, UAE

Position Overview

Design Manager role at Mace Dubai supports the delivery of multiple refurbishment and redevelopment projects within a major UAE shopping mall. Leads end-to-end design management across interior design and fit-out stages, ensuring coordinated, compliant, and high-quality outcomes from concept through handover.

• Lead overall design management including client brief development, design strategy, and execution.
• Ensure cohesive design management across all interior design and fit-out stages.
• Plan and support scheduling of design reviews at defined gateways and control points.
• Manage technical reviews and constructability assessments of design deliverables.
• Monitor compliance with the approved project brief, specifications, and standards.
• Review engineering proposals and manage contract change impacts related to design.
• Conduct interdisciplinary reviews to drive value engineering and optimization.
• Validate consultant claims and ensure design quality and coordination.

• Degree in Architecture with twelve or more years of experience in design, project, or program management.
• Proven experience on GCC mega-projects with mandatory shopping mall exposure.
• Interior design and fit-out project experience preferred.
• Understanding of local cultural, heritage, and environmental design considerations.
• Proficiency in CAD and BIM tools with knowledge of relevant industry codes and LEED principles.
• Middle East project experience is an advantage.
• Strong coordination, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

• Opportunity to lead design delivery on high-profile retail refurbishment projects.
• Work within a globally respected project management consultancy.
• Exposure to complex, multi-stakeholder environments across design and construction.
• Inclusive culture focused on safety, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Mace is a global consultancy and construction firm delivering project management and advisory services across the built environment. With a strong presence in Dubai and the wider Middle East, Mace partners with leading developers and asset owners to deliver complex retail, commercial, and infrastructure projects while embedding safety, quality, and long-term value in every stage of delivery.