About the Role
We are seeking a candidate with experience in managing multi-disciplinary design delivery across projects within the UAE and GCC region. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 8 years’ experience in the Middle East, with proven experience in a multi-disciplinary design or built environment consultancy, and at least 3 years in Design Management or similar roles.
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As a Design Manager, you will work closely with the project delivery team to establish project objectives, contribute to the Project Execution Plan, and oversee design programme inputs, ensuring alignment throughout the project lifecycle. You will ensure that design activities remain on track, key milestones are achieved, and that project management standards and procedures are applied consistently. This role involves planning, coordinating, and overseeing the design process for projects of small to medium scale and low complexity. You may work independently or support senior roles on larger projects, taking full responsibility for design coordination and delivery tasks.
You will also manage day-to-day technical engagement with the Client’s technical team, oversee client expectations under the guidance of the Project Manager and/or Project Director, and contribute to delivering project outcomes that meet or exceed client requirements. Your responsibilities will include managing and assigning tasks to the design team and ensuring they have the necessary tools, resources, and technical support to complete their assignments effectively. Additionally, you will oversee the quality of work, maintain project documentation, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and uphold the company's project management methodology.
Your Role
Project Delivery
- Convene, coordinate, and manage the overall technical input of the multidisciplinary design team to ensure coordinated, compliant, and high-quality design outputs.
- Create and maintain the Design Management Plan (DMP) in collaboration with the Project Manager and design team, ensuring alignment with scope, programme, organization charts, and communication pathways.
- Accountable for the design coordination process, including interfaces between disciplines, sub-consultants, third parties, and Client requirements, in accordance with quality management procedures.
- Compile technical input into change management requirements, coordinating with Technical Leads on impacts to time and resources.
- Interact with the Client technical team to achieve consensus on design philosophies and outcomes.
- Develop strategies for project design packaging that align with the needs of the design (and/or construction) phasing and schedule.
- Utilize experience and lessons learned from previous projects to enhance delivery efficiency and quality.
- Develop a multi-disciplinary programme with buy-in from technical leads that aligns with project requirements.
- Set up the project technically and support the technical establishment of project deliverables and models, including document structure, numbering, and tracking mechanisms.
- Work within defined budgets and actively track design progress, identifying risks or constraints and supporting mitigation actions in coordination with the wider project team.
- Share and promote the technical achievements of the technical team.
- Foster collaboration and consistent engagement across technical package leaders and sub-consultants.
Financial Management
- Confirm that contractual deliverables have been met before invoice production.
- Compile potential scope gaps, changes, and variations, assessing impacts on time and effort in coordination with the Project Manager and Technical Leads.
Client Management
- Engage technically with the Client’s technical team, under the guidance of the Project Manager or Project Director.
- Provide advice and appropriate technical resources to address Client queries and design comments promptly and structurally.
- Support stakeholder engagement and approvals processes by ensuring submissions are coordinated and aligned with Client and statutory requirements.
About You
Technical & Professional Skills
- Strong capability in multi-disciplinary design coordination and interface management.
- Sound knowledge of design and construction processes, including Safety in Design requirements.
- Proficient in digital delivery and BIM-enabled environments, including Revit, Navisworks, and design coordination tools.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Project, Excel, and Word.
- Strong understanding of Quality Management requirements.
Behavioural & Leadership Competencies
- Demonstrated structured, methodical, and proactive leadership.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence skills.
- Ability to lead without reliance on authority, influencing outcomes through credibility and clarity.
- Results-oriented with a continuous improvement and growth mindset.
- Upheld the highest standards of integrity, safety, and professionalism.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a relevant design/engineering discipline.
Rewards & Benefits
Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive at every stage of your life and career, including:
- Tax-free salary.
- Life insurance coverage.
- Medical insurance.
- Annual leave balance.
- Company gratuity scheme.
- Discretionary bonus program.
- Annual flight contribution.
- Transportation & housing allowances.
- Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.
Seize every opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your expertise, and be recognized for the impact you make.
