We are seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead design management across high-rise, hospitality, and mixed-use projects, from initial concept and planning through detailed design, tendering, construction support, and handover. The role will coordinate consultants, contractors, and stakeholders while integrating design with programme, budget, procurement, and authority approvals to protect delivery and quality.
Design Leadership
Lead design management across multiple projects and major workstreams concurrently, establishing clear priorities, governance, and accountability.
Manage the design process from project brief and concept development through detailed design, tendering, construction support, handover, and close-out.
Integrate design requirements with programme, budget, procurement, authority approvals, and stakeholder requirements into a coordinated design delivery plan.
Take full responsibility for actions, deadlines, risks, and design management outcomes.
Coordination & Issue Resolution
Drive projects forward by actively coordinating consultants and contractors, ensuring issues are addressed promptly and do not delay progress.
Identify design and coordination issues proactively, develop practical solutions, and drive decisions through to closure before they affect project delivery.
Maintain close coordination with project teams and stakeholders to ensure design deliverables align with project objectives and required standards.
Protect project programmes, budgets, quality standards, and client expectations through disciplined execution.
Stakeholder Representation & Reporting
Represent the organization and its clients at a senior level in dealings with consultants, operators, authorities, and other stakeholders.
Provide concise, decision-oriented design reports, risk assessments, and recommendations appropriate for senior client leadership.
Requirements
Minimum of 14 years of professional experience in design management.
Strong experience managing design for high-rise, hospitality, and/or mixed-use projects.
Experience coordinating multidisciplinary consultants, contractors, operators, authorities, and other project stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to manage design delivery across multiple projects or major workstreams simultaneously.
Experience managing design coordination, identifying risks, resolving technical and stakeholder issues, and driving decisions to closure.
Strong understanding of the relationship between design, programme, budget, procurement, construction, and project delivery.
Strong reporting, risk assessment, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to represent clients and organizations confidently at a senior level.
Proactive, hands-on approach with clear ownership of deadlines, actions, and outcomes.
Ability to travel within the UAE and region as required.