Design Manager

Description

Role Overview

• We are currently seeking an experienced Design Manager to join our Abu Dhabi team, leading the delivery of leisure, entertainment, and buildings projects.
• ****Responsibilities****
• Lead and manage the design process from concept through detailed design to construction documentation.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams (architectural, structural, MEP) to ensure fully integrated, buildable solutions.
• Oversee and review design deliverables, drawings, and specifications for quality, accuracy, and compliance with project requirements.
• Manage design schedules, budgets, and risks, and report progress to senior leadership and clients.
• Facilitate design workshops, resolve technical challenges, and support value engineering initiatives.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, contractors, to secure timely approvals and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• Promote best practices in sustainable and innovative design aligned with Zutari’s values and project aspirations.
• ****Requirements****
• Must currently reside in Abu Dhabi (applications from outside Abu Dhabi cannot be considered).
• Minimum 7 years’ total experience, including at least 5 years in design and 2 years in a Design Manager role.
• Educational background in Structural or Architectural Engineering (preferred).
• Proven experience on leisure, entertainment, or large building projects.
• Familiarity with working for major consultancies or with leading developers within Abu Dhabi
• Strong leadership, communication, and project coordination skills.
• Proficiency, and BIM platforms is an advantage.
• ***We believe that a diverse workforce is a key to our business success.
• We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications and experience.
• We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices.***
• ****Internal Description****
• Zutari: Co-creating an impactful environment.
• Zutari is a well-established, management-owned multidisciplinary firm with over 90 years of experience.
• As human-centred consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa and the Middle East.
• We co-create design solutions that have a positive impact and improve people’s lives.
• Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.
• What kind of talent do we pursue?
• We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and sharing a sense of urgency.
• People who have an impact on our teams and the broader community.
• People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

Role Overview

• We are currently seeking an experienced Design Manager to join our Abu Dhabi team, leading the delivery of leisure, entertainment, and buildings projects.
• ****Requirements****
• Must currently reside in Abu Dhabi (applications from outside Abu Dhabi cannot be considered).
• Minimum 7 years’ total experience, including at least 5 years in design and 2 years in a Design Manager role.
• Educational background in Structural or Architectural Engineering (preferred).
• Proven experience on leisure, entertainment, or large building projects.
• Familiarity with working for major consultancies or with leading developers within Abu Dhabi
• Strong leadership, communication, and project coordination skills.
• Proficiency, and BIM platforms is an advantage.
• ***We believe that a diverse workforce is a key to our business success.
• We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications and experience.
• We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices.***