Design Manager (Client Side - Construction)

Design Manager – Real Estate Development(Client Side)

About The Role

1. Design Management & Leadership

• Lead and manage the in-house design team including architects, interior designers, and coordinators
• Allocate work, set timelines, and monitor deliverables across all design stages
• Ensure alignment of design vision with company’s brand, product positioning, and target market
• Act as the primary design decision-maker in day-to-day operations

2. Project Design Coordination

• Manage end-to-end design process from concept to IFC (Issued for Construction)
• Coordinate with:
• External architects & design consultants
• Structural, MEP, and landscape consultants
• Project management & construction teams
• Ensure seamless integration of all disciplines

3. Design Quality & Value Engineering

• Maintain high standards of design quality across all projects
• Conduct design reviews and identify opportunities for:
• Cost optimization
• Material efficiency
• Buildability improvements
• Balance aesthetics with commercial viability and construction feasibility

4. Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with internal departments:
• Sales & Marketing (for layouts, brochures, show units)
• Procurement (material selections & specifications)
• Construction (site execution alignment)
• Support client-facing design presentations where required

5. Documentation & Deliverables

• Review and manage:
• Concept designs
• Schematic designs
• Detailed design packages
• IFC drawings
• Ensure proper documentation, version control, and drawing approvals

6. Timeline & Budget Control

• Track design timelines against project schedules
• Ensure design deliverables are aligned with project milestones
• Support cost control through efficient design decisions

Experience

• 10 years of experience in design management within real estate development
• Strong experience working with developers (not just consultants)
• Proven experience in residential / high-rise / mixed-use projects in UAE

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or related field
• Master’s degree is an advantage

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of:
• UAE building regulations & authority processes
• Design stages and project lifecycle
• Proficiency in:
• AutoCAD
• Revit (preferred)

Core Competencies

• Leadership without heavy hierarchy (hands-on operator mindset)
• Strong coordination & stakeholder management skills
• Commercial awareness (design vs cost vs sales positioning)
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead the design function directly
• Work on high-impact development projects in Dubai
• High visibility with leadership and cross-functional teams