Design Manager (Client Side - Construction)

About This Role

Design Manager – Real Estate Development(Client Side)

📍 Dubai, UAE

About the Role

We are seeking a highly driven and detail-oriented Design Manager to lead and manage the design function across our real estate development projects. This role will act as the central point of coordination between internal design teams, external consultants, and project stakeholders, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality, compliant, and market-aligned designs.

This position is designed to take ownership of the design process in the absence of a Design Head and will play a critical role in driving design strategy, execution, and coordination across multiple projects.

Key Responsibilities

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

Job Requirements:

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)

* SketchUp / Adobe Suite

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