Design Manager - Real Estate

Role overview

Design development and coordination

• Lead day-to-day development and coordination of architectural, structural, and MEP designs from concept through construction.
• Review and coordinate consultant drawings and specifications to identify and resolve clashes, gaps, and inconsistencies before they reach site.
• Ensure design deliverables are completed on time and aligned with the overall project program.

Technical governance and construction support

• Review design submissions against the project brief, budget, and authority requirements; maintain BIM protocols and standards.
• Support value engineering by identifying cost efficiencies without compromising design intent or quality.
• Resolve design queries, issue technical clarifications, conduct site visits and inspections, and support the construction team on site.
• Coordinate responses to contractor RFIs and review shop drawings and material submittals for design compliance.

Quality, stakeholders, and handover

• Maintain design quality and consistency with brand standards and authority regulations; support QA/QC and resolve design-related non-conformities.
• Manage design risks and consultant relationships, and support permitting and NOC submissions to relevant authorities.
• Represent the design function in project meetings and coordinate with Commercial, Procurement, and Construction teams.
• Support and mentor junior design and BIM team members; support testing, commissioning, handover, and accurate as-built drawings.
• Present weekly and monthly internal design progress and coordination reports; support periodic client updates and regulatory submissions.
• Stay current with UAE design and building codes and emerging design and BIM technologies; escalate risks for project risk registers.

Experience and qualifications

• 10 to 12 years of architectural or engineering design experience, including construction-stage design support and site supervision.
• At least 5 years of UAE experience is required.
• Consultant-side or developer-side experience is essential; contractor-only experience does not qualify on its own.

Technical requirements

• Strong hands-on proficiency in AutoCAD and BIM (Revit or equivalent), with experience enforcing BIM protocols including LOD, BEP, and CDE.
• Working knowledge of FIDIC Conditions of Contract relating to design obligations, RFIs, and variations.
• Familiarity with UAE construction codes and authority approval processes, including Dubai Municipality, DDA, Civil Defence, and DEWA.