Senior Design Manager

Role overview

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design team; review architectural drawings, specifications, and contract requirements.
• Oversee shop drawings, fabrication drawings, technical details, and material submittals; ensure compliance with specifications, codes, and standards.
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, project managers, production, procurement, and site teams to resolve issues and support execution.
• Review and approve submissions; manage clarifications, revisions, approvals, schedules, and records across multiple projects.
• Provide technical guidance on aluminum systems, curtain walls, doors, windows, skylights, and glass partitions.
• Identify conflicts and risks; assess design changes and propose value engineering solutions without compromising quality or safety.
• Support cost control and variations with estimation and quantity surveying teams; resolve design-related site issues during installation.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate design team members; establish design standards, quality controls, and documentation practices.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in the aluminum and glass industry.
• Experience in design management or a senior design/technical office role, including team management and coordination across project functions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet submission and approval deadlines.
• Previous UAE construction or facade industry experience is preferred.

Technical and leadership skills

• Excellent knowledge of AutoCAD and technical drawing standards.
• Knowledge of aluminum and glass systems, facade engineering, curtain walls, structural glazing, windows, doors, and skylights.
• Ability to review drawings, material submittals, and technical specifications; knowledge of construction details, materials, fabrication, and installation.
• Experience with design coordination, technical submissions, and consultant approvals; Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Project planning and scheduling tools are an advantage.
• Strong leadership, organization, communication, coordination, analytical, and problem-solving skills; ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.

Key performance indicators