Lead Design Manager

About the role

Wasael Property Management is looking for a Lead Design Manager in Abu Dhabi to lead and manage the design process across major projects. The role ensures that coordinated, technically compliant, commercially viable and high-quality design solutions are delivered in line with project objectives, budgets, programmes and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design management process from concept and design development through detailed design, construction and handover.
• Develop design strategies, programmes, deliverable schedules and management plans, and lead multidisciplinary design teams (architectural, structural, MEP, landscape, infrastructure and specialist consultants).
• Manage external design consultants and review submissions, drawings, specifications and reports for compliance.
• Ensure coordination between design disciplines, resolve conflicts, and monitor progress against approved programmes.
• Lead design reviews, technical workshops and presentations, and work closely with Project Management, Technical, Commercial, Procurement, Construction, BIM and other functions.
• Ensure compliance with UAE regulations, building codes and authority requirements, and coordinate approvals, permits and NOCs with stakeholder and authority teams.
• Lead value engineering, manage design changes, identify design risks and support procurement, tendering and construction support (RFIs, design clarifications).
• Control design documentation through BIM and Common Data Environment, support testing, commissioning and close-out, and mentor Design Managers and the design team.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering or a related design discipline; Master's degree or professional accreditation is an advantage.
• Minimum 12-15 years of design and design management experience, including leading multidisciplinary teams on large-scale, complex projects.
• Strong experience in real estate development, construction, infrastructure or major project environments, and managing design consultants through all stages.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating with consultants, contractors, authorities and senior stakeholders.

Required skills

• Design management, multidisciplinary design coordination and design leadership
• Value engineering, constructability and design risk management
• Good knowledge of UAE building regulations, authority requirements and approval processes
• BIM and digital coordination