Executive Director - Design Management

About the role

ALDAR is looking for an Executive Director – Design Management to lead the Design Management function across its residential, commercial, hospitality and civic portfolios in Abu Dhabi. The role will translate development briefs into market‑differentiated design outcomes while balancing ambition, commercial constraints and programme timelines.

Key responsibilities

• Define and govern design vision, standards and governance frameworks for all three verticals and the wider asset portfolio.
• Direct design responses to commercial briefs, ensuring alignment with target customer, price point, unit mix, features, timeline and budget.
• Chair design quality reviews at each stage‑gate and approve or escalate decisions to the GDS Committee.
• Serve as the primary executive interface with CDOs and Development Management Directors, presenting design recommendations to senior leadership.
• Drive design consistency and foster innovation through collaboration with Design Innovation and Interior Design teams, including AI‑assisted and modular design tools.
• Lead, develop and retain a high‑performing multi‑disciplinary design management team, setting performance goals, succession plans and capability roadmaps.

Required profile

• Minimum 16 years of experience in architectural design management or urban development, with at least 6 years in a senior executive role.
• At least 6 years managing large, multi‑disciplinary design teams at senior manager level or above.
• Proven track record delivering design across residential, commercial, hospitality and civic asset classes in the GCC or comparable markets.
• Master’s degree in Architecture, Urban Design or a related field.

Required skills