Senior Design Manager

About the role

The Senior Design Manager will lead projects through RIBA Design Stages 0‑4 and provide design support during construction (Stage 5). The role ensures delivery to client time, quality and budget objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare budgets, briefs, scopes and programmes for consultant RFPs and manage tender processes.
• Guide awarded consultants, review deliverables for completeness, coordination and compliance, and secure design approvals.
• Collaborate with Development, Commercial and Project Delivery teams on design strategy, schedule and budgets.
• Maintain communication with clients, government authorities and stakeholders, and manage queries and risk.
• Support financial and contractual management, including invoicing, value engineering and change management.
• Act as design ambassador during post‑contract stages, advising the Project Manager and flagging deviations.

Required profile

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Design Management; Chartered membership (RIBA, RICS, ICE) preferred.
• 12‑15 years of design management experience, including at least 5 years in the UAE.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and client‑side experience is a plus.

Required skills

• Extensive knowledge of architectural design, drafting, building materials, codes and construction techniques.
• Understanding of multidisciplinary design disciplines (structural, civil, mechanical, landscape, interior).
• Experience with tender procurement and the RIBA Plan of Work 2020.
• Project performance KPI tracking (time, cost, quality, client satisfaction).