Senior Design Manager - Mixed-Use Developments

About the role

The Senior Design Manager leads design development and consultant management of complex mixed-use developments from inception through design completion, procurement, construction and handover. Acting as the client-side design lead, the role ensures projects align with Expo City Dubai's masterplan vision, business objectives, commercial requirements, programme commitments, sustainability aspirations and design quality standards, and delivers build-to-lease office, off-plan residential and mixed-use projects.

Key responsibilities

• Manage design strategies for mixed-use developments and build relationships with internal stakeholders, consultants, operators, authorities and development teams
• Lead multiple projects through design development, procurement, construction and handover, developing briefs, scopes of work, consultant appointments and design programmes
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design across architecture, landscape, engineering, infrastructure, operations, security and specialist consultants
• Manage design consultants, including performance management, design reviews, deliverables, reporting, compliance monitoring and change management
• Undertake design reviews and governance to ensure compliance with approved standards, briefs, codes, regulations and authority requirements
• Manage authority submissions, tender documentation reviews and launch packages for residential projects
• Prepare technical reports, studies, executive presentations and management updates; identify and manage project risks and support value engineering
• Lead design handover, site inspections, mock-up reviews and resolution of design issues, using digital platforms and AI-enabled tools
• Mentor Design Managers and junior team members, support resource planning and improve design management processes and governance

Required profile

• 15 years of professional experience in architecture, engineering, urban planning, design management or real estate development
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Design Management or a related built-environment discipline
• Demonstrated experience managing design and delivery of complex mixed-use developments
• Proven experience delivering build-to-lease speculative office and off-plan residential developments supporting early sales and market launch
• Experience in the UAE development market and managing projects through local authority approval processes
• Preferably previous experience with a developer, master developer or major real estate development organisation

Required skills

• Strong understanding of design governance, procurement, cost management, project delivery and construction administration
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, presentation, negotiation and leadership skills
• Desirable: Revit, Navisworks and Photoshop