Design Manager – Luxury Hotel Development

About the role

The Design Manager will own and shape the design of a luxury hotel development in Fujairah, UAE, from concept through construction and handover. This role defines design intent, ensures buildability, budget compliance, and operator readiness, and hands over clear documentation to construction and fit‑out teams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead design from concept to handover, defining intent, detailing, materials and specifications.
• Manage design‑build delivery, coordinating consultants and designers through construction.
• Ensure design is constructible, focusing on detailing, fit‑out and finishes, working hands‑on with site teams.
• Review and approve design deliverables, drawings, BOQs and specifications for technical accuracy and budget alignment.
• Obtain stakeholder and authority approvals in the UAE, including Fujairah authorities, hotel operator and owner.
• Identify design risks, lead value engineering and provide practical solutions balancing aesthetic, technical and commercial priorities.
• Manage the design programme, track milestones and provide design direction to site during construction.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture (architect by training required); Master's preferred.
• 10+ years of design management experience, at least 5 years in the UAE.
• Proven experience delivering luxury hotel or high‑end hospitality projects.
• Design‑build experience on the contractor/developer side or EPC background.
• Strong knowledge of UAE building regulations, codes and authority approval processes.
• Hands‑on technical background in detailing, constructability and execution.

Required skills

• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Proficiency in Revit.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.