Design Manager – Senior Project Architect & Technical Delivery Lead

About the role

A leading Dubai‑based architecture practice is looking for a Design Manager who will act as Senior Project Architect and Technical Delivery Lead. The role combines hands‑on design work with responsibility for technical governance, project setup and delivery oversight across high‑profile hospitality, civic/embassy and premium commercial projects.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end project setup, including programme development, consultant coordination and kick‑off structuring.
• Serve as the first escalation point for technical and delivery queries across the architectural team.
• Oversee QA/QC on all projects and embed consistent technical standards.
• Review project progress weekly, identify risks and proactively manage delivery.
• Represent the practice in client and consultant meetings as the senior technical voice.
• Support resource planning, bid reviews and fee proposals.
• Mentor architects moving into project‑lead roles and step into delivery work when required.

Required profile

• Qualified architect (Part III or equivalent) with 8‑10+ years post‑qualification experience.
• Strong UAE experience covering regulations, authorities and local delivery environment.
• Proven ability to run projects end‑to‑end, not only design stages.
• Experience in at least two sectors: hospitality, civic/embassy, high‑end F&B/commercial.
• Confident senior technical voice in client‑facing settings.
• Calm, decisive, ownership‑driven and able to mentor without becoming a bottleneck.
• Background in boutique or mid‑size practices preferred.

Required skills