Design Manager – Research Facilities

About the role

Parsons is looking for an experienced Design Manager to lead the design and delivery of complex Research Development facilities in Dubai. You will oversee multidisciplinary design teams, specialist consultants and technical stakeholders to ensure innovative, functional and compliant solutions from concept through construction and hand‑over.

Key responsibilities

• Lead overall design management and coordination of major R&D facilities from concept to detailed design and construction support.
• Manage multidisciplinary consultants, specialist designers and technical advisors to deliver integrated design solutions.
• Oversee planning, review and approval of design deliverables, ensuring compliance with project requirements, codes and industry standards.
• Coordinate specialised infrastructure such as laboratories, cleanrooms, critical utilities, building services and digital technologies.
• Act as primary design interface with client, stakeholders, authorities and project teams.
• Establish and manage design schedules, review processes and deliverable tracking systems.
• Lead value‑engineering, risk mitigation and innovation initiatives throughout the design lifecycle.
• Support construction teams by resolving design issues, managing changes and maintaining design intent.
• Implement design quality‑assurance processes and technical governance frameworks.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Design Management, Building Services Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 15‑20 years of experience in design management, coordination and delivery of major capital projects.
• Proven track record delivering complex research, laboratory, healthcare, technology or advanced manufacturing facilities.
• Extensive experience managing multidisciplinary design teams, consultants and specialist engineers.
• Strong understanding of laboratory planning, cleanroom environments, critical infrastructure and building services.
• Experience guiding design through concept, schematic, detailed design, tender documentation and construction support stages.

Required skills