Design Manager – Special Projects

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Design Manager to lead special‑project design initiatives for a leading real‑estate developer in the UAE. The role covers public and civic developments such as government buildings, cultural centres, parks, sports facilities, schools and healthcare venues.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the full design management lifecycle from concept through execution and delivery.
• Manage multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, engineers and key project stakeholders.
• Oversee design development for large‑scale public and civic projects, ensuring alignment with project objectives and design intent.
• Review consultant designs for compliance with briefs, regulations, codes and best practices.
• Control design quality, programme, cost, risk and overall project deliverables.
• Coordinate design changes, technical issues, stage‑gate submissions and construction documentation.
• Conduct site inspections to verify that design intent is maintained during construction.
• Present design strategies, updates and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support consultant procurement, design briefs, scopes of work and delivery strategies.

Required profile

• 10–12 years of design management experience within real‑estate development.
• Proven track record delivering large‑scale public and civic projects.
• Strong experience in the UAE/GCC market.
• Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Urban Planning or a related discipline.
• Excellent stakeholder management and senior‑level presentation skills.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance design excellence, cost and programme.

Required skills

• AutoCAD
• Revit
• SketchUp
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Microsoft Office