Design Manager Full Time

Role & Responsibilities

As a nexus of operational oversight and design excellence, the Manager, Design ensures that projects are managed efficiently from ideation to execution. Entrusted with the stewardship of specific design segments, this role encompasses the following duties:

• Command the full cycle of design management projects from ideation to execution.
• Manage and coordinate the overall design and development process in collaboration with the wider projects and delivery team.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all design-related matters during development and delivery, ensuring alignment with broader objectives.
• Provide consistent guidance and support to junior staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Lead and coordinate with all internal and external stakeholders throughout the design and development process through to delivery.
• Communicate and present critical project updates and design strategies to senior management, ensuring understanding of priorities and impacts.
• Assess and evaluate consultant design work for compliance with approved design briefs, leadership direction, relevant codes, regulations, and best practice standards.
• Ensure all designs maintain a high level of quality, aligning with project programs and approved direction and design intent.
• Monitor and mitigate development cost and risk throughout the design and delivery process.
• Oversee site inspections to check project progress and ensure compliance with briefs, leadership direction, regulations, and specifications.
• Prepare and deliver project-related presentations to both internal divisions and external stakeholders.
• Actively involve team members in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership and shared success.
• Participate in talent recruitment and training initiatives to bolster team strength and competency.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams of designers and engineers throughout all design stages, ensuring smooth transitions and alignments.
• Manage and monitor the stage gate submittal process, schedules, and deliverables, coordinating
• issue logs against committed scopes.
• Ensure timely resolution of any design conflicts or issues that arise during the project lifecycle,
• facilitating discussions among relevant stakeholders to arrive at consensus.
• Compile comprehensive reporting on the status of design and implementation for all projects,
• attending and coordinating responses for senior management meetings as required.
• Supervise and coordinate design changes and revisions for design and construction drawings,
• assessing shop drawings for correctness.
• Stay up-to-date with latest designs, solutions, and industry trends, engaging in continuous learning
• and exploration.
• Prepare and review design briefs and scopes of work for consultant procurement, supporting the
• consultant procurement process.
• Contribute to the preparation and development of design and construction delivery strategies,
• ensuring they are innovative and functional.
• Maintain accurate records, preparing detailed reports and presentations related to design and
• development projects for various stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, UrbanPlanning, or related fields
• Master’s degree or MBA with a specialization in architecture, interior design, or related field ishighly desirable
• 10-12 years of experience in real estate design & development, with roles managing large projects
• Proven track record of previous GCC UAE experience is essentia.

Skills & Competencies

• Effective leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire team members to achieve excellence in their designated responsibilities and tasks.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, both as a team player and as an independent contributor, with a demonstrated ability to balance teamwork and independent project assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and lead projects to successful completion, while promoting a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Proficient in developing and delivering concise and informative presentations to senior leadership, providing clear insights into project objectives, progress, and outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex project and design concepts effectively to executive audiences through well-crafted presentations.
• Exceptional design aesthetic sensibility, executed on various projects, including interior architecture, wayfinding, signage, lighting design, and FF&E for mixed-use developments.
• Strong financial acumen and demonstrated attention to best value for investment within agreed budgets, ensuring cost-effective design solutions without compromising quality.
• Extensive experience working with diverse and cross-functional teams and design disciplines,
• fostering effective collaboration and integration of various stakeholders.
• Results-driven mindset, consistently achieving project goals and driving success in design delivery.
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken English (Arabic preferred).
• Strong presentation, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Capacity to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to foster collaborative relationships within and outside the organization.
• Proven track record in managing complex projects, displaying exemplary project management skills
• such as organization, time management, resourcefulness, flexibility, and communication.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strategic, innovative, and lateral thinking, showcasing original problem-solving capabilities and
• analytical skills.
• Proficiency in relevant design software and tools, such as MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD,
• and 3D modeling (SketchUp or Revit).
• Demonstrated success working with diverse teams and design disciplines.
• Sound knowledge of current design trends and building materials.
• Strong commitment to maintaining industry standards and regulations.
• Experience in collaborating with various stakeholders in the design process.
• Willingness to adapt to new design technologies and methodologies.
• Ability to adapt to new tools and technologies in the field.