Arada | Specification Manager - Design

Arada; Dubai; On-site; AED 420,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Arada is seeking a Specifications Manager to lead the preparation, development and governance of architectural specifications across its diverse developments in the UAE. The role requires authoring documents to structured systems (CSI MasterFormat or NBS) and ensuring materials meet quality, sustainability and cost objectives.

You will drive value engineering, manage supplier relations, and collaborate with design, procurement and project teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in architecture, architectural engineering, interior design, construction management or related discipline.
• Professional specification-writing certification is strongly preferred (CSI CDT/CCS or NBS).
• 10–15 years of architecture/specification writing experience with leading developers, consultants, or contractors.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, author, and coordinate architectural specifications using CSI MasterFormat or NBS with Uniclass.
• Develop and maintain project specifications for finishes, façade systems, landscapes, and products.
• Establish and manage Arada's master specification library and change control.
• Review consultant specs for compliance with standards, performance and regulatory requirements.
• Lead value engineering and support tender evaluations from a technical spec perspective.
• Coordinate with Architecture, Interior Design, Procurement and Projects teams throughout delivery.

Skills

Specification writing

Project coordination

Value engineering

Sustainability awareness

Quality assurance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture/Engineering/Construction Management

CSI CDT or CCS certification (preferred)

Tools

CSI MasterFormat

NBS Uniclass 2015

Job description

About us

At Arada, we create communities that inspire healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. Through innovative developments, exceptional customer experiences and a commitment to sustainability, we are shaping places where people can live, work and thrive.

Joining Arada means becoming part of a collaborative, ambitious and forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering excellence across every aspect of our business.

Role Purpose:

The Specifications Manager is responsible for leading the preparation, development, coordination, review, and governance of formal architectural and building specifications across Arada's residential, hospitality, commercial, retail, and mixed-use developments. The role personally authors and edits project specifications to a recognised structured specification system (CSI MasterFormat / SectionFormat or NBS with Uniclass), and ensures that all materials, finishes, and systems meet the company's quality, sustainability, operational, and commercial objectives while maintaining design integrity.

Working closely with Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape, Development, Projects, Procurement, and external consultants, the Specification Manager will establish approved material standards, lead value engineering initiatives, evaluate new products and technologies, and provide technical expertise throughout the project lifecycle.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Specification Management

• Prepare, author, and coordinate formal architectural and building specifications to a recognised structured system (CSI MasterFormat with SectionFormat/PageFormat, or NBS with Uniclass 2015), using the 3-part section structure (Part 1 - General, Part 2 - Products, Part 3 - Execution).
• Produce and coordinate descriptive, performance, and proprietary / reference-standard specifications across design development, tender, and IFC stages, ensuring they are coordinated with the drawings and BOQ and free of conflict, gaps, and duplication.
• Establish, own, and maintain Arada's master specification library, including project-specific editing, revision control, and issue management.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project specifications for architectural finishes, interior finishes, landscape materials, façade systems, and building products.
• Establish and manage Arada's material and product specification standards across all developments.
• Review consultant specifications to ensure compliance with company standards, design intent, performance requirements, and regulatory requirements.
• Standardize materials across projects where appropriate to improve efficiency, quality, and lifecycle performance.

Materials & Product Evaluation

• Research, evaluate, and approve construction materials, finishes, fixtures, and innovative building products.
• Assess product performance, durability, sustainability, lifecycle costs, maintenance requirements, and warranty provisions.
• Conduct technical comparisons and recommend suitable alternatives where required.
• Keep abreast of emerging material technologies, sustainability trends, and international best practices.

Value Engineering

• Lead value engineering workshops during design development.
• Identify opportunities to optimize specifications without compromising quality, functionality, aesthetics, or customer experience.
• Provide technical recommendations to improve project cost efficiency and constructability.
• Support commercial teams during tender evaluations from a technical specification perspective.

Supplier & Manufacturer Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Evaluate suppliers based on technical capability, product quality, certifications, sustainability credentials, and delivery performance.
• Organize product presentations, mock-ups, factory visits, and material demonstrations for internal stakeholders.
• Maintain an approved supplier and manufacturer database.

Design & Project Coordination

• Work closely with Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape, Procurement, Development, and Project Management teams throughout project delivery.
• Review technical submittals, material samples, mock-ups, and shop drawings for compliance with project specifications.
• Support design teams in selecting appropriate materials that align with design intent and project budgets.
• Participate in design reviews and site inspections to ensure specified materials are implemented correctly.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all specified materials comply with UAE building regulations, fire and life safety requirements, sustainability standards, and relevant international codes.
• Support QA/QC teams during inspections and material approvals.
• Resolve technical material issues arising during construction.
• Maintain specification documentation and revision control.

Innovation & Sustainability

• Drive the adoption of sustainable, innovative, and high-performance materials.
• Support ESG and sustainability initiatives through responsible material selection.
• Evaluate low-carbon, recycled, and environmentally responsible products for future developments.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional certification in specification writing is strongly preferred - e.g. CSI CDT or CCS (Certified Construction Specifier), or NBS accreditation.

EXPERIENCE

10-15 years of experience in architecture and formal specification writing within leading developers, consultants, or contractors, with specification authoring as a primary function of the role (not limited to material selection or FF&E).

Mandatory: proven, demonstrable experience preparing and managing formal architectural/building specifications using a recognised structured specification system such as CSI MasterFormat, NBS, or equivalent. Loose finishes schedules or FF&E specification alone do not satisfy this requirement.

Candidates will be required to submit a redacted specification sample they personally authored and may complete a short specification-editing exercise at interview.

• Strong understanding of architectural finishes, interior materials, façade systems, and construction methodologies.
• UAE/GCC project experience is essential.
• Developer-side experience is preferred.

Using GenAI in Your Application Process

To support a fair and consistent experience for all candidates, we ask that assessments and interviews are completed independently and without assistance from generative AI tools. This ensures we understand your strengths, your thinking, and how you approach real situations.

Why join Arada?

At Arada, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to projects that transform communities while working alongside talented professionals in a culture that values innovation, collaboration and continuous growth. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Arada is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and make employment decisions based on merit, experience and business needs.