Design Manager

Zutari; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Zutari in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead leisure, entertainment, and building projects. You will drive design from concept to construction docs, coordinating architectural, structural, and MEP teams for integrated, buildable solutions.

Applicants should have 7+ years total experience (5+ in design, 2+ as Design Manager), with a background in Structural or Architectural Engineering and familiarity with Abu Dhabi markets. BIM proficiency is a plus.

Qualifications

• Residence in Abu Dhabi is required.
• 7+ years total experience; 5+ in design and 2+ in a Design Manager role.
• Educational background in Structural or Architectural Engineering (preferred).
• Proven experience on leisure, entertainment, or large building projects.
• Experience with major consultancies or leading developers in Abu Dhabi.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project coordination skills.
• Proficiency in BIM platforms an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process from concept through detailed design to construction documentation.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams (architectural, structural, MEP) to ensure integrated, buildable solutions.
• Oversee and review design deliverables, drawings, and specifications for quality, accuracy, and compliance.
• Manage design schedules, budgets, and risks, and report progress to senior leadership and clients.
• Facilitate design workshops, resolve technical challenges, and support value engineering initiatives.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, contractors, to secure timely approvals and maintain stakeholder relationships.
• Promote best practices in sustainable and innovative design aligned with Zutari’s values.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project coordination

Stakeholder management

Education

Structural or Architectural Engineering

Tools

BIM platforms

Job description

Job Description:

Description

Zutari: Co-creating an impactful environment.

Zutari is a well-established, management-owned multidisciplinary firm with over 90 years of experience. As human-centred consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa and the Middle East.

We co-create design solutions that have a positive impact and improve people’s lives.

Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue?

We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and sharing a sense of urgency. People who have an impact on our teams and the broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

Role Overview:

We are currently seeking an experienced Design Manager to join our Abu Dhabi team, leading the delivery of leisure, entertainment, and buildings projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process from concept through detailed design to construction documentation.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams (architectural, structural, MEP) to ensure fully integrated, buildable solutions.
• Oversee and review design deliverables, drawings, and specifications for quality, accuracy, and compliance with project requirements.
• Manage design schedules, budgets, and risks, and report progress to senior leadership and clients.
• Facilitate design workshops, resolve technical challenges, and support value engineering initiatives.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, contractors, to secure timely approvals and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• Promote best practices in sustainable and innovative design aligned with Zutari’s values and project aspirations.

Requirements

• Must currently reside in Abu Dhabi (applications from outside Abu Dhabi cannot be considered).
• Minimum 7 years’ total experience, including at least 5 years in design and 2 years in a Design Manager role.
• Educational background in Structural or Architectural Engineering (preferred).
• Proven experience on leisure, entertainment, or large building projects.
• Familiarity with working for major consultancies or with leading developers within Abu Dhabi
• Strong leadership, communication, and project coordination skills.
• Proficiency, and BIM platforms is an advantage.

We believe that a diverse workforce is a key to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices.

Internal Description

Zutari: Co-creating an impactful environment.

Zutari is a well-established, management-owned multidisciplinary firm with over 90 years of experience. As human-centred consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa and the Middle East.

We co-create design solutions that have a positive impact and improve people’s lives.

Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue?

We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and sharing a sense of urgency. People who have an impact on our teams and the broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

Role Overview:

We are currently seeking an experienced Design Manager to join our Abu Dhabi team, leading the delivery of leisure, entertainment, and buildings projects.

Requirements

• Must currently reside in Abu Dhabi (applications from outside Abu Dhabi cannot be considered).
• Minimum 7 years’ total experience, including at least 5 years in design and 2 years in a Design Manager role.
• Educational background in Structural or Architectural Engineering (preferred).
• Proven experience on leisure, entertainment, or large building projects.
• Familiarity with working for major consultancies or with leading developers within Abu Dhabi
• Strong leadership, communication, and project coordination skills.
• Proficiency, and BIM platforms is an advantage.

We believe that a diverse workforce is a key to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices.

Requirements: