Design Manager

At e.construct, we combine engineering excellence with a culture of ownership, impact, and innovation.

We’re hiring a Design Manager to join our team of forward-thinking structural engineers, designers, and digital innovators.

Why e.construct?

Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside experts in structural engineering, BIM, software development, and research—all under one roof.

Built Not Bought: We developed our own performance evaluation system—because we know our needs better than any off-the-shelf tool.

Sustainability at the Core: From precast systems to digital optimization, our projects aim to reduce waste and promote efficiency.

People First, Always: We’re stable and people-focused. We prioritize long-term growth and people-first decisions. We support our team through every phase of their journey—including when they explore new paths beyond our walls.

Accessible Leaders, Written Culture: Communication is clear, transparent, and structured. Leaders are one message away.

We hire people who care—not just about the work, but about how it’s done. If you're ready to leave a mark, you’ll thrive here.

We don't just solve problems. We build systems to prevent them.

Responsibilities

• Liaise effectively with company stakeholders, consultants, and contractors to ensure alignment across all project phases.
• Lead and manage the complete design process up to Issued for Construction (IFC) stage, in coordination with both international and local consultants.
• Assess and evaluate design consultants through clearly defined scopes, contract management, budget oversight, and continuous monitoring of progress and variations in accordance with agreed contracts.
• Proactively manage project risks and key milestones, providing regular updates and insights to company stakeholders.
• Review design documents at all project stages to ensure the original design intent is preserved through to construction.
• Secure stakeholder approvals across different design milestones and ensure buy-in at each phase.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Project Management Plan and/or the Design Implementation Plan and related procedures.
• Monitor material selections and responses to RFIs during construction, coordinating closely with the construction team to ensure adherence to primary design.
• Oversee and guide consultants’ design activities, verifying progress and deliverables at each design phase.
• Ensure the consistent application of design quality assurance measures, value engineering practices, and the completeness of design documents throughout all stages up to construction.
• Attend and/or chair design-related meetings and workshops with consultants and contractors; review meeting minutes and ensure timely follow-up on action items.
• Organize and manage design review meetings, workshops, and reporting throughout the design development stages.
• Maintain a strong understanding of both local and international fire and life safety codes and regulations, ensuring compliance in all design outputs.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Arch Degree and/or Master level qualification.
• Membership of a professional Architectural Association such as RIBA and AIA is preferred.
• 15 years of previous experience gained within a Consultancy/Construction.
• Background in the Middle East and UAE is preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of the UAE legal and planning system with respect to architecture.
• Fluency in English and ability to communicate effectively.
• Experienced in AutoCAD, Adobe, Revit, and BIM implementation process.

At e.construct and VAES.ai, we believe that the way we do things is just as important as what we do. Our work is guided by core competencies that help us navigate complex decisions, create high-performing teams, and foster a culture of excellence.

Our Core Competencies as Our Compass

These values shape how we work, how we grow, and who we bring into our teams:

Ownership: Taking full responsibility for tasks and outcomes, ensuring work is completed with accountability.

Problem-Solving & Proactivity: Identifying issues early and taking action before they escalate.

Communication & Collaboration: Sharing ideas clearly, actively listening, and working effectively with diverse teams. This includes written communication, SOPs, and reflections.

Depth & Quality of Delivery: Delivering thorough, accurate work that meets high standards and drives results.