Design Manager

Alec Fitout; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career progression

Excellent project exposure

Luxury hospitality focus

Job summary

ALEC Engineering and Contracting L.L.C. is seeking a Design Manager - Spa & Wellness to lead concept through construction documentation and site execution for luxury hospitality projects in the UAE.

You will oversee multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with architects, interior designers, and MEP consultants, review shop drawings and submittals, and guide wellness-specific systems to ensure design excellence and seamless handover.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional design management experience.
• 5+ years dedicated to Spa & Wellness projects.
• Experience in high-end, luxury hospitality and wellness developments.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary design coordination for complex facilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead design development and coordination from concept through construction documentation and site execution.
• Manage multidisciplinary design coordination among architects, interior designers, MEP consultants, and suppliers.
• Oversee the design of spa facilities including treatment rooms, hydrotherapy, and wellness spaces.
• Coordinate specialist supplier requirements and ensure integration into construction documents.
• Review shop drawings, submittals, RFIs, and construction details for quality and compliance.
• Identify design risks and resolve constructability challenges with timely guidance.
• Support site teams during construction, testing, commissioning, and handover.

Skills

Spa & Wellness

Design leadership

Coordination

Stakeholder mgmt

Technical problem-solving

Construction docs

Education

Architecture/Interior Design/Engineering

Job description

Are you a detail-oriented design manager ready to build your career with one of the region’s leading construction companies?

Who We Are

ALEC Engineering and Contracting L.L.C. (ALEC), part of ICD, is a leading GCC construction company known for delivering complex, high-profile projects. With 20+ years of experience, ALEC builds across sectors including airports, hospitality, retail, and high-rises.

In the UAE, ALEC has delivered many of the nation’s most iconic developments, operating as a fully integrated contractor through specialist business units that provide end-to-end construction solutions.

ALEC provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and shared services that support the performance and growth of all businesses within the Group. From governance, finance, and talent to innovation, digital systems, and sustainability, the Head Office acts as the central hub that enables each business unit to deliver with confidence, consistency, and excellence across the construction and engineering value chain.

Why Join Us?

As a Design Manager - Spa & Wellness, you'll play a critical role in leading design development, technical coordination, and specialist system integration across project phases, with a strong focus on high-end, luxury, and ultra-luxury hospitality and wellness developments. This is your opportunity to oversee multidisciplinary design teams, coordinate specialist wellness requirements, and drive exceptional design outcomes, helping deliver construction excellence with confidence and precision.

About Your Team

You will lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams and work closely with architects, interior designers, MEP consultants, specialist wellness suppliers, and construction teams to implement integrated design solutions, monitor technical compliance, and drive design excellence.

You will provide leadership, guidance, and support throughout the design process, ensuring architectural, operational, technical, and guest experience requirements are effectively coordinated and consistently achieved.

Your Role

As a Design Manager - Spa & Wellness, you will be responsible for:

• Leading the design development and coordination of luxury Spa & Wellness projects from concept design through construction documentation and site execution
• Managing multidisciplinary design coordination between architects, interior designers, MEP consultants, specialist suppliers, and construction teams
• Overseeing the design of treatment rooms, wet areas, hammams, saunas, steam rooms, hydrotherapy facilities, vitality pools, relaxation lounges, and fitness spaces
• Leading the technical review and coordination of specialist Spa & Wellness systems, thermal cabins, hydrotherapy equipment, and associated MEP requirements
• Coordinating specialist supplier requirements and ensuring integration into construction documentation
• Reviewing shop drawings, technical submittals, RFIs, material selections, finishes, and construction details
• Identifying design risks, constructability challenges, and technical discrepancies while coordinating effective resolutions
• Supporting site teams during construction, testing, commissioning, and handover activities

What We're Looking For

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in design management, technical design coordination, or specialist construction
• At least 5 years of dedicated experience in Spa & Wellness projects
• Mandatory experience in high-end, luxury, and ultra-luxury hospitality and wellness developments
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary design coordination for complex Spa & Wellness facilities
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, or a related discipline
• Experience managing Spa & Wellness projects from concept design through construction and handover

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong technical knowledge of thermal cabins, hydrotherapy facilities, specialist wellness equipment, and associated construction requirements
• Strong understanding of architectural, structural, MEP, and specialist equipment interfaces
• Experience reviewing and coordinating specialist shop drawings, technical submittals, and construction details
• Familiarity with thermal cabin construction systems, waterproofing, insulation, vapor barriers, and high-end architectural finishes
• Strong technical leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills
• Strong problem-solving abilities with proven experience resolving complex design and constructability challenges

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead design delivery across landmark high-end, luxury, and ultra-luxury hospitality and Spa & Wellness developments across the region
• A collaborative and project-driven environment committed to design excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement
• A senior leadership role where your expertise in Spa & Wellness design, technical coordination, and multidisciplinary integration directly impacts project success
• The opportunity to work alongside leading consultants, designers, specialist suppliers, contractors, and project stakeholders