Design Manager

Fletcher Piccolo Associates (FPA); Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Fletcher Piccolo Associates (FPA) in Dubai is seeking a Design Manager to lead the full design lifecycle on major projects. The role covers pre-bid through construction, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and ensuring designs meet programme, budget and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate has 13+ years in construction/engineering/design, UAE experience with a leading contractor, and strong skills in design development, coordination, and value engineering.

Qualifications

• 13+ years of professional experience in construction, engineering or design.
• Experience leading design teams across architecture, structural, MEP and specialist design.
• UAE experience, ideally with a leading main contractor.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process from pre-bid to construction completion.
• Coordinate architects, engineers and consultants to ensure fully coordinated designs.
• Review tender docs, identify design risks and opportunities.
• Provide technical input into bids and pre-construction activities.
• Drive buildability, design optimisation and value engineering.
• Monitor progress against programme and ensure timely deliverables.
• Lead design review meetings and manage RFIs and design changes.

Skills

Design management

Leadership

Stakeholder coordination

Bid / Tender input

Buildability & value engineering

Multidisciplinary coordination

Education

Degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering

Job description

NOW HIRING – DESIGN MANAGER - LEADING CONTRACTOR

The Client

Our Client is a leading contractor with a strong presence across the UAE, delivering major projects across the region.

The Role

The Design Manager will be responsible for managing the full design process from pre-bid and tender stages through to detailed design and construction delivery. The role will involve leading multidisciplinary design teams, coordinating consultants and stakeholders, and ensuring designs are technically coordinated, commercially viable and aligned with project requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design process from pre-bid and tender through to construction and project completion.
• Review tender documentation, drawings and specifications, identifying design risks, gaps and opportunities.
• Provide technical and design input into bids, tenders and pre-construction activities.
• Manage and coordinate architects, engineers, specialist consultants and subcontractor design teams.
• Oversee design development, technical submissions and IFC/construction documentation.
• Ensure multidisciplinary designs are fully coordinated and aligned with programme, budget and construction requirements.
• Lead design review meetings and manage RFIs, technical queries, design changes and design risks.
• Work closely with the client, consultants, commercial team and site/construction teams.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering, buildability and design optimisation.
• Monitor design progress against project programmes and ensure deliverables are issued on time.
• Ensure compliance with relevant UAE regulations, authority requirements and project specifications.
• Lead, mentor and manage members of the design/technical team.

Requirements

• Minimum 13 years' professional experience within construction, engineering or design.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Design Manager or equivalent managerial position.
• UAE experience is essential, ideally with a leading main contractor.
• Proven experience managing the full design lifecycle, including pre-bid, tender, design development and construction delivery.
• Strong experience contributing to bids, tenders and pre-construction activities.
• Strong multidisciplinary coordination experience across architecture, structural, MEP and specialist design.
• Excellent understanding of technical design, construction documentation, buildability and design coordination.
• High-rise project experience is essential.
• Strong knowledge of UAE construction regulations, authority requirements and industry standards.
• Degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering