Design Manager - Architecture

Blake Anderson; Dubai; Presencial; AED 180.000 - 360.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Blake Anderson is seeking a Design Manager - Pre-Contract to lead design management from concept to tender for high-profile developments in Dubai. You will coordinate internal teams and external consultants to deliver integrated design outputs aligned with project briefs, timelines and commercial goals.

The ideal candidate has 8–12 years in design or project management within real estate, with UAE/GCC experience preferred and a PMP-like certification advantageous.

Formación

• Minimum 8-12 years in design or project management in development environments.
• Experience with pre-contract design management for residential/hospitality/mixed-use projects.
• Experience in UAE/GCC region preferred.

Responsabilidades

• Lead pre-contract design management from concept to tender.
• Coordinate design programmes and align with development briefs and commercial targets.
• Review design submissions for buildability and compliance with regulations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external consultants.

Conocimientos

Stakeholder management

Consultant coordination

Time management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Educación

Bachelors in Architecture

PM Certification (PMP or equivalent)

Descripción del empleo

My client a leading real estate developer, requires a Design Manager - Pre-Contract who will play a key role in managing the design process during the early stages of development, from concept through to tender documentation. The role focuses on ensuring that design outputs are aligned with project vision, commercial objectives, and development strategies across residential, hospitality, mixed-use, and master-planned developments.With a strong foundation in project management, the successful candidate will drive coordination between internal stakeholders and external consultants, ensuring timely, high-quality, and commercially viable design deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Pre-Contract Design Management
  • Lead and manage the design process from concept, feasibility, and schematic stages through to tender documentation
  • Ensure all design deliverables align with development briefs, project objectives, and commercial targets
  • Coordinate design programmes and ensure adherence to project timelines and milestones
  • Support the preparation of development strategies, design briefs, and project execution plans
• Consultant & Stakeholder Coordination
  • Manage and coordinate external consultants including architects, master planners, and engineering teams
  • Ensure effective collaboration across internal departments including development, project management, commercial, and marketing
  • Review and monitor consultant performance, deliverables, and compliance with scope
  • Lead design coordination meetings and ensure clear communication across all stakeholders
• Design Review & Technical Oversight
  • Review design submissions at all stages to ensure quality, functionality, buildability, and compliance with regulations
  • Ensure integration of all disciplines (architecture, structure, MEP, infrastructure) within the design
  • Identify design risks and provide solutions aligned with project constraints
  • Ensure compliance with local authority regulations and approval requirements
• Commercial & Project Alignment
  • Work closely with development and commercial teams to ensure designs are cost-effective and aligned with business objectives
  • Support value engineering exercises during design development
  • Assist in preparing tender documentation, including design packages and scopes of work
  • Contribute to procurement strategies for design consultants
• Planning, Reporting & Governance
  • Track design progress and report on key milestones, risks, and issues
  • Prepare and present design updates to senior management
  • Maintain proper documentation and version control of all design deliverables
  • Ensure adherence to company design management processes and standards
• Personal Attributes
  • Proactive and solution-oriented
  • Detail-focused with strong analytical skills
  • Collaborative team player with leadership capability
  • Adaptable and able to manage competing priorities
  • High level of professionalism and accountability

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
• Professional certifications in Project Management (PMP or equivalent) are advantageous

Experience

• Minimum 8-12 years' experience in design management and/or project management
• Proven experience in pre-contract design management within a developer or consultancy environment
• Experience delivering residential, hospitality, mixed-use, or master-planned developments
• Prior experience in the UAE or GCC region is strongly preferred

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of design management processes in early project stages
• Solid project management background, with ability to manage timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables
• Good technical understanding of architecture and engineering coordination
• Commercial awareness with ability to align design with development objectives
• Knowledge of local authority processes and approvals in Abu Dhabi (preferred)

Key Skills

• Excellent stakeholder and consultant management skills
• Strong organisational and time management abilities