Design Manager (MEP)

Adecco Portugal; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Adecco Portugal in Dubai seeks a Design Manager to lead the Design Department across Structural and MEP design, ensuring compliance with UAE codes, standards, and local authority requirements.

You will champion BIM-based delivery per Dubai Municipality mandates and ISO 19650, coordinate with consultants, clients, and authorities, and guide the design team from concept through to handover.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or Architecture.
• Master’s degree is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the Design Department across structural and MEP teams.
• Establish design standards, templates, and QC processes compliant with UAE requirements.
• Plan and allocate design resources across multiple projects and monitor deliverables.
• Review and approve all design outputs before issue.
• Mentor the design team and conduct performance reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Design management

BIM coordination

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Eng or Architecture

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

Revit

Navisworks

AutoCAD

BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud

Job description

The Design Manager is responsible for leading and managing the Design Department, covering Structural, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) design across all company projects in Dubai and the wider UAE. The role involves coordinating with external consultants, ensuring designs are technically sound, cost-effective, buildable, and fully compliant with UAE codes, standards, and local authority requirements. The Design Manager will champion BIM-based design delivery in line with Dubai Municipality mandates and ISO 19650, and act as the key link between the design team, consultants, clients, authorities, and the construction team from concept through to completion and handover

Key Responsibilities

Lead, manage, and develop the Design Department, including structural engineers, MEP engineers, architects, BIM modelers/coordinators, and CAD technicians.

Establish design standards, procedures, templates, and quality control processes aligned with company and UAE regulatory requirements.

Plan and allocate design resources across multiple projects, monitoring workload, deadlines, and deliverables.

Review and approve all design outputs (drawings, models, calculations, specifications, reports) prior to issue.

Mentor and provide technical guidance to the design team; conduct performance reviews and identify training needs.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or Architecture. Master's degree is an advantage.

Minimum 12–15 years of experience in design and construction, with at least 5 years in a design management role within a contractor, developer, or consultancy in the UAE.

Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary design teams (structural and MEP) on medium to large-scale projects in Dubai (residential, commercial, mixed-use, hospitality, or industrial).

Strong, hands-on knowledge of Dubai authority approval processes and systems (DM, DDA, Trakhees, DCD, DEWA, RTA) and master developer requirements.

Demonstrated experience coordinating external consultants and managing Engineer of Record relationships.

Solid working knowledge of BIM delivery and ISO 19650 processes.

Registration with the UAE Society of Engineers and/or Dubai Municipality Engineer Registration is highly desirable. Chartered or professional status (CEng, PE, or equivalent) is an advantage.

Technical Skills

Proficient in Autodesk Revit (Architecture, Structure, MEP), Navisworks, AutoCAD, and BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud.

Familiarity with structural and MEP analysis software (e.g., ETABS, SAFE, STAAD.Pro, HAP, Carrier, DIALux, ElectricalOM).

Sound understanding of the Dubai Building Code, Dubai Green Building Regulations / Al Sa'fat, UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice, DEWA regulations, and relevant international codes.

Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, and buildability in the UAE market.

Good knowledge of FIDIC contracts and design responsibilities within them.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Timely securing of authority approvals and permits against project programme.

Timely delivery of design and BIM packages to construction.

Quality of design outputs (minimal authority comment cycles, RFIs, and rework).

Effective consultant management (performance, cost control, and deliverables).

Successful BIM coordination (reduction in clashes and site issues).

Design cost savings achieved through value engineering.