Design Manager - Site Based

Blake Anderson; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious real estate development company is seeking a Design Manager in Dubai. You will oversee design activities for an ultra-luxury hospitality development, ensuring seamless coordination between teams and maintaining high standards. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience, a relevant degree, and a proven track record with luxury projects.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration

Dynamic, design-led environment

Opportunity to work on exclusive developments

Qualifications

• 8+ years of Design Management experience with on-site delivery.
• Proven track record of one 5-star hotel project handover.
• Strong technical knowledge in design coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead all on-site design activities from concept to completion.
• Coordinate design-related issues during construction.
• Oversee design packages and material submittals.
• Ensure design integrity across all stages.
• Track design changes and ensure timely approvals.
• Liaise with project management and procurement teams.
• Drive design excellence adhering to brand standards.
• Monitor consultant and contractor performance.

Skills

Design Management

Façade design

MEP coordination

High-end interior fit-outs

Coordination

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or Engineering

Master's Degree (preferred)

Job description

Our client, a prestigious real estate development company in Dubai, is seeking a Design Manager with extensive site-based experience to join their project team for an ultra-luxury hospitality development. The project features a 5-star hotel, a wellness centre delivering new standards of design excellence and craftsmanship in the region. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all design-related activities on site, ensuring seamless coordination between design, technical, and construction teams, and maintaining the highest quality standards throughout project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all on-site design activities from concept through to completion.
• Coordinate and resolve design-related issues during construction, acting as the key interface between consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Oversee and review detailed design packages, shop drawings, and material submittals.
• Ensure the integrity of design intent is maintained across façade, MEP coordination, and interior design fit‑out stages.
• Manage and track design changes, ensuring timely communication and approvals.
• Liaise closely with project management, construction, and procurement teams to ensure alignment of design with project schedule and budget.
• Drive design excellence and ensure adherence to brand and quality standards expected in ultra-luxury hospitality projects.
• Participate in design reviews, technical workshops, and mock‑up inspections.
• Monitor consultant and contractor performance to ensure compliance with design deliverables and specifications.

Why Join

• Opportunity to work on one of Dubai's most exclusive ultra-luxury developments.
• Be part of a visionary developer committed to world-class design and execution.
• Competitive remuneration and a dynamic, design-led environment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of Design Management experience with significant on-site delivery exposure.
• Proven track record of completing at least one 5-star or ultra-luxury hotel project through to handover.
• Strong technical knowledge and hands‑on experience in façade design, MEP coordination, and high‑end interior fit‑outs.
• Experience working with international consultants and contractors in the UAE or wider GCC region.
• Excellent coordination, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience on the contractor or consultant side will be considered, provided the candidate has full-cycle design and delivery exposure.