Director Project and Design

DU; Dubai; On-site; AED 380,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

du in Dubai seeks a visionary Head of Project Management and Design to lead large-scale office, retail, and mission-critical facilities. You will drive strategy, governance, and delivery, aligning with budget, timeline and quality goals.

The role requires leadership across cross-functional teams, deep expertise in design software, compliance, sustainability, and value engineering, with a track record in Class A towers and complex projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, interior design, or civil engineering from an accredited NAAB or CEAB program.
• Preferred: Master's degree in construction management or sustainable design; PMP, LEED AP, or WELL AP certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for project management, design execution, and delivery, ensuring successful outcomes within defined cost, timeline, and quality parameters.
• Develop and implement design strategies that align with the organization's vision, ensuring innovative, sustainable, and functional spaces.
• Oversee the development of conceptual layouts and visual schemes using advanced design software (AutoCAD, 3D software) for diverse projects, ensuring compliance with business requirements, branding guidelines, and regulatory standards.
• End-to-End Project Governance: Oversee RFPs, tender documentation, and contractor prequalification processes, ensuring adherence to FIDIC contracts and local authority regulations.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Lead interface management with MEP engineers, Facilities Management, Operations, IT, Branding, and Technology teams to develop comprehensive design and project execution plans.
• Establish strategic partnerships with external consultants, vendors, and contractors to ensure the highest quality of work and optimal resource utilization.
• Conduct site visits and technical evaluations to assess contractor capabilities and compliance with design and safety requirements.
• Drive value engineering initiatives by identifying and implementing cost-effective design alternatives that maintain quality and aesthetic standards.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting efforts for design and project execution, ensuring alignment with financial targets and business objectives.
• Champion best practices in project management, contract management, and compliance with local laws, regulations, and safety standards.
• Team Development: Mentor high-potential talent in emerging trends such as modular construction, generative design, and circular economy principles.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Decision-making

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture / interior design / civil engineering

Master's degree in construction management or sustainable design

PMP

LEED AP or WELL AP

Tools

AutoCAD

3D Studio Max

Photoshop

Illustrator

MS Project

Job description

Key Accountabilities :

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for project management, design execution, and delivery, ensuring successful outcomes within defined cost, timeline, and quality parameters.
• Develop and implement design strategies that align with the organization's vision, ensuring innovative, sustainable, and functional spaces.
• Oversee the development of conceptual layouts and visual schemes using advanced design software (AutoCAD, 3D software) for diverse projects, ensuring compliance with business requirements, branding guidelines, and regulatory standards.
• End-to-End Project Governance: Oversee RFPs, tender documentation, and contractor prequalification processes, ensuring adherence to FIDIC contracts and local authority regulations.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Lead interface management with MEP engineers, Facilities Management, Operations, IT, Branding, and Technology teams to develop comprehensive design and project execution plans.
• Establish strategic partnerships with external consultants, vendors, and contractors to ensure the highest quality of work and optimal resource utilization.
• Conduct site visits and technical evaluations to assess contractor capabilities and compliance with design and safety requirements.
• Drive value engineering initiatives by identifying and implementing cost-effective design alternatives that maintain quality and aesthetic standards.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting efforts for design and project execution, ensuring alignment with financial targets and business objectives.
• Champion best practices in project management, contract management, and compliance with local laws, regulations, and safety standards.
• Team Development: Mentor high-potential talent in emerging trends such as modular construction, generative design, and circular economy principles.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in architecture, Interior Design, or Civil Engineering from an accredited NAAB or CEAB program.
• Preferred: Master's degree in construction management or Sustainable Design; PMP, LEED AP, or WELL AP certification.

Experience:

• Over 12 years of experience in project management, design, and construction, including at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing Class A office towers, flagship retail, or mission-critical facilities.
• Experience in managing large-scale projects and cross-functional teams.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
• Advanced proficiency in design and project management software (AutoCAD, 3D Studio Max, Photoshop, Illustrator, MS Project, etc.).
• Expert knowledge of engineering standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Deep understanding of health and safety regulations, civil defense requirements, and sustainability principles.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Strong financial acumen for budgeting and cost control in large-scale projects.