Senior Design Manager

KEO International Consultants; United Arab Emirates; Hybrid; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Senior Design Manager to oversee complex multidisciplinary projects in Dubai. This role involves managing design phases, ensuring quality control, and fostering client satisfaction. The ideal candidate will have over 12 years of experience, a Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering, and a passion for innovative design. Join a supportive environment that values professional growth and community engagement, while contributing to iconic projects that shape the built environment. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic and collaborative team.

Benefits

Competitive package

Hybrid working arrangements

Athletic sponsorships

Study sponsorships

Employee referral rewards

Qualifications

• 12+ years of relevant experience in design management.
• Licensed as a Professional Architect or Engineer by a recognized body.

Responsibilities

• Manage all design phases and project coordination.
• Ensure implementation of design standards and QAQC procedures.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships.

Skills

Project Management

Design Oversight

Client Relationship Management

Quality Assurance

Risk Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Master’s degree in Architecture or Engineering

AIA or RIBA certification

Job description

KEO is a creative enterprise where innovation is a way of life. We offer end-to-end services to take clients from inspiration through conceptualization to realization across planning, design, and project delivery in the built and natural environments. With over 60 years of experience, we have contributed to many of the world's most ambitious projects, iconic places, and prosperous communities.

About KEO

As a highly integrated and agile AEP/PMCM firm, KEO is recognized by ENR as one of the Top 225 International Design Firms and one of the Top 20 International PM/CM Firms. We are also ranked by World Architecture as the 51st largest global architecture firm and the #1 Firm in the Middle East Region in the 2024 WA100 Survey.

Why Join Us

At KEO, you'll find a supportive environment that fosters professional development through internal global mobility and career growth. We promote a culture that supports health and well-being via on-demand counseling services and workplace clinics. Our community engagement includes sports days, fun-runs, in-house sports teams, and beach clean-ups. Benefits include a competitive package, hybrid working arrangements, athletic and study sponsorships, and employee referral rewards.

Position: Senior Design Manager

Location: Dubai, UAE

This role oversees project design, quality control, and client satisfaction for large, complex, multidisciplinary projects.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage all design phases, including project setup and weekly coordination meetings.
2. Plan and oversee project scheduling, staffing, and work plans with the project team and consultants.
3. Identify, assess, and mitigate design risks; resolve problems systematically.
4. Promote interdisciplinary design approaches in collaboration with technical leaders.
5. Ensure implementation of design standards and QAQC procedures for high-quality deliverables.
6. Monitor and manage design performance to ensure timely completion and profitability.
7. Communicate project objectives clearly to stakeholders and clients.
8. Lead the technical team to achieve high standards of design and documentation.
9. Coordinate with departments and consultants to meet project goals.
10. Develop and maintain strong client relationships for repeat business.
11. Establish and fulfill Project Terms of Reference.
12. Lead communication with the project team and client regarding project scope, scope, and schedule.
13. Report project status and performance to leadership regularly.
14. Prepare look-ahead reports for senior management.
15. Ensure ISO 9001 standards are met throughout the project lifecycle.
16. Advise on resource needs and performance issues.
17. Provide performance feedback to staff and technical leaders.
18. Perform additional duties as required.

Candidate Profile

Successful candidates will have:

• 12+ years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering; Master’s preferred.
• AIA or RIBA certification is advantageous.
• Licensed as a Professional Architect or Engineer by a recognized body.

Our Values

KEO’s success is built on integrity, results, innovation, safety, and our people. We embrace diversity and believe it contributes to client success worldwide.

Join Us

We look forward to exploring how you can partner with our award-winning team. All expressions of interest will be treated confidentially.