Head of Design

NSR Associates; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the UAE is seeking a Head of Design Department to oversee design and engineering on multiple large-scale projects. The successful candidate will manage technical teams and ensure projects are delivered to high standards. Requires 15+ years of experience in a relevant role, strong communication skills, and a degree. Available to start before November 1, 2025.

Qualifications

• Experience with a reputable Buildings Main Contractor in the UAE.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to delve into technical details.
• 15 years post-graduate experience.
• Strong technical awareness of UAE regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage all teams including CAD, BIM, and shop drawings.
• Ensure accuracy of shop drawings and standards.
• Manage multiple large-scale engineering projects.
• Provide technical solutions to on-site construction teams.
• Liaise with architects and local authority personnel.

Skills

Team management (CAD, BIM, shop drawings)

Technical solutions provision

Leadership guidance

Project document control

Education

Degree qualified

Job description

Description

Head of Design, Head of Engineering, or Head of Technical – this person could hold various titles in the region, but it's the experience & duties that matter! Buildings Main Contractor is seeking a Head of Design Department.

The client is a UAE-based Buildings Main Contractor with over 40 years of success delivering some of the most iconic projects in the United Arab Emirates, including hotels, palaces, airport terminals, metro works, luxury residential, mixed-use developments, retail, technology, healthcare, and high-rise buildings.

They have consistently won and delivered projects valued from 250 million AED to 3 billion AED. The group has extensive in-house capabilities, including joinery, MEP, facades, pre-cast, modular, and fit-out, complementing the main contracting business handling buildings and fit-out projects.

The role reports to the Group General Manager. Can you handle 12 live projects at the execution stage on-site, as well as all design, technical, and engineering input during pre-construction and bidding stages? This requires delegation, management, and high levels of organization to coordinate multiple tasks effectively.

Key Skills & Experience required:

• Manage all teams – CAD, BIM, shop drawings, and draughts team
• Ensure shop drawings are correct and work is delivered to the highest standard
• Follow up with sub-consultants from schematic design through to IFC stage
• Manage engineering departments of several large-scale projects within set timeframes
• Provide technical solutions to construction site teams and offer leadership guidance
• Manage project document control, including drawings, material submittals, and specifications
• Interpret design, and coordinate timely collection of information, data, and drawings from clients and consultants
• Conduct work methods improvement studies
• Liaise with architects, consultants, and local authority personnel assigned to the project

Qualifications and requirements for successful application:

• Experience working for a reputable Buildings Main Contractor in the UAE in a relevant role
• Strong communication skills demonstrated from the outset
• Ability to delve into the technical details needed
• Degree qualified, with ideally 15 years post-graduate experience
• Strong technical awareness and understanding of client requirements, rules, regulations, and supply chain in the UAE
• Available to start before November 1, 2025