Senior Design Coordinator

Independent Food Company; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed company in the UAE is seeking a Design Manager to oversee multiple aspects of project management from site visits to brand compliance, ensuring alignment with design standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing design processes, compiling design packages, and facilitating communication among various stakeholders to ensure project success. A strong background in architecture or design management is essential for success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Attend site visits and assess conditions in relation to brand design requirements.
• Coordinate all design stages and act as the main contact point for design consultants.
• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor construction quality and design compliance.
• Ensure all live projects comply with brand manuals and visual identity standards.

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Initiation

• Attend site visits and assess conditions in relation to brand design requirements

• Review Landlord Design Guidelines and provide feedback on risks or restrictions

• Validate the LODs and ensure all necessary drawings are collected

• Assess project timelines, milestone schedules, and raise concerns related to design workflow

• Coordinate test fit plans, ensuring operational and design requirements are integrated

2. Design Development & Drawing Supervision

• Coordinate all design stages

• Act as the main contact point for all design consultants during delivery

• Conduct official briefings to ensure understanding of brand, technical, and operational requirements

• Track and manage consultant submissions, ensuring adherence to deadlines and landlord formats

• Review drawings for alignment with brand guidelines, operational needs, and technical feasibility

• Ensure coordination between kitchen, MEP, lighting, IT, signage, and other disciplines

• Compile and issue the final coordinated design package to Project Managers for tender

• Submit drawings to landlords and track feedback/action items

• Provide material and FF&E specifications in coordination with designers; source alternates if required

3. Tender Phase Support

• Assist the PM in developing BOQs and validating quantities/design alignment

• Evaluate contractor qualifications and attend site/factory visits to verify capabilities

• Respond to RFIs related to design and materials

• Manage any sourcing requests for custom FF&E or specialty items

4. Construction & Execution Oversight

• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor construction quality and design compliance

• Identify design or build issues and work with PMs and contractors to resolve them

• Review shop drawings, material samples, and mock-ups before approval

• Track RFIs, submittals, and site delays related to design scope

• Attend factory visits and production workshops to:

• Inspect furniture and custom fixture production

• Approve material finishes and build quality

• Confirm alignment between design specs and physical output

• Document findings from site/factory visits and escalate issues early

• Support the Design Operations Lead with final inspections and snagging during handover

5. Brand Compliance & Franchise Support

• Ensure all live projects and franchise locations comply with brand manuals and visual identity standards

• Review external franchise submissions and flag any non-compliance issues

• Coordinate with consultants to rectify deviations in layout, material, or signage

• Maintain and update brand execution documentation and materials database

6. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and updated design folders, trackers, submission logs, and reports

• Document challenges and lessons learned from each project to improve future delivery

• Support the Design Operations Lead in preparing audit reports and quality reviews