Senior Design Manager

Al Abbar Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

Al Abbar Group is seeking a senior Façade Design Leader in Dubai to drive the façade design from concept through fabrication and installation. You will coordinate cross‑disciplinary teams across multiple locations, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes that meet architectural intent and performance criteria.

You will oversee compliance with international standards and local Middle East codes, lead design reviews, and mentor a high-performing team to deliver iconic, complex projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture or related field.
• 20+ years of façade industry experience on large-scale projects.
• Experience leading design teams across GCC/Middle East.
• Expertise in unitized curtain walls and bespoke façades.
• Proven ability to coordinate with international consultants and clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead façade design from concept to installation.
• Direct multidisciplinary design teams across locations.
• Ensure compliance with BS/EN/ASTM/CWCT and Middle East codes.
• Review drawings, perform value engineering, and manage risks.
• Support project delivery in budget, schedule, and quality.

Skills

Design leadership

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Client liaison

Presentation skills

Quality assurance

Education

Bachelor's in Architecture/Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

BIM

MS Office

Job description

• Lead and manage the complete façade design process from concept development through detailed design, fabrication, and installation stages.
• Direct design teams across multiple locations and disciplines to ensure timely and high-quality project delivery.
• Establish design strategies and technical solutions aligned with architectural intent, project requirements, budget, and programme.
• Review and approve façade shop drawings, fabrication drawings, setting-out drawings, installation drawings, and material take-offs.

Technical Excellence

• Interpret and manage contract requirements, specifications, architectural drawings, and performance criteria.
• Oversee structural, thermal, acoustic, movement, and performance aspects of façade systems.
• Ensure compliance with project specifications, international standards, and local regulations, including BS, EN, ASTM, CWCT, and relevant Middle East codes.
• Drive innovative solutions for complex façade geometries and bespoke architectural requirements.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary design interface with clients, architects, consultants, contractors, and system suppliers.
• Lead technical workshops, coordination meetings, design reviews, and value engineering discussions.
• Present design solutions confidently to senior stakeholders and project teams.

Project Delivery

• Support project management teams in achieving programme, cost, quality, and technical objectives.
• Monitor design progress and proactively resolve technical challenges affecting procurement, fabrication, testing, and site installation.
• Identify risks, opportunities, and variation impacts related to design development.
• Support commercial and estimating teams during tender and pre-construction phases.

Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of design managers, BIM manager, engineers, designers, and draughtsmen.
• Establish best practices and maintain high technical and quality standards throughout the department.
• Promote continuous learning and technical development within the organization.

Quality & Governance

• Implement robust design review and approval procedures.
• Ensure all deliverables meet company quality standards and project requirements.
• Support mock-ups, laboratory testing, site testing, and project commissioning activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 20 years of façade industry experience, including significant experience on large-scale and landmark projects.
• Proven experience managing design teams on high-rise, mixed-use, hospitality, commercial, airport, cultural, or mega-development projects.
• Strong expertise in unitized curtain walls, stick systems, skylights, steel-glass structures, bespoke façades, and specialty building envelope systems.
• Previous experience working on projects within the GCC or Middle East region is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of façade engineering principles, design standards, and performance requirements.
• Experience coordinating with international consultants, architects, contractors, and suppliers.

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of façade design and engineering principles.
• Strong understanding of structural calculations and system performance requirements.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, 3D design and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with BIM environments and platforms such as Revit is advantageous.
• Familiarity with façade analysis software and engineering tools is preferred.

We are looking for a candidate who demonstrates:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent presentation and client-facing skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders across international teams.
• Strong commercial awareness and decision-making skills.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on quality and delivery.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience delivering façade packages valued in excess of USD 100M+ on iconic or complex projects