Senior Design Manager

Wasl Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Wasl Group is seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead the multidisciplinary design development for large-scale real estate projects in the UAE. You will align architectural and engineering outputs with regulatory requirements, budgets, and program milestones.

Report directly to the Head of Design within the Real Estate division, coordinating with internal teams, consultants, and authorities to ensure design quality and sustainability alignment across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of design management experience across large-scale developments.
• Experience with high-rise, mixed-use, or hospitality projects in the GCC.
• Exposure to LEED, WELL, or similar sustainability standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the overall design process across project stages from feasibility to construction documentation.
• Coordinate inputs from architectural, structural, MEP, landscape, interior, and sustainability disciplines.
• Review and validate design deliverables for functionality, buildability, and compliance with briefs and guidelines.
• Manage design consultants, ensuring quality, milestones, and cost-effectiveness.
• Act as primary design liaison among internal stakeholders, authorities, and external consultants.
• Facilitate value engineering and design optimization without compromising project integrity.
• Oversee complex design issues and ensure regulatory, operational, and end-user considerations.
• Monitor design program and budgets to align with project objectives.
• Champion design innovation and sustainability standards in line with UAE regulations.

Skills

Project planning & scheduling

Budgeting & cost management

Risks & issues management

Stakeholder & communication

Scope & change control

Interdisciplinary coordination

Regulatory & code compliance

Digital design & BIM tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Revit

Navisworks

Job description

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Born from the vision to elevate Dubai's global prominence, Wasl was founded on May 25, 2008, with the mission to transform the city into an even more captivating destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Created from the union of the Dubai Development Board and Real Estate Department, Wasl embarked on a journey of seamless integration. This strategic merger not only streamlined operations but also empowered our team with enhanced expertise, enabling us to adopt dynamic, market-driven investment strategies.

Today, Wasl stands tall as a cornerstone of Dubai's real estate landscape. As one of the city's largest and most diversified real estate management companies, we proudly oversee an expansive portfolio of landmark assets, entrusted to us by DREC and other esteemed partners.

1. JOB DETAILS:

Position Title: Senior Design Manager
Reports to: Head of Design
Division: Real Estate
Department: Projects

2. POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Design Manager leads the multidisciplinary design development of large-scale real estate projects, ensuring architectural and engineering alignment with organizational goals, design quality standards, and regulatory requirements. The role bridges conceptual vision and technical execution by managing internal teams, consultants, and key stakeholders.

3. JOB DIMENSIONS:

Number of Staff Supervised
Direct Reports: 2-3
Total Reports: Project-specific design teams

4. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead and manage the overall design process across project stages, from feasibility and concept to construction documentation.
• Coordinate and integrate inputs from architectural, structural, MEP, landscape, interior, and sustainability disciplines.
• Review and validate design deliverables for functionality, buildability, and compliance with project briefs and design guidelines.
• Manage design consultants, ensuring deliverable quality, milestone adherence, and cost-effectiveness.
• Act as the primary design liaison among internal stakeholders, authorities, and external consultants.
• Facilitate value engineering and design optimization without compromising project integrity.
• Guide the resolution of complex design issues and ensure incorporation of regulatory, operational, and end-user considerations.
• Monitor design program and budgets to ensure alignment with overall project objectives.
• Champion design innovation and sustainability standards in line with global benchmarks and UAE regulations.

Key Technical Skills and Knowledge:

Technical Competency

Description

Proficiency Level

Project Planning & Scheduling

Define project scope, timeline, and resources across initiatives.

Advanced

Budgeting & Cost Management

Estimate, monitor, and control project costs.

Advanced

Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues.

Advanced

Stakeholder & Communication Management

Engage and inform stakeholders with timely, transparent communication.

Advanced

Scope & Change Control

Manage scope and adapt to project change while maintaining compliance.

Advanced

Interdisciplinary Coordination

Lead integration of architectural, engineering, and specialty design.

Advanced

Regulatory and Code Compliance

Ensure designs meet UAE and international standards and approvals.

Advanced

Digital Design & BIM Tools

Use Revit, Navisworks, and similar tools for design coordination.

Intermediate

5. COMMUNICATIONS and WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Internal: Director of Projects, Development Team, Design, Engineering, PMO
• External: Consultants, Authorities, Contractors, Architects

6. CONTEXT, WORK ENVIRONMENT AND DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY:

Strategic office-based design management role with regular site engagement. Exercises independent judgment on design quality and compliance decisions within defined parameters.

7. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Supports budget adherence during design development; contributes to value engineering and cost-efficiency recommendations.

8. SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Qualifications (Essential):
• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field
• Experience (Essential):
• 10+ years of experience in design management across large-scale developments
• Experience with high-rise, mixed-use, or hospitality projects in the GCC
• Exposure to LEED, WELL, or similar sustainability standards

Note: This job description provides a broad indication of the role and responsibilities of the position. The position holder may be required to perform additional tasks and responsibilities not listed here, in line with organizational needs and changes in business priorities.

Our Values

At Wasl, we are more than just a real estate company. We are active contributors to Dubai's thriving economy, fostering enduring relationships with our valued stakeholders. Our customer-centric approach is rooted in trust, respect, and a relentless pursuit of innovation in every aspect of asset management.