Senior Design Manager

Cognita; United Arab Emirates; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational development firm is seeking a Senior Design Manager to oversee innovative design solutions for educational facilities in Dubai. This role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, ensuring design quality and compliance with regional codes, while engaging with various stakeholders to shape impactful educational environments.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in architectural design, 3+ years in senior leadership role.
• Strong portfolio with large-scale education projects.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead project lifecycle from concept to handover.
• Ensure timely delivery of design solutions within budget.
• Act as primary liaison for clients, consultants, and contractors.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Design Quality

Sustainability

Education

Bachelor's and Master's degree in Architecture

Professional licensure (RIBA, AIA or equivalent)

LEED or Sustainability Certification

PMP or Project Management Certification

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Rhino

Job description

We are
looking for a Senior Design Manager to join our growing team in Dubai.
This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional with a proven track
record of delivering complex school development and educational facility
projects across the region. You'll lead the full project lifecycle, from
initial concept and stakeholder engagement through to detailed design,
construction, and final handover.
Responsibilities:
Design
Leadership & Strategy
Champion innovative, functional, and aesthetic design solutions
aligned with client needs and organisational vision.
Drive creative direction and design quality across all stages of
development.
Define project requirements in collaboration with school
stakeholders and educational authorities.
Design
Management & Execution
Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams across multiple
projects.
Ensure timely delivery of design solutions within scope and budget.
Support business development and operations through collaborative
project execution.
Stakeholder
Collaboration
Act as the primary liaison for clients, consultants, contractors,
and ministries.
Lead design reviews and regulatory presentations with confidence
and clarity.
Maintain consistent communication of design intent across all
project phases.
Quality
Control & Documentation
Review and validate all drawings, specifications, and design
documentation.
Implement rigorous quality standards and sustainability benchmarks.
Ensure compliance with regional codes, safety standards, and best
practices.
Budget
& Resource Management
Monitor budgets and resource allocation to optimize project
performance.
Ensure your team is equipped with the tools and talent to succeed.
Track milestones and proactively resolve project challenges.
Innovation
& Sustainability
Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies.
Integrate green building practices and future-ready design into
every project.
Required
Skills & Experience:
Bachelor s and Master s degree in Architecture or related field.
Professional licensure (RIBA, AIA, or equivalent) preferred.
LEED or sustainability certification is a plus.
PMP or project management certification desirable.
Minimum 10 years in architectural design with at least 3 in a
senior leadership role.
Demonstrated success delivering large-scale education or
institutional projects.
Strong portfolio showcasing relevant design excellence across
sectors.
Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino and related design
software.
Deep knowledge of building codes, construction methodologies, and
sustainable design principles.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a dynamic
environment.

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