Senior Design Manager | Al Futtaim Construction | Al Futtaim Contracting

Robinson & Co (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contracting company in Dubai is seeking a Senior Design Manager to oversee design functions and ensure compliance with project requirements. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in construction and design management, particularly with Tier 1 Main Contractors in the GCC. Responsibilities include coordinating design deliverables and managing design risks, while providing leadership to junior staff.

Qualifications

• 15 to 20 years of construction industry experience with Tier 1 Main Contractors in GCC.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience or fully qualified professional.
• Proven capability in managing complex projects and driving results.

Responsibilities

• Implement and manage the Design Management Plan (DMP).
• Conduct progress meetings to ensure sub-contractors provide coordinated design info.
• Ensure compliance with contract drawings and specifications.
• Engage with the Client and Consultant’s Representative on technical issues.

Skills

Design management expertise

BIM modeling proficiency

Strong leadership skills

Risk analysis ability

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's diploma in Architecture or Engineering

Job description

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands.

The Senior Design Manager will lead and oversee all design functions, working closely with operations, procurement, planning, and commercial teams. The role is responsible for ensuring complete coordination of design information, securing all necessary approvals in line with programme schedules and operational requirements.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Implement and manage the Design Management Plan (DMP), coordinating, reviewing, and securing approvals for design deliverables in line with programme requirements.
• Conduct progress meetings with individual and multiple trades as necessary to ensure sub-contractors provide fully coordinated design information.
• Ensure strict compliance with contract drawings, specifications, and Employer’s requirements.
• Work with the Commercial and Planning teams to identify variations and programme delays, supporting the preparation and submission of claims and EOT requests.
• Oversee change management by identifying missing contract information, managing IRS, resolving design issues, and recording design changes.
• Ensure all BIM model information is current, coordinating with trades to deliver timely and updated models.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff as required.

Design Accountabilities:

• Be accountable for all areas of design responsibility and deliverables, while managing associated risks.
• Lead the design team, providing supervision, direction, technical support, and overall control of the design programme.
• Plan and oversee design activities in alignment with the approved Baseline Programme.
• Engage with the Client, PMC, and Consultant’s Representative on technical issues to establish effective working relationships.
• Ensure the release and approval of all shop drawings, material approval requests, calculations, and related submissions in line with programme requirements.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in design management within construction, with proficiency in BIM modeling.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to manage contractors and sub-contractors effectively.
• Ability to conduct risk analysis, prepare claims and manage variations effectively.
• Proficient in international standards compliance and safety protocols.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's diploma in Architecture, Structural, Civil, or MEP Engineering, preferably in Architecture.
• 15 to 20 years of construction industry experience with Tier 1 Main Contractors in GCC, ideally UAE.
• Minimum of 10 years experience or fully qualified professional with at least 5 years of Post Qualification Experience (PQE) and intermediate level qualification.
• Proven capability in managing complex projects, influencing stakeholders, taking initiative, driving results, providing engaging leadership, and developing talent.

Al-Futtaim Contracting offers customers complete engineering and systems integration solutions.

The company is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion.