Senior Design Manager - Al Futtaim - Dubai, UAE

AlFuttaim; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading real estate developer in Dubai is seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead the design lifecycle for high-end projects. This role involves managing consultants, ensuring design quality, and adhering to luxury standards. Candidates should have over 15 years of design management experience in luxury hospitality with a strong understanding of design codes. The position offers competitive salary and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Work on iconic projects

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in design management with developers or architectural firms.
• Proven portfolio in luxury hospitality, residential, and VVIP private projects.
• Strong understanding of design standards, codes, and high‑end project expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead client discussions to define design preferences and develop reverse briefs.
• Manage, guide, and supervise design consultants to ensure high standard luxury design.
• Monitor project budgets to ensure viability, alignment, and cost control.

Skills

Full‑cycle design management

Consultant evaluation and coordination

Luxury hospitality and VVIP project experience

Budget monitoring and cost alignment

Timeline tracking and program management

Design review and quality assurance

Change management and risk assessment

Team leadership and mentoring

Client communication and presentation

Knowledge of codes, practices, and industry standards

Education

Degree in Architecture or related field

Job description

Position Overview

Senior Design Manager role at Al Futtaim in Dubai leads the full design lifecycle for high‑end private projects, managing the journey from pre‑concept to full documentation and coordination. The position ensures design quality, budget alignment, and timely delivery while managing design consultants, collaborating with multiple internal teams, and maintaining luxury and VVIP project standards across all stages of development.

Job Details

Country: UAE

City: Dubai

Industry: Architecture & Planning

Function: Architecture-Interior Design

Salary: 30,000-38,000 monthly (Market estimated)

Gender: Any

Candidate Nationality: Any

Job Type: Full‑time

Key Responsibilities

• Review project briefs to define and evaluate requirements before consultant selection
• Establish consultant evaluation criteria, review portfolios, assess presentations, and recommend final selections
• Lead client discussions to define design preferences and develop reverse briefs where needed
• Prepare mood boards, design scope documents, and deliverables for each project
• Manage, guide, and supervise design consultants to ensure high standard luxury design outcomes
• Review, comment, and refine drawings, models, images, and documentation throughout project stages
• Ensure strict adherence to luxury and VVIP project benchmarks, design codes, and best practices
• Monitor project budgets to ensure viability, alignment, and cost control throughout design stages
• Track timelines to ensure on‑time delivery and proactively elevate delays or risks
• Identify potential design changes early, assess their cost and time impact, and obtain required approvals
• Assign responsibilities within the design team based on skills and workload, and support staff development
• Participate in recruitment and support junior team members through guidance and coaching
• Review design management procedures, provide feedback, and support continuous improvement

Ideal Profile

• Deep experience managing full design cycles for luxury hospitality and VVIP private projects
• Proven leadership in design consultant management from pre‑concept to handover
• Strong understanding of high‑end finishes, luxury design standards, and global design trends
• Ability to evaluate design packages, identify implications of changes, and advise stakeholders
• Strong communication, coordination, and problem‑solving capability
• Ability to manage multiple projects in high‑pressure environments

Skills Set

• Full‑cycle design management
• Consultant evaluation and coordination
• Luxury hospitality and VVIP project experience
• Budget monitoring and cost alignment
• Timeline tracking and program managementDesign review and quality assurance
• Change management and risk assessment
• Team leadership and mentoring
• Client communication and presentation
• Knowledge of codes, practices, and industry standards

What Qualifies You for the Role

• Degree in Architecture or related field
• 15+ years of experience in design management with developers or architectural firms
• Proven portfolio in luxury hospitality, residential, and VVIP private projects
• Strong understanding of design standards, codes, and high‑end project expectations
• Capability to manage multiple design packages simultaneously under tight deadlines

Why Join Us

• Lead design management for prestigious private and luxury developments
• Work with one of the region's largest real estate developers on iconic projects
• Collaborate with global consultants and elite design teams
• Opportunity to shape high‑impact, luxury environments across the MENA region
• Strong career development within a high‑performance real estate organization

About the Company

Al Futtaim Group Real Estate oversees a multi‑billion‑dollar development portfolio across the MENA region, delivering residential, commercial, retail, education, healthcare, and tourism assets. As the master developer of iconic destinations such as Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City, the division manages development, leasing, operations, and community experiences across large‑scale mixed‑use environments.