Senior Design Manager - Architecture

AlFuttaim; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Al-Futtaim Real Estate in Dubai is seeking a Senior Design Manager - Architecture to lead the design and delivery of high-quality residential and commercial office projects. You will drive design strategy, coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, and manage consultants from concept through construction documentation.

The role requires at least 12 years of experience in design and management, strong leadership and communications skills, and deep knowledge of UAE regulations to ensure timely,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• At least 12 years of experience in design and management roles.
• Extensive experience with residential and commercial office projects.
• Knowledge of multidisciplinary coordination across architecture, interiors, landscape, structural, MEP, and infrastructure.
• Familiarity with UAE local requirements and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality architectural design across projects from concept through tender and construction documentation.
• Develop and implement design strategies in collaboration with the Director of Architecture.
• Coordinate technical reviews and consultant appointments to ensure project alignment.
• Manage complex design challenges and communicate decisions to stakeholders.
• Lead multidisciplinary coordination across architecture, interiors, landscape, and MEP disciplines.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost, time, and quality while maintaining approvals.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Project management

Design coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Job description

Senior Design Manager - Architecture Job Snapshot Role: Senior Design Manager Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Industry: Real Estate Function: Architecture-Interior Design Experience: At least 12 years of experience in design and management roles Job Type: Full-time Position Overview Al-Futtaim is hiring a Senior Design Manager - Architecture in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for Resicom . This senior role is responsible for managing the design and delivery of high-quality architectural projects, with particular emphasis on residential and commercial office developments. The position covers design strategy, multidisciplinary coordination, consultant management, procurement support, technical reviews, permitting, risk management, and project delivery from initial concept through tender and construction documentation.

Job Details Country: United Arab Emirates City: Dubai Industry: Real Estate Function: Architecture-Interior Design Salary: Not disclosed Gender: No Preference Candidate Nationality: Not specified Job Type: Full-time Overview of the Role The Senior Design Manager will oversee complex architectural design assignments while balancing design quality, user experience, technical performance, programme, and budget requirements. Working closely with the Director of Architecture, consultants, project stakeholders, and multidisciplinary design teams, the role will help establish effective design strategies and ensure projects remain aligned with organizational objectives. The position requires an experienced architectural professional who can independently manage the complete design process, resolve complex technical and design challenges, and communicate effectively with consultants, stakeholders, and executive management.

Project Excellence

• Deliver high-quality projects with a strong focus on the end-user experience.
• Proactively manage project timelines to achieve delivery on or ahead of schedule.
• Maintain approved budgets while balancing cost, quality, and programme requirements.
• Identify opportunities that can deliver measurable cost, quality, or time efficiencies.
• Follow established company processes, policies, and strategic objectives throughout project delivery.
• Encourage effective collaboration and professional development within project teams.
• Maintain awareness of evolving architectural practices and design trends.

Design Management

• Support the Director of Architecture in developing and implementing design strategies across assigned projects.
• Independently manage the end-to-end design process from preparation of the initial brief through procurement.
• Coordinate technical reviews and consultant appointments.
• Manage architectural projects from concept design through tender and construction documentation.
• Coordinate the requirements necessary to obtain building permits.
• Address complex design issues with practical and creative solutions.
• Communicate design decisions and proposed solutions clearly to relevant stakeholders.
• Assess and prioritize new requests to maintain efficient project delivery.

Multidisciplinary Coordination

A key part of the position is coordinating design requirements across architecture, interiors, landscape, structural engineering, MEP, and infrastructure disciplines. The Senior Design Manager will ensure these inputs are appropriately integrated as projects progress through design, procurement, and construction stages.

Risk and Stakeholder Management

• Develop repeatable processes and templates for managing complex design activities consistently.
• Identify potential project risks and address uncertainties between stakeholders before they affect delivery.
• Maintain clear communication with consultants and other project stakeholders.
• Manage design and coordination complexities arising during procurement.
• Support resolution of design-related matters encountered on site.
• Present project information and design proposals effectively to executive management.

What Qualifies You for the Role

• Minimum bachelor 's degree in Architecture.
• At least 12 years of experience in design and management roles, preferably with leading local developers.
• Extensive experience managing residential and commercial office projects.
• Comprehensive understanding of multidisciplinary coordination across architecture, interiors, landscape, structural, MEP, and infrastructure.
• Strong project management capabilities across budget and programme constraints.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex architectural and design challenges.
• Strong consultant and stakeholder leadership skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation capabilities.
• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations to executive management.
• In-depth understanding of architectural practices, user experience, and technical efficiency.
• Familiarity with UAE local requirements and regulations.

About Al-Futtaim Real Estate Al-Futtaim Real Estate is part of Al-Futtaim and has more than six decades of experience in real estate and asset management. The business plans, develops, and manages projects across the MENA region, with a diversified portfolio spanning residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, healthcare, infrastructure, and education assets. Its flagship mixed-use communities include Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City.