Senior Manager - Design

Al Ghurair Group

Dubai

On-site

AED 300,000 - 520,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A leading diversified family business in Dubai is seeking an experienced individual to lead urban design strategies and master planning efforts. You will oversee placemaking initiatives, manage external design consultants, and ensure high-quality outcomes aligned with UAE standards. Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's degree in architecture and 7-10 years of relevant experience. Join a vibrant community committed to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in a rapidly evolving environment.

Qualifications

7-10 years of experience in architecture or design management.
Experience managing external design consultants.
Expertise in identifying and mitigating design risks.
Experience with value engineering and cost optimization.

Responsibilities

Lead development of urban design strategies and master plan.
Oversee placemaking initiatives and design benchmarking.
Manage design documentation and ensure compliance.
Review consultant submissions and provide structured feedback.
Support site visits, design compliance, and progress tracking.
Liaise with external consultants, contractors, and vendors to ensure timely delivery.
Maintain design documentation, version control, and ACC platform distribution.

Skills

BIM

Autodesk Construction Cloud

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Adobe Suite

Design management

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture or related field

Tools

BIM (Building Information Modeling)

Autodesk Construction Cloud

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lead and coordinate the development of urban design strategies, small to mid-scale master plan design, ensuring cohesive integration of architecture, landscape, mobility, and public realm to create high-quality, people-centric environments, aligned with UAE regulatory frameworks, climate conditions, and cultural context.
Oversee placemaking initiatives across projects, shaping vibrant and distinctive destinations through strong narrative, activation strategies, and alignment with the overall development vision and market positioning, with sensitivity to local market expectations and lifestyle trends in the UAE.
Support the development and refinement of design briefs, RFPs, and consultant scopes to align with project and business objectives.
Contribute to design benchmarking, market research, and the creation of internal reference documents that inform design direction.
Assist in evaluating and prequalifying architectural and specialist consultants, maintaining updated records and performance insights.
Provide input on design strategies that enhance quality, efficiency, sustainability, and alignment with project vision.
Ensure adherence to internal design processes, standards, and governance frameworks.
Coordinate multidisciplinary design activities and ensure alignment across all consultant teams.
Manage design documentation, ensuring accuracy, version control, and timely distribution through ACC platform.
Review consultant submissions (including drawings, reports, and presentations) and provide structured, actionable feedback.
Support technical reviews of construction documents, specifications, and schedules.
Assist with site visits to monitor design compliance, resolve issues, and track progress.
Liaise closely with external consultants, contractors, and vendors to ensure timely, compliant delivery.
Maintain organised project files, design trackers, and consultant databases through ACC platform.
Prepare and support meeting scheduling, agendas, and design-related correspondence.

Who you are?

Bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field
Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in architecture or design management, with experience managing external design consultants.
Strong proficiency in BIM and Autodesk Construction Cloud, Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite.
Proven experience managing external design teams and overseeing the entire design process from concept to completion. Strong understanding of architectural design principles and best practices.
Strong understanding of managing consultancy agreements, design deliverables, and cost implications of design decisions. Experience with value engineering and cost optimization.
Strong communication skills with the ability to manage relationships with external consultants, clients, and internal stakeholders. Proficient in leading cross-functional teams and resolving complex design challenges.
Expertise in identifying and mitigating design risks through proactive problem-solving attitude.

Who are we?

Al Ghurair is a leading diversified family business group in the Middle East, founded in 1960 with operations spanning six key industry sectors: Foods and Resources, Properties, Construction and Services, Energy, Mobility, and Ventures. Headquartered in Deira, we are proud to employ approximately 28,000 people across more than 50 countries worldwide.

We are looking for passionate and talented individuals to join us in our journey. At Al Ghurair, you have the opportunity to contribute to a legacy of excellence and be part of a team that is shaping the future of the UAE and beyond.

We’re a vibrant community where individuals thrive and careers flourish. Our diverse community embodies this spirit, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Here, respect, support, and open communication form the very fabric of our work environment, to fulfil our core Purpose of ‘Enhancing Life’. When you work with us, you become part of our shared purpose, collaborating with colleagues who share your passion and commitment to success.

Job Info