SIT Design Manager

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

Job summary

Arup in Dubai seeks an experienced Technical Design Manager (Associate level) to lead major data centre projects within the SIT sector. You will work with large multidisciplinary teams, driving integrated design, BIM coordination, and client engagement in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Essentially, a Bachelor's in architecture with 10+ years of data centre experience, strong English, and familiarity with UAE/KSA codes are required; Revit proficiency is a plus. There may be site-based relocation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture.
• Minimum 10 years of experience on medium to large-scale data centre projects.
• Deep expertise in the sector and knowledge of UAE and/or KSA building code and authorities requirements.
• Proficiency in Revit is a plus.
• Fluency in English, with strong graphic communication; Arabic is a bonus.
• Knowledge of commercial aspects of projects and contracts is a plus.
• Experience delivering projects from feasibility to construction.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage design teams on major projects in the Data Centre and wider SIT sector.
• Engage with clients, stakeholders, and contractors in UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Oversee design development, reviews, and presentations using drawings and BIM.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to produce fully coordinated deliverables.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members.
• Ensure compliance with Arup’s Quality Management System.
• Potentially relocate to site-based offices as required.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture

Tools

Revit

Job description

Job Description:

Joining Arup

We are a global collective dedicated to sustainable development.

We operate in more than 90 offices in over 38 countries, over 18,000 planners, designers, engineers and consultants deliver innovative projects across the world with creativity and passion.

We believe in designing buildings and environments that are purposeful, simple, efficient and beautiful. These four priorities help us to shape all kinds of buildings, from stadiums to bridges to metro stations or places of work.

Our team enjoys unparalleled access to Arup’s world-class specialists together with cutting edge hardware and software which together allow us to take on the most challenging projects for our clients.

The Opportunity

Arup is seeking an experienced Technical Design Manager at Associate Level to join its growing Science, Industry & Technology team in Dubai. This role involves leading significant and complex projects within the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on growing our SIT portfolio and promoting our capabilities within the region through existing and potential client engagement. The successful candidate will work within large, multi‑disciplinary teams to deliver innovative and sustainable ‘Total Architecture’ solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage design teams on major projects in the Data Centre and wider SIT sector.
• Promoting Arup’s capabilities through regular and active engagement with both existing and potential clients, with a capability to provide strategic thinking related to potential growth opportunities, resourcing strategies, and pipeline planning.
• Engage with clients, statutory bodies, stakeholders, and contractors, ensuring effective communication and collaboration (in the UAE and Saudi Arabia).
• Oversee design development, reviews, and presentations using tools such as drawings, physical models, and virtual models.
• Passionate about implementing automation in design and delivery within a BIM environment.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to produce fully coordinated project deliverables, including BIM models, drawings, schedules, and specifications.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Arup’s Quality Management System.
• Potentially relocate to site-based offices as required.
• Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture.
• Minimum 10 years of experience working on medium to large-scale data centre projects, with deep expertise in the sector.
• Proven experience across all design stages, from feasibility to construction, with a strong understanding of the UAE and/or KSA building code and authorities requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver projects prioritizing holistic design and sustainability.
• Proficiency in Revit is a plus.
• Fluency in spoken and written English, with strong graphic communication skills. Ability to communicate in Arabic is a bonus.
• Knowledge of commercial aspects of projects and contracts is a plus.

What We Offer You

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

We offer a competitive salary at all levels, and one of the best benefits packages in our sector. Benefits include cover under the UAE Healthcare Plan (private medical insurance with dental cover up to a limit), Life Assurance and Personal Accident Insurance cover. These are funded by us and made available to all permanent staff in order to support and safeguard your financial, physical and mental wellbeing. In addition, all permanent employees are eligible for the Global Profit Share scheme. Subject to scheme rules employees can receive two Profit Share payments per year, which are dependent on the firm’s financial performance. We also offer Schooling allowance for up to 3 children who live in the UAE (caps apply), Professional subscriptions (reimbursement for up to 3 subscriptions to a limited amount approved by the Firm), interest free loans for house rental costs, employee assistance programme (counselling) and holiday trading (buy or sell of up to 5 days holiday per year).

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. We aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup .

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Arup does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies.