Studio Manager - Architecture

Client of Redfish Solutions; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Brand-led portfolio exposure

Collaborative studio culture

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Client of Redfish Solutions seeks a Studio Manager Operations Manager in Dubai to lead a design-led architectural practice. The role blends commercial leadership with studio operations to balance client expectations and project delivery.

You will oversee resource planning, fee proposals, contract negotiations, and supervise a team while representing the practice to clients and consultants. Dubai-based or relocation considered for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in architecture, design or built environment.
• Proven ability in fee proposals, contracts and dispute handling.
• Experience leading studio operations and resource planning.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• UAE market presence and network are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and negotiate fee proposals and contracts.
• Manage variations, protect fee recovery and lead project close-out.
• Handle commercial disputes with clients and consultants, resolving them professionally.
• Oversee team utilisation, resource planning and leave approvals.
• Drive internal accountability and ensure programmes and deadlines are met.
• Run weekly studio management meetings with clear actions.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial acumen

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Business development

Job description

Studio Manager Operations Manager

We are seeking an exceptional Studio Manager Operations Manager to join a respected design-led architectural practice in Dubai.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial

• Prepare and negotiate fee proposals and contracts
• Manage variations, protect fee recovery and lead project close-out
• Handle commercial disputes with clients and consultants, resolving them firmly and professionally

Operations

• Oversee team utilisation, resource planning and leave approval
• Drive internal accountability, holding teams and individuals to agreed programmes and deadlines
• Run the weekly studio management meetings, ensuring clear actions and follow-through
• Keep the studio functioning smoothly, working alongside the Practice Coordinator

Leadership

• Act on behalf of the Founding Principal in their absence
• Represent the practice externally with clients, consultants and industry stakeholders
• Set expectations and challenge where necessary, whether that means telling a client no, directing consultants or holding the internal team to a deadline

Business Development

• Identify and assess new opportunities, ensuring the practice pursues the right work
• Build and maintain relationships with developers, clients and key market contacts
• Lead prospects through to successful close, in partnership with the Founding Principal

What s on Offer

• A senior leadership position with genuine influence over the direction and performance of the practice
• The opportunity to work closely with a Founding Principal on a respected brand-led portfolio
• A collaborative design-led studio culture
• Competitive salary package and benefits
• Scope to shape the future of a growing practice

If you are a commercially driven leader ready to take on a pivotal role in a respected architectural practice we would love to hear from you.

If you are in Dubai or willing to relocate with the right skill set

redfish solutions promotes a culture where diversity is welcomed and celebrated We embrace differences whether they be social backgrounds ethnicity disability gender age religion sexuality and any other protected characteristic We have an inclusive recruitment philosophy and will endeavour to support those applicants who may need adjustments in order to take part in the recruitment process

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003 when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency and when advertising temporary contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.

Requirements

• Significant senior-level experience (typically 12+ years) in a commercial, operational or leadership role within architecture, design or the wider built environment
• Strong background in a role such as practice manager, development manager, project director, commercial director or client representative, or an architect or designer who has moved into a commercial or business leadership role
• Proven experience in the UAE market, with an established network and an authoritative presence in the region (candidates must already be UAE-based)
• Demonstrated commercial acumen, including fee proposals, contract negotiation, variations and dispute resolution
• Experience managing resources, utilisation and studio operations
• Confidence and credibility when dealing with ultra-high-net-worth clients and senior stakeholders
• A strong understanding of how design businesses operate and the importance of design quality and brand
• The authority and resilience to challenge clients, consultants and internal teams
• Excellent communication, negotiation and leadership skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment