Manager, Design Management – The Design Studio

Job Role Purpose:
The Design Manager collaborates closely with an in-house team of designers and external consultant teams to ensure the delivery of designs that align with project briefs, budgets, and timelines. There is a particular emphasis on maintaining design integrity from concept to delivery. Furthermore, this position places significant importance on effectively managing both internal and external stakeholders.

The Manager, Design Management is a valuable member of The Design Studio (DS) Design Management Team and reports directly to the Senior Design Manager. This role primarily involves overseeing Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ community developments, mixed-use projects, and the redevelopment of existing shopping malls and hotels.

As a custodian of the overall design, the Design Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing MAF initiatives related to sustainability, digital design, and innovation, all in alignment with MAFP’s Net Zero target.

Job Responsibilities :

Residential Design Expertise: Leverage expertise in residential design to ensure that design projects meet the highest standards of functionality, aesthetics, and user experience.
Mixed-Use Design: Understand master planning and mixed-use asset designs, achieving the right balance and emphasizing product uniqueness.
Materials and Site Management: Review materials selections, control mockup sign-off and on-site implementations, propose solutions and monitor site issues with observation reports.
Contractor Collaboration: Review contractors’ shop drawings, anticipate issues, provide effective solutions, and manage mockup reviews and sign-off in coordination with the site team.
Technical Communication: Present design proposals in a technically sound and persuasive manner.
Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensure alignment and delivery of projects with other business functions.
Stakeholder Updates: Consistently update project progress for all stakeholders.
Alignment and Sign-Off: Ensure consistent alignment and sign-off from all relevant parties.
In-House Team Leadership: Lead the in-house production team in effectively delivering design tasks.
Hands-On Involvement: Actively participate in both creative tasks and high-quality design package production.
Stakeholder Requirements: Understand and incorporate stakeholder requirements (e.g., Leasing, Development, operations) while adhering to the Design Brief and maintaining MAF design standards.
Presentation Quality: Maintain high-quality presentation standards to meet international norms.
Compliance: Ensure compliance with the Majid Al Futtaim Code of Conduct, Departmental policies, and HC Policies and Procedures at all times.
Design Standards Enhancement: Enhance the Design Standards content to encompass high-level principles and lessons learned.
Program and Cost Adherence: Adhere to project schedules and costs, and develop time-saving and design program efficiency initiatives.
Advocacy: Advocate and embody MAFP values within The Design Studio, ensuring adherence and consistent exhibition.
Leadership by Example: Lead by example, fostering an honest and collaborative work environment that promotes teamwork and passion for common business objectives.
Project Leadership: Lead design projects, representing DS in stakeholder meetings, providing design expertise, managing the linear design process, and guiding internal and external design teams.
Design Brief: Create a design brief and deliver designs that align with business-wide strategic initiatives, respond to the Development Brief, and prioritize first-to-asset products.
Design Package Management: Manage design packages, provide clear directions, efficient decision-making, and sign-off from internal stakeholders while ensuring alignment with the original design brief and deliverables.
Design Standards: Assist in project reviews in line with Majid Al Futtaim Design Standards.
Collaboration: Liaise with Design Studio Creative and Technical teams for timely design documentation reviews.
Scope and Deliverables: Create deliverables and scope of work aligned with the Design Brief, considering the design team structure and procurement strategy.
Functional Plans: Lead the production of functional plans with a strong understanding of layout principles.

Technical Competencies:

BIM/Revit Proficiency: Proficiency in IT skills, particularly with BIM and Revit platforms, to facilitate modern and efficient design practices.
Effective Communication: Exceptional communication skills with a talent for influencing and engaging stakeholders, fostering productive collaborations.
Innovation and Problem-Solving: Ability to work productively and innovatively, serving as both an innovator and enabler. Possesses excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and applies a flexible, pragmatic approach.
Inspiration and Motivation: An enthusiastic professional capable of inspiring others, creating a positive and motivated work environment.
Change Management: Adaptable and skilled in managing change, ensuring smooth transitions in project and team dynamics.
Industry Best Practices: Deep knowledge and understanding of industry best practices, staying updated with the latest trends and methodologies in design management.
Professional Qualifications: Possession of relevant professional qualifications, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
Personal Characteristics and Required Background:
Leadership in Complex Projects: Proven experience in leading, managing, and motivating design teams and stakeholders on large and complex projects.
Residential and Mixed-Use Expertise: Demonstrated experience in successfully delivering residential and mixed-use developments, showing a strong understanding of the unique challenges and requirements.
Project Expertise: Strong knowledge of key project processes, including design standards, management, construction processes, procurement, and tendering, ensuring successful project execution.

Personal Characteristics:
Agile
Flexible
Forward thinker
Innovative
Minimum Experience
Team player
Leader
Confident

Experience with reputable companies in the GCC region or abroad is highly regarded.
Previous experience working directly with clients or developers is considered an additional advantage.
A minimum of 8 years of work experience in mixed-use and/or residential design, demonstrating a strong foundation in these areas.
Expertise in master planning, and experience in retail, commercial, and hospitality design is a valuable asset and considered a plus.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or equivalent.