Senior Design Manger Job Opening in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Senior Design Manager – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Overview of the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead and manage design operations for retail developments, specifically shopping centres and malls, in Dubai, UAE. This strategic role involves overseeing multiple complex projects, managing consultants and stakeholders, ensuring the quality and technical integrity of designs, and aligning outputs with development goals. You will play a key role in shaping architectural visions, conducting design reviews, and delivering commercially viable, regulatory-compliant, and innovative design solutions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design Brief Development

• Conduct comprehensive site assessments including access, context, visibility, and circulation.

• Develop detailed design briefs that outline objectives, technical criteria, and project context.

• Collaborate with the Project Management team to define infrastructure, statutory, and delivery constraints.

2. Design Management & Delivery

• Oversee the design process from concept through tender documentation.

• Set consultant timelines and deliverable standards.

• Lead design review meetings and evaluate against project goals, efficiency, cost, and aesthetics.

• Provide expert input on design quality, constructability, engineering coordination, and compliance.

• Coordinate stakeholder inputs, resolve conflicts, and support statutory approvals.

• Prepare and present design proposals to executive teams and key decision-makers.

• Support the development of marketing materials for project launches.

3. Development Strategy & Cost Advisory

• Contribute to development briefs, focusing on positioning, KPIs, and design requirements.

• Identify critical design and infrastructure risks affecting project feasibility.

• Conduct cost assessments and coordinate with the Commercial team to validate budgets and benchmarks.

• Advise on project cost structure and ROI evaluations tied to design choices.

4. Research & Innovation

• Drive innovation by researching emerging trends in smart cities, sustainability, mobility, and user experience.

• Refine departmental processes, including templates and design guidelines.

• Support analytical models that assess the impact of design features on commercial outcomes.

5. Project Planning & Reporting

• Develop high-level project timelines and milestone roadmaps.

• Deliver weekly progress tracking and executive summary reports.

• Ensure clear and consistent reporting throughout all phases of the project.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• 15+ years of experience in design and project management, preferably with major regional developers or consultancy firms.

• Proven leadership in the delivery of retail malls and shopping centres; hospitality project experience is a plus.

• Broad design skill set across architecture, interiors, graphics, and visual communication.

• Deep technical knowledge of structural, MEP, civil engineering, and construction methods.

• Strong understanding of local regulatory frameworks and authority approval processes.

• Skilled in preparing high-impact presentations and communicating with senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Urban Design, or a related field.

• Experience managing full design lifecycles from concept through construction.

• Additional certifications or training in real estate development, business strategy, or cost management are advantageous.