Job Overview
Al-Futtaim Real Estate is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager in Dubai, UAE, to lead the design management and delivery of high-quality residential and commercial real estate projects within Resicom+, part of the Al-Futtaim Group.
The successful candidate will oversee the entire design process, from initial project briefs and concept development to tender documentation, construction documentation, and building permit approvals. This role requires strong architectural expertise, project management capabilities, and the ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams while ensuring projects meet quality standards, budgets, and agreed timelines.
The Senior Design Manager will also support the Director of Architecture in developing design strategies, resolving complex technical challenges, and delivering projects that balance aesthetics, functionality, cost efficiency, and user experience.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management and Delivery
- Lead the delivery of high-quality architectural projects, ensuring excellent design standards and a positive user experience.
- Manage project schedules and coordinate design activities to achieve agreed milestones and deadlines.
- Monitor project budgets and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency without compromising quality.
- Ensure design deliverables meet organisational objectives, project requirements, and established company policies.
- Promote collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across project teams.
- Monitor architectural trends, industry developments, and best practices to support innovative design solutions.
Design Management and Coordination
- Support the Director of Architecture in developing and implementing design strategies for residential and commercial projects.
- Manage the end-to-end design process, from project briefing and concept design through procurement and construction documentation.
- Review architectural designs and technical submissions to ensure compliance with project requirements and quality expectations.
- Coordinate the appointment and management of design consultants.
- Oversee design development, tender documentation, and construction documentation.
- Coordinate building permit applications and ensure design submissions comply with applicable UAE regulations.
- Identify design issues, assess alternatives, and implement practical solutions.
- Prioritise design requests and manage competing project requirements effectively.
Multidisciplinary Coordination
- Coordinate architectural, interior design, landscape, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and infrastructure disciplines.
- Facilitate communication between consultants, contractors, internal departments, and other project stakeholders.
- Review design interfaces and resolve technical conflicts before they affect project delivery.
- Ensure design information is coordinated, accurate, and suitable for tendering and construction.
- Support procurement activities and manage design-related matters arising during the construction phase.
Risk Management and Stakeholder Communication
- Establish standard procedures, templates, and systems to improve the consistency of design management activities.
- Identify potential project risks, clarify uncertainties, and coordinate appropriate mitigation measures.
- Communicate design decisions, project updates, and technical solutions clearly to stakeholders.
- Prepare professional design presentations and project updates for senior and executive management.
- Manage complex design coordination issues arising during procurement and on-site execution.
- Maintain strong working relationships with consultants, project teams, and business stakeholders.
Required Skills and Competencies
Candidates applying for Senior Design Manager jobs in Dubai should demonstrate:
- Excellent architectural design management and project delivery skills.
- Strong understanding of residential and commercial office developments.
- Proven ability to manage project budgets, schedules, design quality, and technical requirements.
- In-depth knowledge of architectural practices, design development, and construction documentation.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design consultants.
- Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to identify project risks and resolve complex design challenges.
- Understanding of UAE building regulations, permitting procedures, and local authority requirements.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple project priorities.
Qualifications and Experience
To qualify for this Senior Design Manager position in Dubai, applicants should have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from a recognised institution.
- At least 12 years of professional experience in architectural design and design management.
- Experience managing residential and commercial office projects.
- Previous experience working with leading real estate developers is preferred.
- Extensive knowledge of coordinating architectural, interior, landscape, structural, MEP, and infrastructure design disciplines.
- Experience managing projects from concept design through tendering and construction documentation.
- The ability to prepare and present design proposals and project updates to executive management.
- Familiarity with UAE building regulations, design standards, and local authority approval processes.
About Al-Futtaim Real Estate
Al-Futtaim Real Estate is part of the Al-Futtaim Group and has more than six decades of experience in real estate development, investment, and asset management. The company develops and manages a diverse portfolio of properties and communities across the MENA region.
How to Apply for Senior Design Manager Jobs in Dubai
Experienced architects and design management professionals with a strong background in residential and commercial developments can explore this opportunity with Al-Futtaim Real Estate in Dubai, UAE.
Job Title: Senior Design Manager
Company: Al-Futtaim Real Estate – Resicom+
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job Category: Architecture / Design Management / Real Estate
Experience Required: 12+ years