Design Managers x 2 - Tier 1 Contractor

Our client is a leading Tier 1 contractor in the GCC region. They have recently been awarded a AED 4billion urban development project and require a corporate contracts manager to be based at their head office. 

Job Title: Design Manager
Location: UAE (Dubai / Abu Dhabi)
Reports to: Project Director / Technical Director

Purpose of the role
Own the design process end-to-end — from concept through to construction and handover — coordinating consultants, contractors, and client requirements so the design intent is delivered on programme, on budget, and to the required quality and regulatory standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all design activities throughout the project lifecycle, from concept design through to construction and handover 
• Coordinate consultants, contractors, and client requirements to ensure a fully integrated design 
• Manage design consultants on design, drawings and deliverables to ensure adherence to the construction programme 
• Coordinate with the site team on design changes and respond to them in a way that protects the construction programme 
• Conduct site visits, produce detailed visit reports, and monitor design implementation on site 
• Review and validate technical drawings, plans, and specifications for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project requirements
• Manage the competency and efficiency of the design process to control cost and improve profit margins 
• Review Bills of Quantities (BOQ) and apply value-engineering practices to keep designs commercially viable 
• Liaise with the site team and draughtspersons to produce accurate as-built drawings 
• Chair and minute design coordination meetings; track and close out RFIs and design queries

Requirements

• Degree in Architecture, Civil/Structural Engineering, or a related discipline
• Strong knowledge of UAE building regulations, codes, and authority approval processes (Dubai Municipality/DDA, Trakhees, ADM/DMT, or relevant local authority) 
• Proven track record delivering projects in the UAE construction market — residential, commercial, hospitality, or infrastructure depending on the employer's sector
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office; BIM coordination experience increasingly expected 
• Typically 8–15+ years' experience, with several years in a UAE/GCC market

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage and motivate multidisciplinary design teams 
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across consultants, contractors, and client representatives 
• Sound commercial awareness, including BOQ review and value-engineering practices 
• Strong organisational skills, able to run multiple design packages and deadlines concurrently
• Sharp eye for design detail and quality standards appropriate to the sector (e.g. luxury/hospitality-grade if applicable)