Job Description

We are looking for a Senior Design Manager for a construction company based in Dubai.

Location – Dubai, UAE

Salary – 40,000 – 45,000 AED/month

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in construction design management, preferably within the UAE or wider GCC.
• Proven experience managing the design delivery of large-scale and complex construction projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of multidisciplinary design coordination across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines.
• Experience working on major projects such as high-rise, mixed-use, infrastructure, or data centre developments is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of UAE building regulations, codes, authority requirements, and approval processes.
• Previous experience working with Tier 1 contractors or reputable developers is desirable.
• Experience delivering Design & Build / EPC projects and working within fast-track or technically complex environments.
• Strong leadership, strategic decision-making, stakeholder management, negotiation, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary and/or international design teams.
• Strong understanding of value engineering, buildability, design risk management, and cost optimisation.
• Experience managing BIM-led projects and working with Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, BIM 360/ACC, and CDE/document management systems.
• Chartered Engineer/Architect status or professional membership such as CEng, RIBA, CIOB, ICE, or RICS is advantageous.
• BIM Management certification, including ISO 19650, and/or Project Management certification such as PMP is desirable.
• Experience with project planning tools such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project is advantageous.
• Lead and manage the overall design process across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines, ensuring alignment with project objectives and contractual requirements.
• Develop and implement the Project Design Execution Plan, ensuring all design deliverables align with the overall construction programme.
• Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to Design Managers, Design Coordinators, and technical teams.
• Act as the primary design point of contact for clients, consultants, specialist subcontractors, and key project stakeholders.
• Oversee the review and approval of design deliverables, including IFC drawings, shop drawings, material submittals, O&M manuals, and as-built documentation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead design reviews, technical workshops, coordination meetings, and buildability assessments to identify and resolve design issues.
• Monitor design progress against agreed programmes and KPIs, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Manage RFIs and ensure design queries and technical issues are resolved efficiently to avoid delays to construction activities.
• Drive value engineering and design optimisation initiatives while considering quality, cost, programme, and buildability.
• Ensure robust QA/QC procedures are implemented across all design disciplines and conduct design audits where required.
• Champion Safety in Design principles and ensure designs comply with UAE regulations, international standards, HSE requirements, and company policies.
• Oversee the effective use of BIM, CAD, Common Data Environment (CDE), and digital collaboration platforms throughout the design process.
• Review subcontractor and specialist designs to ensure full integration with the overall project design.
• Monitor design risks and ensure appropriate risks are incorporated into the project risk register.
• Track design changes and collaborate with Commercial and Procurement teams to assess cost, programme, variation, and procurement impacts.
• Oversee Temporary Works design coordination, reviews, approvals, and associated compliance requirements.

About the Role:

We are seeking for a Senior Design Manager who will lead and coordinate the design delivery of complex construction projects, acting as the key interface between clients, consultants, specialist subcontractors, and internal project teams. You will be responsible for managing the design process from coordination through to construction delivery, ensuring IFC drawings, shop drawings, and technical information are accurate, fully coordinated, buildable, and delivered in line with the project programme. The role will also oversee multidisciplinary design teams, design risk, QA/QC, BIM coordination, value engineering, and stakeholder engagement to ensure successful project delivery.