Senior Design Manager

We are looking for a Senior Design Manager for a leading International Architecture and Engineering Consultancy.

Location – Dubai, UAE

Salary – 50,000 AED/month

Qualification and Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture.
• Minimum 15 years of architectural experience, with 20+ years highly desirable.
• Registered Architect or equivalent professional accreditation preferred.
• Proven experience delivering construction-phase architectural services on major commercial, headquarters or mixed‑use developments.
• Extensive experience protecting and maintaining architectural design intent during construction.
• Strong background reviewing shop drawings, architectural details, materials, finishes and technical submissions.
• Demonstrated experience working closely with contractors, supervision consultants and Project Management Consultants (PMCs).
• UAE project experience is essential.
• Experience obtaining and coordinating Dubai Municipality and other local authority approvals.
• International or Western project experience is preferred.
• Experience working on sustainable developments with LEED accreditation or similar green building certification is highly desirable.
• Excellent understanding of construction methodologies, architectural detailing and design coordination.
• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation and communication skills.
• Confident leading meetings and representing the architectural design team independently.
• Commercially aware with excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Calm, diplomatic and capable of influencing project teams while maintaining positive working relationships.
• UAE‑based candidates are preferred, although candidates willing to relocate will also be considered.
• Immediate availability or notice period of one month or less is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Safeguard and protect the original architectural design intent throughout all stages of the construction phase.
• Act as the primary architectural representative during construction, independently representing the design team in meetings with the client, contractor, PMC and supervision consultants.
• Review and approve shop drawings, architectural details, material submissions, finishes and mock‑ups to ensure compliance with the approved design.
• Identify and resolve architectural design conflicts, coordination issues and proposed construction changes while preserving the integrity of the original concept.
• Provide architectural guidance to contractors and consultants regarding design interpretation, detailing and technical compliance.
• Review value engineering proposals and recommend appropriate solutions without compromising the project's architectural vision or quality.
• Monitor site progress through regular inspections to ensure architectural works are executed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications and design standards.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary consultants to resolve design coordination challenges throughout construction.
• Support authority‑related architectural matters, including coordination with Dubai Municipality and other relevant regulatory authorities where required.
• Maintain clear communication with senior stakeholders, building strong relationships while confidently challenging decisions that may negatively impact design quality.
• Ensure all architectural materials, finishes and construction methodologies meet the project's quality expectations and sustainability objectives.
• Contribute towards achieving LEED Platinum / LEED Zero certification by ensuring sustainable architectural requirements are maintained during construction.
• Prepare technical reports, architectural reviews and design recommendations for client and project leadership.
• Promote best practice architectural standards, quality assurance and continuous design excellence throughout project delivery.
• Work closely with internal colleagues throughout the design process to ensure smooth coordination, clear communication, and alignment from concept through delivery.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with teams involved in design and execution, supporting efficient decision-making and timely project progress.
• Be available to work a 6‑day week as required by the role and project demands.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager. This is a construction‑phase design leadership role focused on protecting and maintaining the original architectural vision throughout the delivery of the project. Unlike a traditional construction or project management position, this role acts as the guardian of the original design intent, ensuring that all architectural decisions, materials, finishes, shop drawings and technical solutions remain aligned with the approved design. The successful candidate will represent the design team throughout construction, working closely with the client, contractor, project management consultant (PMC), supervision consultants and other stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of design quality are achieved.