Head of Design Management

Head of Design Management – DubaiAn excellent opportunity has arisen with a leading, diversified real estate development group in the UAE. Renowned for delivering large-scale, high-quality mixed-use, residential, commercial, and retail developments, they are now seeking an experienced Head of Design Management to lead design strategy across multiple major building projects.About the RoleReporting to the Operations Director, you will oversee the full end-to-end design lifecycle from pre-concept through construction documentation. This role is critical in ensuring design excellence, innovation, project alignment, and compliance with quality standards, budgets, and programme milestones.You will lead internal design managers, engage with top-tier consultants, facilitate stakeholder alignment, and drive continuous improvement in design management procedures.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, manage, and mentor the design management teamPrequalify and select design consultants and subcontractorsDefine scope and ensure seamless contract and cost controlIntegrate client vision, development goals, construction constraints, and stakeholder requirements into cohesive design outcomesCoordinate cross-disciplinary design reviews and communication protocolsEnsure approval, quality, and release of design deliverables at each stageManage change impact analysis, documentation, and client approvalsAlign design programmes with construction timelines and report progress to senior managementWhat You’ll Bring10–15 years of experience in design management on complex building projectsDegree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s preferred)Chartered/Professional accreditation highly advantageousStrong knowledge of design codes & industry standardsProven experience driving design from concept to IFC documentationAbility to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage external consultantsPractical understanding of cost, timeline & scope impactsExcellent stakeholder management and communication skillsTechnical ProficiencyMS Office (Excel/Word)MS ProjectExposure to Primavera P6 is beneficialWhy This RoleJoin a respected developer delivering landmark projects across the UAEInfluence project outcomes at strategic levelLead and grow a multidisciplinary design management functionWork on high-profile building programmes with long-term development pipelinesIf you are passionate about design excellence, optimisation, and delivering coordinated outcomes across large development programmes, we’d like to hear from you.