Senior Design Manager
Date: 6 Nov 2026
Location: Dubai, AE
Company: waslllc
JOB DETAILS
Position Title: Senior Design Manager
Reports to: Director of Projects
Department: Projects
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Design Manager leads the multidisciplinary design development of large-scale real estate projects, ensuring architectural and engineering alignment with organizational goals, design quality standards, and regulatory requirements. The role bridges conceptual vision and technical execution by managing internal teams, consultants, and key stakeholders.
JOB DIMENSIONS
Number of Staff Supervised
Direct Reports: 2-3
Total Reports: Project-specific design teams
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Key Accountabilities:
- Lead and manage the overall design process across project stages, from feasibility and concept to construction documentation.
- Coordinate and integrate inputs from architectural, structural, MEP, landscape, interior, and sustainability disciplines.
- Review and validate design deliverables for functionality, buildability, and compliance with project briefs and design guidelines.
- Manage design consultants, ensuring deliverable quality, milestone adherence, and cost-effectiveness.
- Act as the primary design liaison among internal stakeholders, authorities, and external consultants.
- Facilitate value engineering and design optimization without compromising project integrity.
- Guide the resolution of complex design issues and ensure incorporation of regulatory, operational, and end-user considerations.
- Monitor design program and budgets to ensure alignment with overall project objectives.
- Champion design innovation and sustainability standards in line with global benchmarks and UAE regulations.
KEY TECHNICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
|
Technical Competency |
Description |
Proficiency Level |
|
Project Planning & Scheduling |
Define project scope, timeline, and resources across initiatives. |
Advanced |
|
Budgeting & Cost Management |
Estimate, monitor, and control project costs. |
Advanced |
|
Risk & Issue Management |
Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues. |
Advanced |
|
Stakeholder & Communication Management |
Engage and inform stakeholders with timely, transparent communication. |
Advanced |
|
Scope & Change Control |
Manage scope and adapt to project change while maintaining compliance. |
Advanced |
|
Interdisciplinary Coordination |
Lead integration of architectural, engineering, and specialty design. |
Advanced |
|
Regulatory and Code Compliance |
Ensure designs meet UAE and international standards and approvals. |
Advanced |
|
Digital Design & BIM Tools |
Use Revit, Navisworks, and similar tools for design coordination. |
Intermediate |
COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- Internal: Director of Projects, Development Team, Design, Engineering, PMO
- External: Consultants, Authorities, Contractors, Architects
WORK SETTING & DECISION AUTHORITY
Strategic office-based design management role with regular site engagement. Exercises independent judgment on design quality and compliance decisions within defined parameters.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Supports budget adherence during design development; contributes to value engineering and cost-efficiency recommendations.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Qualifications (Essential):
- Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field
Experience (Essential):
- 10+ years of experience in design management across large-scale developments
Experience (Desirable):
- Experience with high-rise, mixed-use, or hospitality projects in the GCC
- Exposure to LEED, WELL, or similar sustainability standards