Design Management Director

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Design Management Department across multiple real estate development projects.
  
• Develop and implement the company's overall design strategy in alignment with business objectives.
  
• Oversee all project design phases, including concept, schematic, detailed design, authority approvals, tender documentation, and construction support.
  
• Coordinate and manage external architects, engineering consultants, landscape designers, and specialist consultants.
  
• Ensure that all designs comply with local regulations, international standards, company guidelines, and project requirements.
  
• Collaborate closely with the Development, Construction, Commercial, Procurement, Sales, Marketing, and Project Management teams to ensure integrated project delivery.
  
• Review and approve design deliverables, technical drawings, specifications, and consultant submissions.
  
• Manage design budgets, schedules, deliverables, and consultant performance.
  
• Drive value engineering initiatives while maintaining design quality, functionality, and customer experience.
  
• Identify design risks and implement proactive mitigation strategies.
  
• Support tendering activities by providing technical evaluations and design clarifications.
  
• Ensure effective coordination between design and construction teams to minimize design conflicts during project execution.
  
• Lead design review meetings and present project updates to executive management.
  
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing design management team.
  

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture (Master's degree is an advantage).
  
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in architecture and design management within the real estate development industry.
  
• At least 5 years of experience in a senior management or director-level position.
  
• Proven experience managing large-scale residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use developments.
  
• Strong understanding of architectural design, engineering coordination, authority approval processes, and construction documentation.
  
• Experience working with international design consultants is highly preferred.
  
• Strong knowledge of BIM, design coordination, value engineering, and project lifecycle management.
  
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, BIM platforms, and Microsoft Office applications.
  
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance design excellence, cost efficiency, and project timelines.
  
• Fluency in English and Arabic.