Design Manager

Overview of the role

The design manager is responsible for overseeing all design functions and working collaboratively with departments such as operations, procurement, planning, and commercial. This role emphasizes full coordination of design information and securing required approvals in alignment with schedules and operations. Identifying value engineering opportunities, monitoring design costs, and mitigating commercial risks are key aspects. The role also involves eliminating HSE risks in construction, assisting bid and procurement teams, and maintaining high standards of design deliverables.

What you will do

Main role
Implement the design management plan (DMP) and manage the release and approval of design deliverables in line with the programme, conducting risk analysis and corrective actions.
Ensure all subcontractors provide fully coordinated design information through progress meetings.
Ensure compliance with contract drawings, specifications, and employer’s requirements.
Identify variations and programme delays, and manage the preparation of claims and extension of time requests in collaboration with commercial and planning teams.
Manage change by identifying missing contract information, resolving design issues, and recording design changes.
Coordinate all design information through BIM model to ensure timely delivery of updated models.
Mentor junior staff and provide guidance as needed.

Design
Lead the design team, providing direction, technical support, and control over the design programme.
Plan design activities to align with the approved baseline programme.
Engage with client, PMC, and consultant’s representatives to address technical issues.
Manage the release and approval of all shop drawings, material approval requests, and other relevant documents per programme demands.
Ensure coordination of interfacing subcontractors and sub-consultants to meet deadlines.
Maintain design document records as per company IMS requirements and third-party audits.
Distribute all design information timely and accurately.
Write correspondence to clients and subcontractors to protect company interests.
Prepare and manage instruction trackers to record design changes and delay events.
Provide technical assistance across company departments.
Ensure availability of current design information for all project delivery staff and subcontractors.
Prepare necessary handover design documentation according to project requirements.
Review and approve sample boards and mock-up units prior to client or consultant submission.

Design accountabilities
Stay informed about international standards, statutory authority regulations, and safety, quality, and environmental procedures.
Implement continuous improvement using latest good practice design guidelines.
Identify and mitigate construction and legacy HSE design risks.

Other tasks
Handle any reasonable work or task request allocated by the line manager.

Required skills to be successful

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in design management and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities to engage with clients and consultants effectively.
• Deep understanding of contract compliance and risk management in design and construction.

What qualifies you for the role

• Bachelor or diploma in architecture, structural, civil, or MEP engineering, with a preference for architecture.
• 15 to 20 years of experience in the construction industry, with a history of working with tier 1 main contractors in the GCC, ideally UAE.
• At least 10 years of experience or a fully qualified professional with a minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience (PQE) and intermediate level qualifications.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects independently and support business and departmental needs.

About Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate

The real estate development and operations arm of Al-Futtaim, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is responsible for a multi-billion-dollar portfolio across MENA. With high-quality residential, business, retail, tourism, educational, and healthcare developments, the master developer caters to the diverse needs of cities and communities in the region. From origination, conception, development, sales, procurement, and construction of mega-projects and the leasing, operation, and management of these projects after completion, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate (AFGRE) has been developing and managing owned landbanks, unlocking the economic potential of the region and contributing to future development for more than 40 years.

Our focus is to enable and invest in meaningful relationships to make our properties the best places to live and work, build additional products and services, and enable partnerships to create true value to our customers throughout their entire experience with us. AFGRE is responsible for master planning of all projects in its portfolio, including two large scale mixed use destinations: Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City.