Design Manager

The Project/Design Manager (Pre-Contract) leads the design phase of major developments, ensuring alignment with project scope, budget, and timeline. This role focuses on managing multidisciplinary design coordination, consultant procurement, authority approvals, and risk mitigation prior to contract award. The position supports mega-scale residential, hospitality, and mixed‑use developments and ensures design excellence and constructability readiness.Key Responsibilities:Develop RFPs, conduct thorough analysis for bids and assign required consultants and sub‑consultants accordingly.Oversee procurement of design packages, ensuring quality compliance, securing approvals, and managing deliverables aligned with project timelines.Facilitate cross‑functional coordination among designers, establishing communication protocols, leading meetings,Monitor project budgets, timelines, and progress, prioritizing critical paths and providing stakeholder updates toReview, audit, and vet all the projects progress payments for all stakeholders as per contracts.Consultant & Stakeholder Coordination:Prepare and review RFPs, scopes of work, and fee proposals for design consultants.Support procurement and contract negotiations for design services.Manage design consultants and peer reviewers to ensure scope clarity, timely deliverables, and closure of comments.Liaise with Planning, Cost, and Engineering teams to ensure program alignment and cost control.Works closely with project stakeholders in reviewing Cost reports/ variation orders claimed by consultants andRisk & Quality Management:Identify design gaps, constructability issues, and coordination conflicts early.Implement mitigation strategies and technical risk controls.Candidate Requirements:-Education:Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Engineering, or related field. (accredited/reputable university).Master’s degree in project management is an advantage.Experience:12 to 15 years total professional experience; strong UAE experience is mandatory.Proven delivery on mega‑projects: Residential, Hospitality, Mixed‑use / master‑planned developments.Prior developer‑side experience within large client organizations and/or reputable UAE firms is highly preferred.International consultancy experience is a plus.Technical & Professional Skills:Deep knowledge of UAE construction practices, authority regulations, and approval processes.Familiarity with regional and international codes (IBC, BS, NFPA, ADA, LEED/Estidama).Ability to assess design decisions relative to cost, program, quality, and constructability.Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.Experience in writing RFPs, scopes of work, and managing consultants.Certifications (Preferred):RIBA, AIA, or equivalent international accreditation.Personal Attributes:Ownership and accountability; detail‑oriented with strategic, big‑picture mindset.Ability to manage multiple projects/priorities.Confident communicator at senior/executive level.Comfortable in a fast‑paced, developer‑led environment.#J-18808-Ljbffr