Design Manager

Job description / Role

Our client is a leading Real Estate Developer in Abu Dhabi, renowned for delivering landmark residential, mixed-use, and community developments across the UAE. They are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join their growing in-house development team, overseeing projects from early masterplanning through to construction and delivery.

Position Overview:
The Design Manager will play a key role in managing the design process across multiple large-scale developments, ensuring design excellence, coordination, and delivery in line with the company's vision and development standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong Architectural background and proven experience working on major masterplan and mixed-use projects within the UAE.

Key Responsibilities:

* Lead and manage the design process across all project stages, from concept masterplanning through detailed design and site coordination.
* Oversee and coordinate the work of appointed consultants, architects, engineers, and specialist designers.
* Ensure design intent aligns with the project brief, development strategy, and brand guidelines.
* Review and approve design submissions, drawings, and technical documentation to ensure compliance with project requirements, budget, and schedule.
* Collaborate closely with internal development, project management, and construction teams to ensure smooth handover from design to execution.
* Monitor design progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to maintain project timelines and quality.
* Participate in design reviews, value engineering exercises, and stakeholder presentations.
* Manage coordination with relevant authorities and ensure adherence to local regulations and building codes.

* Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or a related discipline (Master's degree preferred).
* Minimum 10 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years in the UAE working on large-scale masterplan or mixed-use developments.
* Proven experience managing projects through all design and delivery stages, from concept to construction.
* Strong knowledge of UAE building codes, design standards, and approval processes.
* Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
* Experience working with developers or major consultancies in the region is highly desirable.
* Proficiency in design management tools and understanding of BIM/Revit workflows is an advantage.

About the Company

Blake Anderson is a boutique consultancy based in the UK, with a satellite office in Dubai. Specialising in Technical and Construction Recruitment, Blake Anderson provides a superior service to clients and candidates within the construction and technical sectors.

We concentrate on placing professionals throughout the world, focusing mainly on the Middle East and Asia, drawing on both the global and local markets for highly qualified professionals. In order to attract the best talent, we invest in various high-end advertising mediums.

With a database of 1,000's of candidates, our experienced consultants have a wealth of recruitment knowledge and have a consultative approach at all times, ensuring a second to none service.