Design Manager (Masterplanning)

Job description / Role

A leading real estate developer in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager - Master Planning to play a pivotal role in shaping large-scale, mixed-use developments across the emirate. This senior leadership position will oversee the strategic design management of master planning projects, translating the company's long-term vision into high-quality, commercially viable, and sustainable master plans.

The role requires a strong balance of design leadership, technical expertise, stakeholder coordination, and strategic thinking, with direct involvement in high-profile developments from visioning through detailed master planning and approvals.

Key Search Criteria

* UAE experience is mandatory, with a strong preference for Abu Dhabi-based experience
* Dubai experience will be considered as a second preference, followed by GCC experience
* Background in a consultancy or developer environment is required
* Candidates with both consultancy and developer experience are highly preferred

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Design & Master Planning Leadership

* Lead the strategic design management of master planning projects from vision through delivery
* Translate corporate development objectives into actionable master planning strategies
* Ensure alignment with approved development briefs, company standards, and leadership direction
* Drive innovation while maintaining design excellence and commercial viability

Design Coordination & Compliance

* Coordinate internally across feasibility, architecture, infrastructure, delivery, and commercial teams
* Oversee land use planning, circulation networks, open space strategies, and product mix development
* Review master plan deliverables across all stages, ensuring compliance with DMT planning requirements (Vision, PCMP, Framework, CMP, DMP, etc.)
* Ensure alignment with all relevant authorities and stakeholder requirements

Consultant & Stakeholder Management

* Lead and manage external consultants, providing clear design direction and regular reviews
* Review land use analyses and sector allocations, recommending optimizations where required
* Organize and chair consultant and design coordination meetings
* Collaborate closely with Project Management and Delivery teams to secure approvals and ensure continuity

Leadership, Communication & Governance

* Present master plans, design strategies, and progress updates to senior and executive leadership
* Support procurement through development of RFPs, design briefs, and scopes of work
* Monitor live projects to ensure consistency with approved design intent
* Attend senior management meetings and contribute to strategic discussions

Innovation, Sustainability & Standards

* Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the design team
* Ensure master plans align with sustainability, environmental, and long-term community goals
* Stay informed on global urban design trends and emerging technologies
* Continuously refine internal design processes and standards

Why Join

* Play a key role in shaping landmark developments in Abu Dhabi
* Work directly with senior leadership on strategic, city-shaping projects
* Join a high-performing, design-led development organisation
* Competitive package and long-term career growth within a major developer

Qualifications & Experience

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Master Planning, or related discipline
* Advanced qualifications in Urban Design or Landscape Architecture are an advantage
* 12-15 years' experience in real estate design and development
* Minimum 7+ years' experience in the Middle East, preferably the UAE
* Strong portfolio demonstrating large-scale master planning and mixed-use developments

Skills & Competencies

* Deep expertise across all master planning stages, from visioning to detailed design
* Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams across planning, design, delivery, and commercial functions
* Strong design communication skills, including sketching, diagrams, and visual storytelling
* High proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office, and 3D tools (SketchUp or Revit)
* Strong understanding of land use economics and revenue vs non-revenue products
* Excellent presentation, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills
* Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
* Fluent English is essential; Arabic language skills are 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.