Description:
The Architectural Design Manager will be responsible for the end-to-end management and coordination of local and international projects, ensuring timely delivery from concept design approval through to authority compliance. Based in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the role involves direct reporting to the Group Head of Concept Design and deputizing for the Department Head as required. This senior position demands in-depth knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks, proven experience in leading multi-disciplinary design teams, and the ability to drive project progression through structured planning, follow-ups, and quality assurance.
Key Responsibilities:
1- Concept Design Leadership
- Plan, lead, and manage the entire architectural concept design process from initial briefing to final approval.
- Develop and implement detailed design timelines, ensuring all team members have clear deliverables and deadlines.
- Facilitate and obtain formal design approvals from internal management at each critical project stage.
- Act as the primary coordinator for securing all necessary approvals from local and international regulatory authorities (e.g., DMT, ADM, DDA).
- Ensure the design vision and quality are maintained throughout all project phases, from concept to authority submission.
2- Stakeholder Coordination
- Serve as the central point of contact and communication between executive leadership (Managing Director), the Group Head of Concept Design, and the Development Manager.
- Liaise effectively with internal production teams to ensure design intent is accurately translated into technical documentation.
- Manage relationships and communication with all external design consultants, including architects, engineers, and specialist advisors.
- Represent the company in meetings and correspondence with relevant government authorities and external project stakeholders.
3- Schedule & Risk Management
- Develop comprehensive, integrated design schedules using industry-standard software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).
- Continuously monitor project progress against established milestones and critical path activities.
- Proactively identify potential risks, delays, or bottlenecks in the design process and develop effective mitigation strategies.
- Prepare and present regular progress reports on schedule status, risks, and forecasted completion dates to senior management.
4- Consultant & Budget Oversight
- Assist in the selection, onboarding, and contractual management of external architectural and engineering consultants.
- Monitor consultant performance against agreed-upon scope, schedule, and quality standards.
- Review and validate consultant fee invoices, ensuring alignment with contracted services and project budget.
- Support the Group Head of Concept Design in budget preparation and cost-control measures for the design phase.
5- Team Management
- Set clear, measurable performance targets and key results (OKRs) for direct reports and design team members.
- Conduct regular one-on-one and team follow-up meetings to track progress, address challenges, and provide guidance.
- Implement and oversee quality assurance and control protocols to ensure all deliverables meet company and regulatory standards.
- Foster a collaborative team environment, ensuring all members are aligned with project objectives and maintaining overall project momentum.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of progressive project management experience within architectural/engineering design, specifically on complex UAE projects (e.g., high-rise residential, master planning).
- Regional Expertise: Proven track record of managing design projects from inception through authority approvals in the UAE, with specific knowledge of Dubai and Abu Dhabi regulations.
- Leadership Skills: Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities; experience managing multicultural, multi-disciplinary teams.
- Contract Knowledge: Familiarity with standard design contracts and consultant management practices.
Preferred Attributes
- Certification: PMP (Project Management Professional) certification highly preferred.
- Software Skills: Proficiency in Primavera P6, MS Project, Excel; familiarity with Revit, AutoCAD, and BIM workflows.
- Language: Fluency in English required; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.