Location: Dubai, UAE

Industry: Interior Fit-Out / Construction

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role:

We are looking for an experienced Design Manager / Technical Manager to join a leading interior fit-out business in Dubai. This is a technical and design coordination-focused position, rather than a creative design role. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a technical design team, including CAD and technical resources, while coordinating closely with external design consultants, project teams and site teams to ensure designs are fully coordinated, technically achievable and delivered in accordance with the approved design intent.

The ideal candidate will come from an interior fit-out / contracting background and have strong experience in design coordination, technical detailing, resolving design issues and managing technical teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage a technical design team, including CAD and technical design resources.
Coordinate with external architects, interior designers, consultants and other project stakeholders.
Review and coordinate design information, drawings and technical documentation received from design consultants.
Ensure designs are technically coordinated and suitable for construction and installation.
Identify and resolve design clashes, discrepancies and technical issues before and during construction.
Work closely with project managers, site teams and commercial teams to ensure design information supports project delivery.
Ensure that construction and installation are carried out in accordance with approved drawings, specifications and design intent.
Review shop drawings, technical drawings, details and design documentation.
Coordinate revisions and ensure design changes are properly communicated to relevant teams.
Provide technical solutions to design and construction challenges.
Manage the flow of technical information between consultants, internal design teams and project/site teams.
Monitor the quality and accuracy of drawings and technical deliverables produced by the design team.
Support the project team in resolving technical queries and RFIs.
Assist with constructability reviews and identify potential issues before they impact programme or cost.
Ensure design coordination is maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
Mentor and manage the technical design team, ensuring deadlines and deliverables are met.

Requirements:

Degree/Diploma in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, Construction or a related discipline.
8+ years of relevant experience, preferably within the interior fit-out or construction industry.
Strong experience in technical design, design coordination and fit-out projects.
Previous experience managing or leading a technical/CAD design team.
Strong understanding of construction drawings, technical details, shop drawings and design documentation.
Experience coordinating with external design consultants and resolving technical/design issues.
Strong understanding of fit-out construction methods, materials and buildability.
Proficiency in AutoCAD is essential; knowledge of Revit/BIM would be advantageous.
Strong ability to interpret architectural and interior design drawings and translate design intent into buildable solutions.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work effectively with project managers, site teams, consultants and subcontractors.
UAE/GCC fit-out experience is highly desirable.

Technical Design Manager