Arada | Senior Design Manager, Dubai

About Us

At Arada, we create communities that inspire healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. Through innovative developments, exceptional customer experiences and a commitment to sustainability, we are shaping places where people can live, work and thrive.

Joining Arada means becoming part of a collaborative, ambitious and forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering excellence across every aspect of our business.

Role Purpose

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the design management of multiple projects from pre-concept/launch through the design development stages, tendering, construction including in house coordination with various departments and technical project teams as well as external consultants
• Work closely with branding, marketing, sales, leasing, finance and commercial to prepare the Sales & Marketing Materials and to finalize the feasibility study to launch the projects successfully
• Preparing and overseeing the design brief and scope of work and ensure the design consultants are delivering Arada's requirements and develop project execution plans to suit the specific requirements of the project
• Communicate with development departments in all areas during the design stages and ensure that final sign off has been taken before the project can go to the further stages
• Shortlist consultants prior to approval and issue the design tender and undertake the technical evaluation for the consultant's proposals
• Managing the external consultant team to deliver a fully coordinated design scheme of the projects and ensure complying with the vision, design intent, and look and feel expectations within agreed budget and schedule
• Coordinating with other design management representatives across t h e programme, including master planning, development, infrastructure, landscape, FM, security to provide an integrated design solution
• Providing the management regular reporting on the progress of the design development stages and constant reports on project status
• Developing and assisting in the processing of design change requests, RFI's, and review design submittals/samples/mockup inspection requests and instruct the consultants and contractors to comply with the design intent and vision
• Manage internal teams across projects and oversee all aspects of design through conception to completion and act as a lead for delivery
• Collaborating with all other disciplines to ensure the work is fully coordinated across the project development stages and integrating programme requirements
• Attending and directing regular coordination meetings and special meetings as required
• Accountable for regular delivery of all project management tasks
• Facilitating the technical review of all design submissions of the consultant and complete a review of related consultant submittals across the major programme
• Review all types of design drawings from consultants and advise on technical details and assure the design delivery control
• Manage and lead consultants design teams who are handling government process and ensure to obtain all NOCs, certificates and approvals from all local authorities concerned in a timely and programmed manner
• Patriciate with commercial department and assist in administering complex contracts, proactively managing, and confirming the compliance of contractors/consultants to the contract terms and conditions
• Assist the commercial department with the compilation of tender documents and critically reviewing tender returns and post tender clarifications that are related to the design
  
  

What You'll Bring

• A bachelor's degree in Architecture or a related discipline (e.g. Civil, Structural or MEP Engineering).
• At least 12 years experience in the design and delivery of real estate projects, including 5 or more years in a design management role with a developer, consultancy or project management firm, ideally in the UAE.
• A proven track record of leading design from concept through design development, tender and construction across multiple projects at once.
• Experience appointing and leading external design consultants, including running design tenders and technical evaluations.
• Strong technical knowledge across architectural, structural and MEP design, with the ability to review drawings and advise on technical detail.
• Experience of UAE authority approval processes and obtaining NOCs and permits.
• Working knowledge of consultant and contractor contracts, design change control, RFIs and submittal processes.
• Strong commercial awareness, with experience working to design budgets and supporting tender and contract administration.
• Confident leadership and stakeholder management, from internal commercial and sales teams to senior management.
• Clear, structured reporting and communication skills.
  
  

The following would be an additional benefit but are not mandatory:

• A master's degree in Architecture, Design Management, Project Management or a related field.
• Professional registration, such as with the UAE Society of Engineers or RIBA, or a PMP certification.
• Experience with master-planned communities or large mixed-use residential developments.
• Familiarity with BIM coordination workflows.
  
  

Using GenAI in Your Application Process

To support a fair and consistent experience for all candidates, we ask that assessments and interviews are completed independently and without assistance from generative AI tools. This ensures we understand your strengths, your thinking, and how you approach real situations.

Why join Arada

At Arada, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to projects that transform communities while working alongside talented professionals in a culture that values innovation, collaboration and continuous growth. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Arada is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and make employment decisions based on merit, experience and business needs.