Head of Design
Location: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Commercial Workplace Design & Fit-Out
Salary: 35,000 AED per month
About the Company
With established offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, they have built a reputation for delivering high-quality interior fit-out projects across the region. Their culture is shaped by values of integrity, resilience, and community, and they are known for long-term client partnerships and high standards of delivery.
Role Overview
The Head of Design will lead the creative and strategic direction of the design function, overseeing concept development, team management, and client-facing activities. This individual will play a pivotal role in shaping workplace design solutions and driving pitch success, ensuring projects are innovative, functional, and aligned with commercial objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, develop, and mentor a multidisciplinary design team (concept, technical, and visualisation).
- Set and uphold design quality standards across all project stages.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture aligned with company values.
Client Engagement & Pitch Leadership
- Represent the design team confidently during client meetings, presentations, and workshops.
- Drive the creative strategy for competitive pitches and tenders.
- Build strong, lasting relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
Design Oversight
- Oversee all design phases from initial concept to detailed design and project handover.
- Ensure all design outputs are commercially viable, technically deliverable, and aligned with client objectives.
- Provide creative leadership with a strong grounding in workplace strategy and innovation.
Project Collaboration
- Work closely with project management, commercial, and site teams to ensure seamless delivery.
- Review and approve drawings, materials, finishes, and specifications.
- Monitor project progress to ensure design intent is maintained throughout.
Requirements
- Minimum 10+ years experience in commercial workplace design.
- Mandatory UAE experience within design & build or fit-out.
- Demonstrated leadership capability with experience managing a design team.
- Strong portfolio of workplace projects delivered within Dubai and the wider GCC.
- Excellent client-facing and pitch presentation skills.
- Strong knowledge of local codes, supplier networks, and buildability considerations.
- Proficiency in relevant design software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Suite; Revit advantageous).
- Confident communicator with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, design-led environment.
What This Role Offers
- The opportunity to lead the design direction for a well-respected regional fit-out firm.
- Involvement in major workplace projects across the GCC.
- A collaborative leadership environment grounded in long-standing values and industry expertise.
- The ability to shape and grow a talented design team.
