My client a leading Real Estate Developer in Dubai requires a Senior Design Manager to lead the technical design management of complex real estate developments, ensuring that all engineering disciplines-particularly structural and building services-are fully integrated, coordinated, and aligned with project objectives.
This role is critical in bridging design, engineering, and delivery, ensuring that projects are technically robust, commercially viable, and delivered in line with programme, quality, and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise from either a Structural Engineering or Building Services background, combined with strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Design Management & Coordination
- Lead the design management process across all project stages from concept through to construction and handover
- Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, including architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, and specialist designers
- Ensure integration and alignment of structural and building services systems within the overall project design
- Review and manage design deliverables to ensure compliance with project briefs, standards, and regulatory requirements
Technical Oversight
- Provide expert technical input across structural or building services disciplines
- Review engineering calculations, drawings, and specifications for accuracy, efficiency, and buildability
- Identify design risks and propose value engineering solutions without compromising quality or intent
- Ensure compliance with local authority regulations, codes, and international best practices
Stakeholder & Consultant Management
- Manage external consultants, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality design outputs
- Act as a key interface between internal teams, consultants, contractors, and authorities
- Lead design coordination meetings and resolve technical challenges across disciplines
- Support procurement processes, including review of consultant scopes and technical submissions
Project Delivery Support
- Work closely with project management and construction teams to ensure smooth transition from design to delivery
- Monitor design progress against project timelines and proactively address delays or issues
- Provide technical support during construction, including responding to RFIs and reviewing shop drawings
- Ensure design intent is maintained throughout project execution
Governance & Reporting
- Prepare and present design updates to senior management
- Ensure all design documentation is properly managed and controlled
- Contribute to the development and implementation of design management processes and standards
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
- Professional certifications or memberships (e.g., CEng, MCIBSE, PE) are advantageous
Experience
- Minimum 15 years experience in design and engineering within the construction or real estate development sector
- At least 5 years experience in the UAE is essential
- Proven experience working on large-scale, complex developments
- Background in consultancy and/or developer environments preferred
Core Competencies
- Strong technical expertise in either Structural Engineering or Building Services (MEP)
- In-depth understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination
- Solid knowledge of UAE regulations, codes, and approval processes
- Proven ability to manage consultants and drive design performance
- Strong commercial awareness and value engineering capability
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
Key Skills
- Strong leadership and team coordination skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- High level of attention to detail and quality control
- Proficiency in relevant engineering and design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, BIM platforms)
Personal Attributes
- Proactive, solution-oriented mindset
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced development environment
- Collaborative approach with a focus on achieving project outcomes
- High level of professionalism and integrity
