Senior Design Manager

Position: Senior Design Manager

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

WHO IS DXB LIVE

DXB LIVE is the Experiential Marketing and Event Services Agency of Dubai World Trade Centre a full-spectrum powerhouse for event management, production, and delivery. With creative vision, technical excellence, and operational precision, DXB LIVE brings to life a wide range of world-class events, from exhibitions and conferences to national celebrations, international festivals, immersive brand activations, and exclusive, high-end weddings.

Our in-house capabilities span design, build, technology, and logistics allowing us to execute at scale and deliver exceptional experiences across every format. As we expand our global footprint, we continue to forge strong alliances with leading international event organizations, positioning DXB LIVE among the world's premier event service providers.

EMPOWERING PEOPLE, INSPIRING TALENT: TOGETHER, WE MAKE AMAZING HAPPEN!

WHAT'S THE ROLE

Are you a visionary design leader with a passion for creating extraordinary experiences As Senior Design Manager, you will lead and inspire a team of talented designers to develop innovative, impactful and commercially successful design concepts that bring client visions to life. Combining strategic thinking with creative excellence, you will oversee the creation of compelling design solutions, including concept development, mood boards, layouts, presentations and immersive visual experiences that exceed client expectations.

Working closely with Sales teams, Estimators and fellow Creative professionals, you will ensure every design is both creatively inspiring and commercially viable, delivering exceptional value and results. You will champion design excellence, innovation and originality, ensuring all concepts align with the client's brief while maintaining the highest standards of quality, relevance and creativity.

This role is pivotal in driving design innovation, mentoring creative talent and shaping exceptional experiences that reinforce DXB LIVE's reputation for delivering world-class events, exhibitions and brand experiences.

WHAT DOES THE ROLE INVOLVE

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and manage a team of Designers, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation and excellence.
• Drive the development of compelling design concepts, creative strategies and pitch presentations that align with client objectives and project briefs.
• Oversee the delivery of all design outputs, including 2D and 3D visualisations, mood boards, layouts, sample boards, animations, material specifications and presentation materials.
• Ensure all design solutions are completed on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with Design Peers, Strategists, Graphic Designers, Estimators, Sales teams and Technical specialists to develop innovative and commercially effective client solutions.
• Research market trends, emerging technologies and industry best practices to inspire fresh, relevant and engaging concepts for events, exhibitions, activations and experiential spaces.
• Present creative concepts and design recommendations confidently to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring efficient planning, prioritisation and resource allocation.
• Optimise the use of in-house inventory and assets to maximise value and deliver cost-efficient solutions.
• Review and approve technical drawings, design documentation and production packages prior to implementation.
• Work closely with Production teams to ensure the accurate execution of approved designs, including graphics, materials, finishes and installation requirements.
• Monitor design quality throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring all deliverables meet client expectations and company standards.
• Drive adherence to established project workflows, operational procedures and delivery schedules.
• Ensure compliance with DXB LIVE Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), DWTC policies and all relevant governance requirements.
• Develop and communicate clear design briefs, project notes, creative direction and technical instructions for supporting team members.
• Utilise industry-standard design software and tools to develop innovative and visually impactful solutions.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, file storage and archiving in accordance with company procedures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance creative processes, efficiency and project delivery.

WHAT DO WE OFFER

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Collaborative work environment within a prestigious event company.

WHAT YOU NEED IS:

• Degree or professional qualification in Interior Design, Exhibition Design, Environmental Design, Architecture or a related creative discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years experience within events, exhibitions, activations, experiential marketing, scenic, theatrical or environmental design environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading creative teams and delivering complex projects from concept development through to final execution.
• Exceptional conceptual thinking and the ability to transform client briefs into innovative and engaging design solutions.
• Strong visual communication skills, including the creation of presentations, mood boards, layouts and design proposals.
• Advanced knowledge of design principles, spatial planning, materials, finishes and fabrication techniques.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design, visualisation and presentation software.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across multiple disciplines.
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of balancing creativity with budgetary and operational requirements.
• Outstanding organisational and project management abilities, with a proven capability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Confident presenter with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective mentor and people leader, capable of motivating teams and fostering a high-performance culture.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering work of the highest quality.
• Solution-oriented mindset with excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Professional, adaptable and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• High level of integrity, discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive business information.

Disclaimer

The duties and responsibilities outlined are not a exhaustive and may be amended from time to time. Additional responsibilities may be assigned within the scope of the role as required by business needs.