Design Manager - Architecture

Job Description

Join a global professional services leader. We are committed to solving the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy, and urbanization.

As one of the world’s leading engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services companies, GHD has a connected global network of 11000 professionals committed to delivering projects with innovative practices, technical capabilities and robust systems.

Our Middle East operation is currently in a strong growth phase due to the significance of some of our projects. The Project Management team is also growing and as a result we are seeking an experienced Design Manager- Architectural Design who will be supporting the Design & Planning and Engineering Services Business Groups to deliver their projects. The successful candidate will join the GHD team, based in our Abu Dhabi, UAE office and will be reporting to the Leader – Design and Planning.

Role Description:

As a senior member in the Design and Planning Group, you will act as a senior in your business group and the wider business. This role will be working closely with the Project Directors and Business Group Leaders to deliver vast array or projects as an example mixed use, residential, retail, hospitality, industrial and commercial and fit out, data centers and other projects. The project manager will be managing high profile Clients and other key internal and external stakeholders.

Your responsibilities include:

• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Ensure seamless integration across various disciplines such as architecture, engineering, etc. This involves understanding the scope and deliverables of each discipline and facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
• Risk Management: Identify, analyze, and mitigate risks impacting the project's timeline, budget, or quality. Develop and regularly review risk management plans throughout the project lifecycle.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Serve as the primary contact for stakeholders including clients, team members, subconsultants, and regulatory bodies. Regularly communicate project updates, challenges, and changes.
• Budget Management and Cost Control: Monitor and control project costs to complete the project within the approved budget. Manage resources, negotiate contracts, and make strategic decisions to minimize costs without compromising quality.
• Change Management: Manage changes in project scope, schedule, and costs efficiently. Ensure modifications are documented, justified, and approved by relevant stakeholders.
• Technology Integration: Utilize modern technologies and digital tools, such as project management software, to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.
• Team Mentoring and Development: Lead and guide the project team, fostering a collaborative environment. Develop team members through mentoring, training, and feedback.
• Establishes weekly meeting to review project status and formulate action items.
• Monitors project commercial performance
• Project Closure and Post-Project Evaluation: Oversee project closure, ensuring all contractual obligations are met. Conduct post-project evaluations to identify successes and areas for improvement.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Promote innovation in project processes and solutions. Continuously seek to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance project quality.
• Relationship Building and Communication: Utilize your proven track record in project management to develop strong internal and external relationships and communicate effectively.
• Proposal Coordination and Winning Work: Lead and coordinate proposal preparation, contributing to winning new work. Collaborate closely with Project Directors and Business Group Leaders during all project stages to achieve strategic goals and adhere to the GHD Project Delivery Framework.
• Technical and Commercial Reporting: Report on the project's technical and commercial status to both internal management and external stakeholders.
• Legal and Contract Management: Monitor the project contract, manage scope and variations, and identify key risks, ensuring legal compliance.
  
  

Previous experience may include, but not be limited to:

• Demonstrated experience in managing large scale complex projects during design and/or construction phases.
• A strong understanding of multi-disciplinary project aspects and authority requirements in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
• Proven skills in budget and cost analysis and management.
• Design experience and management of Tender and Post Contract Stages are advantageous.
• Change control management
  
  

Minimum Requirement

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in Design/ Engineering (preferably commercial, residential, retail or Data Centers) with at least 10 years of experience in design management.
• Experience in large scale design and build projects working for a consultant within a contractor / consultant build team.
• Strong commercial and contractual acumen.
• Understanding P6, MS Projects and other planning tools
• Strong capability in project controls (scheduling, cost reporting, forecasting, variation management etc).
• Strong eye for detail coupled with a methodical and organized approach;
• Middle East experience necessary (particularly permitting\approvals).
• Design Management experience in multi-disciplinary projects.
  
  

Preferred Qualification

• Degree qualified in Architectural, Engineering or Project Management.
• Fully conversant with the FIDIC suite of contracts and or other ad-hoc forms.
• Professional qualification/ chartership is a plus, such as PMP, CIOB, RICS, PRINCE2 certification.
• Understanding of Earned Value Management.
• Master’s Degree is a plus.
  
  

This is a great opportunity for you to develop your career while being part of a well-established and growing organization.

GHD offers a professional and friendly culture based on our core values of Teamwork, Respect, and Integrity. In addition to a competitive salary based on qualifications, skills and experience, we also provide attractive career and lifestyle options including professional development through the GHD Business School as well flexible leave options and family-friendly practices.

GHD warmly welcomes applications from all nationalities and support the nationalization programs in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Interested? Please hit the apply now button.

At GHD, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunities and invites applications from people of all nationalities, genders, and cultural backgrounds.

Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates