Design Manager - Site Based

Our client, a prestigious real estate development company in Dubai, is seeking a Design Manager with extensive site-based experience to join their project team for an ultra-luxury hospitality development. The project features a 5-star hotel, a wellness centre delivering new standards of design excellence and craftsmanship in the region.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all design-related activities on site, ensuring seamless coordination between design, technical, and construction teams, and maintaining the highest quality standards throughout project delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all on-site design activities from concept through to completion.
• Coordinate and resolve design-related issues during construction, acting as the key interface between consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Oversee and review detailed design packages, shop drawings, and material submittals.
• Ensure the integrity of design intent is maintained across façade, MEP coordination, and interior design fit-out stages.
• Manage and track design changes, ensuring timely communication and approvals.
• Liaise closely with project management, construction, and procurement teams to ensure alignment of design with project schedule and budget.
• Drive design excellence and ensure adherence to brand and quality standards expected in ultra-luxury hospitality projects.
• Participate in design reviews, technical workshops, and mock-up inspections.
• Monitor consultant and contractor performance to ensure compliance with design deliverables and specifications.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of Design Management experience with significant on-site delivery exposure.
• Proven track record of completing at least one 5-star or ultra-luxury hotel project through to handover.
• Strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience in façade design, MEP coordination, and high-end interior fit-outs.
• Experience working with international consultants and contractors in the UAE or wider GCC region.
• Excellent coordination, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience on the contractor or consultant side will be considered, provided the candidate has full-cycle design and delivery exposure.

Why Join:

• Opportunity to work on one of Dubai's most exclusive ultra-luxury developments.
• Be part of a visionary developer committed to world-class design and execution.
• Competitive remuneration and a dynamic, design-led environment.