Associate Director - Design Management

Role Overview

Design Leadership

• Establish a consistent architectural vision and design language across every project.
• Secure timely sign-off for concept, schematic, and detailed design stages with no rework carried into later stages.
• Ensure delivered designs reflect market trends, user experience, and brand identity.

Project Oversight

• Ensure design deliverables across concurrent developments are complete, on time, and within approved budget.
• Review and approve design documentation, drawings, and specifications for aesthetic and technical quality.
• Secure consultant, contractor, and authority approvals without programme delays.
• Conduct regular site visits and audits related to design and technical quality.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Align internal teams and external design firms around one design position and resolve issues before they affect cost or programme.
• Provide executive leadership with clear, decision-ready design presentations and updates.

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with local building codes, zoning regulations, and sustainability standards at every project gateway.
• Embed quality assurance processes and design audits and reduce defects and non-conformances.

Innovation and Sustainability

• Achieve sustainability targets and certification ratings on every project.
• Adopt innovative materials, methods, and digital tools such as BIM with measurable improvements in quality, cost, or delivery speed.

Key Competencies

• Strong design sensibility and architectural judgment.
• Proficiency in design management processes, design tender documents, and review procedures.
• Excellent leadership, team management, communication, and presentation abilities.
• Strategic thinking with commercial awareness.
• Ability to manage multiple high-value projects under tight deadlines.
• Technical proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, ArchiCAD, Rhino, Adobe Suite, BIM, and visualization tools.
• Familiarity with UAE/GCC building codes and permitting processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience with residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use developments.
• Strong understanding of architecture-related design disciplines.