The Design Manager will drive and oversee the delivery of large-scale masterplanning, urban design, and mixed-use development projects across the UAE and wider international markets. The role calls for a solid design foundation, strategic vision, and demonstrated leadership to steer multidisciplinary teams through every stage of a project's development

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The Design Manager is accountable for design quality, technical rigour, project efficiency, and effective client relationships, while keeping projects aligned with both commercial goals and regulatory obligations.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Oversee design teams from the vision/pre-concept masterplanning phase through to CMP/DMP/FMP stages.
• Ensure design outputs are inventive, commercially sound, and consistent with project goals.
• Uphold rigorous standards of design quality and technical accuracy across all deliverables.
• Build and manage project programmes, deliverable schedules, and resource plans.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary consultant teams spanning masterplanning, architecture, landscape, infrastructure, transport, environmental, and engineering disciplines.
• Track project progress, timelines, and budget performance.
• Flag project risks early and put mitigation measures in place.
• Serve as the main point of contact for clients on design and contractual matters.
• Run workshops, presentations, and design review sessions.
• Develop and sustain strong working relationships with clients, developers, government bodies, and other key stakeholders.
• Present masterplanning proposals with clarity and conviction.
• Ensure full compliance with local planning regulations, development controls, and authority requirements.
• Review and sign off on project deliverables ahead of submission.
• Support project teams in resolving technical and planning issues.
• Contribute to development briefs, design guidelines, and planning reports.
• Assist with proposal writing, fee estimates, and project pursuits.
• Play an active role in business development and client acquisition.
• Spot opportunities for project growth and repeat engagements.
• Contribute to strategic planning for the Masterplanning department.
• Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Support recruitment activity, performance reviews, and staff development.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Design, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• 8–12 years' relevant experience in masterplanning and urban design.
• Track record leading large-scale mixed-use, residential, hospitality, commercial, or destination development projects.
• UAE/GCC project experience strongly preferred.
• Solid grasp of masterplanning methodologies, automation processes, and urban design principles.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, GIS, and presentation tools.
• Working knowledge of planning regulations, authority approval pathways, and development frameworks.
• Familiar with sustainability principles, smart city thinking, and placemaking strategy.