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Design Manager - Main Contractor

United Arab Emirates  |  Permanent

Our International Main Contracting Client has a new requirement for a well experienced Design Manager to join their team in Dubai to work on major new civil construction projects including commercial, mixed use, residential and data centres in the Emirates. Successful candidates will have a proven background as a Design Manager on major projects in the UAE and/or the wider GCC. Candidates must have worked for a recognised main contractor client in the capacity of design or technical manager.


This role is available for immediate joining and is a direct hire, permanent opportunity employed by our client.


Responsibilities

  • To provide a Design Team interface with the Client, Consultants, Specialists subcontractors and other key stakeholders, by monitoring and delivering the design requirements for each project. The Design Manager to also direct some internal and external drafting resource for site detailing and reporting against the projects design program and key performance indicators.
  • The Design Manager shall be responsible for the timely delivery of the IFC design and shop drawings to enable the works to progress in line with the contract/target programme.
  • The Design Manger will be responsible for the preparation and implementation of the Project Design Execution Plan, and following the requirements of the Project Management Plan, and to ensure that the site team has the latest IFC information to building to.
  • Provide interface with Client and other key stakeholders as defined in the project structure and the Project Design Plan and the Project Management Plan.
  • Ensure the consultant design quotes are technically and commercially vetted for compliance with the contract documents and meet cost plans requirements,
  • To ensure a Design Execution Plan is produced on every project.
  • Detailed design deliverable programme / design delivery schedule is prepared and implemented.
  • To ensure the Document Control Protocol is produced and reviewed on every project.
  • Establish the projects Information Required Schedule with clear deliverable dates for issue to stakeholders, approval by Consultant and start on site for each of the project subcontractor packages.
  • To ensure an agreed scope of services for all internal / external design disciplines and/or design subcontractors / suppliers is agreed in consultation with the project commercial team.
  • Programme and manage all design reviews and coordination meetings to ensure a fully coordinated design strategy is in place and work closely with discipline lead designers to deliver the coordinated design solution. DM to ensure that the design is completed in a timely manner, taking due account of safety and buildability.
  • Ensure O&M manuals and As Built drawings are reviewed and approved prior to project handover.
  • To provide leadership to the Design Team on a project.
  • Interrogate and gain full understanding of the Employer’s Requirements, design brief and specifications
  • The Design Manager is to thorough vet the IFC and shop drawings and ensure that they are fully coordinated.
  • Read and fully understand the IFC / Contract drawings, specifications and reports for the assigned project.
  • Ensure a clear set of subcontractor package demarcation drawings are carried out to explain any difficult interfaces or construction sequence issues.
  • Ensure any design queries on IFC information or discrepancies between drawings and specifications are raised via the agreed Request for Information process.
  • The Design Manager to review the design for Buildability, and consultant with the construction teams by organizing drawing turning sessions prior to the subcontractor package commencing on site.
  • Can provide hand drawn sketches / details for design discussions to speed up or enhance the coordination process.
  • Can provide clear coordinated design comments on subcontractor’s shop drawings via hand mark ups or via A-site or Aconex systems.
  • The Design Manager is to check the respective shop drawings prior to commencement of any works and ensure that the shop drawings are fully coordinated with other trades.
  • Can coordinate and control the façade/envelope design via a number of key subcontractors and hold regular design workshops to ensure manufacturing periods are met on the project.
  • Has a good understanding and can lead the Design Team on the firestopping, waterproofing, thermal and air sealing requirements of the building on the project.
  • Arrange and chair design team meetings and workshops. Ensure minutes are produced and distributed in a timely fashion.
  • Manage design co-ordination process through design workshops and collaborative working with the designers.
  • Assist & review Contract Drawings to prepare a list of Shop Drawings
  • Review the Shop Drawings for accuracy/compliance to contract requirements prior to submission for approval
  • Review all Subcontractor technical submittals prior to submission for Engineer/Client approval, except M&E items, which shall be forwarded to M&E Co-ordination Manager / Engineer.
  • Lead and motivate design Co-ordinator and / or document controller allocated to the project
  • To provide support to the CAD operators
  • Establish detail requirements and responsibilities for technical handover documentation including Health and Safety File, building manuals, Building User Guide etc. and produce plan for production of the same


Design Manager Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Relevant Engineering Discipling
  • Minimum 7-10 years overall experience.
  • PMI or APM Qualification / Construction Management Certification
  • (LEED) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional preferred
  • Technical expertise - BIM-Revit Architecture, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop, MS Projects + MS (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access), Internet applications; expertise in local construction codes; well versed of health and safety regulations;
  • Exceptional leadership skills; Client-orientation; Authority; Organization; strong communication and interpersonal skills; Foresight; tenacious, structured, methodical, organised, inquisitive, factual, shrewd, self-reliant, hard working
  • Previous experience of working in a recognised Main Contractor and working on school / educational facilities is essential.
  • Full life cycle delivery of major Civil Construction projects & developments is essential
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills


Interested candidates are invited to share their up to date CV directly to jobs@j10consulting.ae for further review and shortlisting.


Date Posted: 15 Apr 2026

Status: Open