Design Manager

At Al Ghurair, we remain dedicated to driving innovation and shaping the future. As we continue to look for the best and brightest talent to scale our growth, we currently have an amazing opportunity for a Manager - Design in our Development Projects team. We seek individuals who are not only experts in their field but also possess a proactive mindset, exceptional collaboration skills, and a passion for fostering a positive work culture.

What you’ll do?

• Lead and coordinate the development of urban design strategies, small to mid-scale master plan design, ensuring cohesive integration of architecture, landscape, mobility, and public realm to create high-quality, people-centric environments, aligned with UAE regulatory frameworks, climate conditions, and cultural context.
• Oversee placemaking initiatives across projects, shaping vibrant and distinctive destinations through strong narrative, activation strategies, and alignment with the overall development vision and market positioning, with sensitivity to local market expectations and lifestyle trends in the UAE.
• Support the development and refinement of design briefs, RFPs, and consultant scopes to align with project and business objectives.
• Contribute to design benchmarking, market research, and the creation of internal reference documents that inform design direction.
• Assist in evaluating and prequalifying architectural and specialist consultants, maintaining updated records and performance insights.
• Provide input on design strategies that enhance quality, efficiency, sustainability, and alignment with project vision.
• Ensure adherence to internal design processes, standards, and governance frameworks.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design activities and ensure alignment across all consultant teams.
• Manage design documentation, ensuring accuracy, version control, and timely distribution through ACC platform.
• Review consultant submissions (including drawings, reports, and presentations) and provide structured, actionable feedback.
• Support technical reviews of construction documents, specifications, and schedules.
• Assist with site visits to monitor design compliance, resolve issues, and track progress.
• Liaise closely with external consultants, contractors, and vendors to ensure timely, compliant delivery.
• Maintain organised project files, design trackers, and consultant databases through ACC platform.
• Prepare and support meeting scheduling, agendas, and design-related correspondence.

Who you are?

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in architecture or design management, with experience managing external design consultants.
• Strong proficiency in BIM and Autodesk Construction Cloud, Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite.
• Proven experience managing external design teams and overseeing the entire design process from concept to completion. Strong understanding of architectural design principles and best practices.
• Strong understanding of managing consultancy agreements, design deliverables, and cost implications of design decisions. Experience with value engineering and cost optimization.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage relationships with external consultants, clients, and internal stakeholders. Proficient in leading cross-functional teams and resolving complex design challenges.
• Expertise in identifying and mitigating design risks through proactive problem-solving attitude.

Who are we?

Al Ghurair is a leading diversified family business group in the Middle East, founded in 1960 with operations spanning six key industry sectors: Foods and Resources, Properties, Construction and Services, Energy, Mobility, and Ventures. Headquartered in Deira, we are proud to employ approximately 28,000 people across more than 50 countries worldwide.

We are looking for passionate and talented individuals to join us in our journey. At Al Ghurair, you have the opportunity to contribute to a legacy of excellence and be part of a team that is shaping the future of the UAE and beyond.

Discover more about us at: www.al-ghurair.com

Why join us?

We’re a vibrant community where individuals thrive and careers flourish. Our diverse community embodies this spirit, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Here, respect, support, and open communication form the very fabric of our work environment, to fulfil our core Purpose of ‘Enhancing Life’. When you work with us, you become part of our shared purpose, collaborating with colleagues who share your passion and commitment to success.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the development of urban design strategies, small to mid-scale master plan design, ensuring cohesive integration of architecture, landscape, mobility, and public realm to create high-quality, people-centric environments, aligned with UAE regulatory frameworks, climate conditions, and cultural context.
• Support the delivery of master planning, architecture, and interior design projects across our real estate development portfolio, with technical design capability, solid coordination experience, and the ability to drive high-quality outcomes across multiple stakeholders.
• Oversee placemaking initiatives across projects, shaping vibrant and distinctive destinations through strong narrative, activation strategies, and alignment with the overall development vision and market positioning, with sensitivity to local market expectations and lifestyle trends in the UAE.
• Support the development and refinement of design briefs, RFPs, and consultant scopes to align with project and business objectives.
• Contribute to design benchmarking, market research, and the creation of internal reference documents that inform design direction.
• Assist in evaluating and prequalifying architectural and specialist consultants, maintaining updated records and performance insights.
• Provide input on design strategies that enhance quality, efficiency, sustainability, and alignment with project vision.
• Ensure adherence to internal design processes, standards, and governance frameworks.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design activities and ensure alignment across all consultant teams.
• Manage design documentation, ensuring accuracy, version control, and timely distribution through ACC platform.
• Review consultant submissions (including drawings, reports, and presentations) and provide structured, actionable feedback.
• Support technical reviews of construction documents, specifications, and schedules.
• Assist with site visits to monitor design compliance, resolve issues, and track progress.
• Liaise closely with external consultants, contractors, and vendors to ensure timely, compliant delivery.
• Maintain organized project files, design trackers, and consultant databases through ACC platform.
• Prepare and support meeting scheduling, agendas, and design-related correspondence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in architecture, urban design, interior design or design management, with experience managing external design consultants.
• Strong proficiency in Autodesk Construction Cloud, Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite.
• Proven experience managing external design teams and overseeing the entire design process from concept to completion. Strong understanding of design principles and best practices.
• Strong understanding of managing design scope of works, design deliverables, and cost implications of design decisions. Experience with value engineering and cost optimization.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage relationships with external consultants, clients, and internal stakeholders. Proficient in leading cross-functional teams and resolving complex design challenges.
• Expertise in identifying and mitigating design risks through proactive problem-solving attitude.
• Arabic and English required (fluent)