Senior Design Manager (Mixed-use)

tkinsRealis are looking for a Senior Design Manager in Abu Dhabi, as part of the PMC team, with exceptional design aesthetic sensibility, executed on various projects, including interiorarchitecture, wayfinding, signage, lighting design, and FF&E for mixed-use developments.

The Senior Manager, Design efficiently oversees planning, coordination, and execution of design strategies from concept to delivery across the organization. They meticulously evaluate consultant designs for quality and brand alignment while ensuring timely delivery. As a central figure in project management, this role works closely with Senior Management and leads a team of design professionals, driving the vision to fruition with a detailed eye for quality, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and brand standards.

Requirements:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, UrbanPlanning, or related fields

• Master's degree or MBA with a specialization in architecture, interior design, or related field ishighly desirable

• 12-15 years of experience in real estate design & development, with roles managing large projects

• Proven track record of previous GCC UAE experience is essentia.

Skills & Competencies:

• • Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and engage team members to foster a positive and collaborative work environment.

  • Effective communication and collaboration skills, both as a team player and as an independent contributor, with a demonstrated ability to balance teamwork and independent project assignments.

  • Experience in leading and mentoring junior staff, providing guidance and support to facilitate professional growth and development.

  • Exceptional design aesthetic sensibility, executed on various projects, including interior architecture, wayfinding, signage, lighting design, and FF&E for mixed-use developments.

  • Proven track record in managing complex projects, displaying exemplary project management skills such as organization, time management, resourcefulness, flexibility, and communication.

  • Ability to manage project timelines meticulously.

  • Strong financial acumen and demonstrated attention to best value for investment within agreed budgets, ensuring cost-effective design solutions without compromising quality.

  • Extensive experience working with diverse and cross-functional teams and design disciplines, fostering effective collaboration and integration of various stakeholders.

  • Results-driven mindset, consistently achieving project goals and driving success in design delivery.

  • Skilled in preparing and presenting comprehensive reports and presentations to senior management, clearly articulating project status, challenges, and successes.

  • Ability to craft and deliver engaging presentations that effectively communicate project visions, goals, and progress to both technical and non-technical executive audiences.

  • Strategic, innovative, and lateral thinking, showcasing original problem-solving capabilities and analytical skills.

  • Excellent communication skills, written and spoken English (Arabic preferred).

  • Strong presentation, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.

  • Proficiency in relevant design software and tools, including MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and 3D modeling (SketchUp or Revit).

  • Ability to foster collaborative relationships within and outside the organization.

  • Effective collaboration skills with diverse, cross-functional teams.

  • Knowledge of current design trends and technologies.

  • Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

  • Strong commitment to maintaining industry standards and regulations.

  • Capacity to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

  • Ability to adapt to new tools and technologies in the field.

Role & Responsibilities:

The Senior Manager, Design leads the planning and implementation of design strategies, effectively bringing concepts to fruition in alignment with organizational standards and visions. Managing the entire design process, this role works with stakeholders to meet project objectives, assures quality in design implementation, oversees budgets, reviews proposals, and guides the design team. This role encompasses the following duties:

•   Translate strategic design intents into actionable project-level goals, aligning with broader organizational objectives.
•   Serve as the primary point of contact for all design-related matters during development and delivery.
•   Manage and coordinate the overall design and development process with Client’s wider project and delivery team, fostering effective communication and alignment.
•   Engage with stakeholders, including senior management, integrating feedback seamlessly to ensure project deliverables meet expectations and align with departmental objectives.
•   Lead design management endeavours from ideation to execution, ensuring timely and quality focused delivery of projects.
•   Engage senior leadership for design input and approval, particularly at stage gates and other pivotal junctures.
•   Engage in talent acquisition efforts for the design team, identifying, attracting, and retaining high caliber professionals who can contribute significantly to the achievement of the company's design and business objectives.
•   Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to design team members, identifying areas for improvement and opportunities for career progression.
•   Organize and lead regular design team meetings to discuss ongoing projects, share updates, address challenges, and facilitate collaborative problem-solving.
•   Present comprehensive updates on project status and design progression to senior leadership, spotlighting any deviations in cost and schedule.
•   Offer mentorship and guidance to junior staff, fostering professional development and a collaborative work environment
•   Supervise and coordinate design changes and revisions, ensuring alignment with approved direction and design intent.
•   Monitor and mitigate development costs and risks throughout the design and delivery process.
•   Oversee both internal and external design teams, ensuring consistent and quality development from concept to delivery.
•   Ensure designs align with sustainability and environmental goals, and comply with relevant codes, regulations, and standards.
•   Assess and evaluate consultant design work, providing feedback and recommendations to optimize design quality and compliance with approved briefs and leadership direction.
•   Prepare and review design briefs and scopes of work for consultant procurement.
•   Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams throughout all design stages, fostering collaboration and effective integration of diverse expertise.
•   Participate in talent recruitment and training initiatives to bolster team strength and competency.
•   Oversee site inspections to check project progress and compliance, addressing any issues promptly.
•   Prepare and deliver insightful presentations and updates to both internal teams and external stakeholders, emphasizing design goals, strategies, and outcomes.
•   Stay updated with global design trends and technologies, integrating innovations to enhance company's design standards.
•   Organize and facilitate team workshops and brainstorming sessions, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration.
•   Compile comprehensive reporting on the status of design and implementation for all projects.
•   Attend and coordinate responses for senior management meetings, ensuring alignment between design direction and strategic initiatives.
•   Continually refine and improve the design management process for efficiency and effectiveness, implementing best practices and innovative tools and techniques.
•   Develop and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) for the design team to monitor and evaluate their performance and contribution to projects, using these metrics to identify areas for improvement and excellence.
•   Foster and maintain strong relationships with external partners, consultants, and vendors to ensure collaboration is effective and the organization’s design objectives are well understood and supported.
•   Lead the analysis and resolution of complex design issues, providing expert advice and direction to ensure challenges are addressed promptly and efficiently.
•   Advocate for and instill a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the design team.

Rewards & Benefits

We offer an excellent package which includes:

• A competitive salary

• Accommodation allowance;

• Transportation allowance;

• 22 working days annual leave 

• Medical and life insurance cover;

• Company gratuity scheme;

• Discretionary bonus scheme;

• Annual flight allowance to point of origin

About AtkinsRéalis 

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading professional services and project management company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in key strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear, Operations & Maintenance and Capital. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.  

AtkinsRealis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction or disablement. We oppose all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination.

Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applications equally.

We pursue this commitment by:

Having clear and concise procedures and guidelines for both line managers and employees to ensure policies are fully understood and implemented;

Complying with the relevant employment legislation and codes of practice;

Ensuring that all existing employees, potential employees, colleagues and customers are treated equally and with respect;

Ensuring that the workplace is an environment free from discrimination, harassment, victimisation and bullying regardless of an individual’s gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction or disablement;

Making all decisions relating to recruitment, selection or promotion according to the employees’ ability.