Senior Design Manager

We’re looking for a Senior Design Manager to lead the early design and master planning stages of upcoming developments in Abu Dhabi. You’ll oversee concept design, feasibility, and master plan approvals, turning ideas into well-defined, buildable visions.

You’ll collaborate closely with consultants, internal teams, and authorities to ensure every project meets time, quality, and budget goals while reflecting ZAAD’s design vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design and master planning from concept through approvals (RIBA Stages 0–1).
• Manage consultants, tenders, budgets, and timelines across multiple project types.
• Coordinate closely with Development, Commercialization, Marketing, and Delivery teams.
• Prepare and present project briefs, reports, and design presentations for management and stakeholders.
• Oversee submissions and approvals with planning and government authorities.
• Maintain strong relationships with partners and external consultants to drive seamless execution.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Urban Design, Interior Design, or Design Management.
• 10+ years of experience in design management, architecture, or urban design, preferably on the client or developer side.
• Solid knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work (2020) and end-to-end design lifecycle.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office, and ideally Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, SketchUp, or similar design tools.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in interior design coordination will be considered an advantage.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Design and Art/Creative

Industries

Real Estate and Community Development and Urban Planning

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