A leading real estate developer in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager - Master Planning to play a pivotal role in shaping large-scale, mixed-use developments across the emirate. This senior leadership position will oversee the strategic design management of master planning projects, translating the company's long-term vision into high-quality, commercially viable, and sustainable master plans.
The role requires a strong balance of design leadership, technical expertise, stakeholder coordination, and strategic thinking, with direct involvement in high-profile developments from visioning through detailed master planning and approvals.
Key Search Criteria
- UAE experience is mandatory, with a strong preference for Abu Dhabi-based experience
- Dubai experience will be considered as a second preference, followed by GCC experience
- Background in a consultancy or developer environment is required
- Candidates with both consultancy and developer experience are highly preferred
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Design & Master Planning Leadership
- Lead the strategic design management of master planning projects from vision through delivery
- Translate corporate development objectives into actionable master planning strategies
- Ensure alignment with approved development briefs, company standards, and leadership direction
- Drive innovation while maintaining design excellence and commercial viability
Design Coordination & Compliance
- Coordinate internally across feasibility, architecture, infrastructure, delivery, and commercial teams
- Oversee land use planning, circulation networks, open space strategies, and product mix development
- Review master plan deliverables across all stages, ensuring compliance with DMT planning requirements (Vision, PCMP, Framework, CMP, DMP, etc.)
- Ensure alignment with all relevant authorities and stakeholder requirements
Consultant & Stakeholder Management
- Lead and manage external consultants, providing clear design direction and regular reviews
- Review land use analyses and sector allocations, recommending optimizations where required
- Organize and chair consultant and design coordination meetings
- Collaborate closely with Project Management and Delivery teams to secure approvals and ensure continuity
Leadership, Communication & Governance
- Present master plans, design strategies, and progress updates to senior and executive leadership
- Support procurement through development of RFPs, design briefs, and scopes of work
- Monitor live projects to ensure consistency with approved design intent
- Attend senior management meetings and contribute to strategic discussions
Innovation, Sustainability & Standards
- Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the design team
- Ensure master plans align with sustainability, environmental, and long-term community goals
- Stay informed on global urban design trends and emerging technologies
- Continuously refine internal design processes and standards
About You
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Master Planning, or related discipline
- Advanced qualifications in Urban Design or Landscape Architecture are an advantage
- 12-15 years' experience in real estate design and development
- Minimum 7+ years' experience in the Middle East, preferably the UAE
- Strong portfolio demonstrating large-scale master planning and mixed-use developments
Skills & Competencies
- Deep expertise across all master planning stages, from visioning to detailed design
- Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams across planning, design, delivery, and commercial functions
- Strong design communication skills, including sketching, diagrams, and visual storytelling
- High proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office, and 3D tools (SketchUp or Revit)
- Strong understanding of land use economics and revenue vs non-revenue products
- Excellent presentation, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Fluent English is essential; Arabic language skills are an advantage
Why Join
- Play a key role in shaping landmark developments in Abu Dhabi
- Work directly with senior leadership on strategic, city-shaping projects
- Join a high-performing, design-led development organisation
- Competitive package and long-term career growth within a major developer
