Head of Design

Location Dubai
Discipline: Real Estate Development, Architecture & Interior Design, Structural Engineering & Building Services, Construction and Project Management
Job type: Permanent
Salary: £AED55000 - AED60000 per month + + Benefits
Contact name: Liam Maguire

Contact email: liam@blakeandersonrecruitment.com
Job ref: 37341_1757074024
Published: 4 days ago
Startdate: ASAP

Our client, a premier real estate developer in Dubai, is looking for a highly accomplished and visionary Head of Design to oversee all design aspects of their large-scale, luxury residential and hospitality projects in the region. This is a senior leadership position for a professional who can ensure the highest standards of design are upheld and delivered from concept through to completion.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team of eight, ensuring seamless collaboration across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines, from our external consultants. The ideal candidate will be an architect with a strong background in design management, a proven track record of delivering complex, luxury projects, and extensive knowledge of the local market. Arabic speaking would be advantageous

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design Leadership & Management: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of eight design professionals across various disciplines (Architectural, Structural, MEP).
  • Design Oversight: Direct and oversee all design stages of large-scale, luxury residential and hospitality projects. Ensure all design outputs meet the highest standards of quality, aesthetics, and functionality.
  • Multidisciplinary Coordination: Act as the central point of contact for design, ensuring seamless integration and coordination between architectural, structural, and MEP teams.
  • Quality & Standards: Establish and enforce design standards and quality control protocols to ensure excellence in all project deliverables.
  • Project Delivery: Manage the design process to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the client's exacting standards.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Effectively communicate with and manage relationships with senior leadership, external consultants, and other key stakeholders.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactively identify and resolve complex design and coordination challenges throughout the project lifecycle.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Educational Background: A degree in Architecture from a reputable, internationally recognized university.
  • Experience:
    • 15-20 years of professional experience in the design and delivery of large-scale, luxury projects.
    • At least 2 years in a senior leadership role, such as Head of Design, Senior Design Manager, or a similar Senior position.
    • A strong and demonstrable track record of successfully managing multidisciplinary design teams.
    • Significant experience working on large-scale luxury projects within the UAE.
  • Technical Skills:
    • Solid understanding of design principles across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines.
    • Proficiency in project management and design software.
  • Soft Skills:
    • Exceptional leadership and team-management abilities.
    • Outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
    • A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a keen attention to detail.
    • Proven ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities effectively.

What We Offer:

  • An opportunity to lead the design of landmark luxury projects in one of the world's most dynamic real estate markets.
  • A stimulating and collaborative work environment.
  • A competitive salary and benefits package.
  • The chance to make a significant impact on the company's portfolio and reputation.