My client a leading real estate developer is seeking an experienced Landscape Design Manager to play a key role in delivering high-quality, sustainable, and vibrant communities across a diverse development portfolio. This position is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of landscape, public realm, and open space design-from concept through delivery-ensuring design excellence, functionality, and environmental sustainability.
The role requires close collaboration with internal project teams, external consultants, and stakeholders to ensure landscape design is fully integrated into project planning and delivery.
Role Overview
The Landscape Design Manager will lead and oversee landscape design activities across multiple developments, ensuring alignment with project objectives, brand identity, budgets, timelines, and regulatory requirements. The role combines strong design leadership with project management, consultant coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the full lifecycle of landscape, public realm, and open space design from concept through construction delivery
- Manage and coordinate landscape design development in collaboration with project, design, and delivery teams
- Ensure design quality, consistency, and alignment with approved briefs, design intent, and project programmes
- Review and assess consultant submissions for compliance with briefs, regulations, codes, and best practice standards
- Manage budgets, schedules, resources, and design-to-budget requirements across landscape design packages
- Implement and maintain quality control processes to ensure high standards of design excellence and innovation
- Monitor design production, consultant performance, and stage-gate submissions against agreed schedules and deliverables
- Identify and manage design risks related to programme, cost, quality, and specifications
- Lead design reviews throughout all project stages, from concept to detailed and construction documentation
- Coordinate and manage design changes, revised drawings, and consultant instructions
- Review shop drawings and technical submissions for alignment with approved design intent
- Support procurement processes, including preparation of design briefs, scopes of work, RFPs, and consultant evaluations
- Oversee site inspections to ensure compliance with approved designs, specifications, and regulatory requirements
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary design teams to ensure seamless integration across all project stages
- Ensure brand consistency across the public realm and customer journey
- Mentor and manage junior team members, supporting professional development and performance
- Prepare reports, presentations, and design documentation for internal leadership and external stakeholders
- Stay informed of industry trends, materials, technologies, and best practices, integrating innovation into design outcomes
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, or a related discipline
- 10-12 years' experience in real estate design and development
- Proven experience managing large-scale, mixed-use developments
- Strong UAE or GCC project experience is essential
- Fluency in English is mandatory; Arabic language skills are advantageous
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership capability with a collaborative and proactive management style
- Proven experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects
- High-level design aesthetic across hardscape, softscape, lighting, wayfinding, signage, and public realm elements
- Strong project management skills including programme, budget, and risk control
- Strategic and innovative thinker with strong problem-solving ability
- Proficiency in design and documentation software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office)
- Sound knowledge of regional landscape practices, materials, and sustainability principles
- Strong understanding of local regulations, codes, accessibility standards, and universal design requirements
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to present complex design concepts clearly to senior leadership and executive audiences
- Strong commercial awareness and commitment to value-driven design solutions
