Director- Design Management

Job Description

Director- Design Management I Real Estate I Al Futtaim Construction

Company: Al Futtaim Private Company LLC

Location: AE

Job Requisition ID: 165712

Overview of the role:

The Director of Design Management is responsible for leading and overseeing the complete design process, ensuring the seamless progression of projects from pre-concept through final design and construction documentation. This role involves managing design consultants and subcontractors, selecting top-tier designers, and ensuring design outcomes align with project goals, quality standards, and client expectations. The Director will establish robust processes for managing design stages, coordinating stakeholder input, and optimizing design efficiency and innovation to meet project timelines and budget requirements.

What you will do:

• Responsible for Prequalifying and Selecting Design Consultants and Subcontractors:
• Conduct comprehensive market analysis to identify and evaluate potential design consultants and subcontractors.
• Define specific project requirements and establish clear qualification and evaluation criteria.
• Develop a structured interview and evaluation process.
• Facilitate candidate interviews and provide strategic recommendations on consultant selection.
• Defining Design Scope and Managing Design Agreements/Contracts and Costs:
• Work closely with clients to clearly interpret their needs.
• Internally review the design scope to ensure completeness.
• Continuously monitor design submissions for compliance.
• Evaluate and manage any required changes to the scope.
• Conduct a final review of the design to confirm completion.
• Coordination of Client Requirements into Designs:
• Gather, document, and clarify all client needs.
• Assess compatibility of all client requirements.
• Facilitate a collaborative approach to resolve discrepancies.
• Monitor changes in client requirements and adjust accordingly.
• Regularly review design outputs for compliance.
• Coordination and Interfacing with Other Client Designers:
• Establish and monitor communication protocols among designers.
• Proactively address communication issues.
• Facilitate cross-design feedback and review.
• Lead coordination meetings and maintain detailed records.
• Procurement and Verification of Acceptable Design Packages:
• Establish a detailed schedule and scope of design deliverables.
• Conduct thorough reviews of submitted designs.
• Organize design reviews by internal teams or external experts.
• Coordinate with statutory authorities for necessary approvals.
• Maintain detailed records of review processes.
• Management & Control of Project Procurement/Timeline:
• Develop a comprehensive design programme supporting the construction schedule.
• Implement a method for measuring design delivery progress.
• Identify critical path design elements and enforce priority.
• Provide regular updates on design progress to management.
• Project Budget & Program:
• Oversee project expenditures to ensure budget compliance.
• Track project progress closely and provide updates to stakeholders.
• Management of Design Change:
• Monitor project design developments to identify potential changes.
• Conduct detailed analysis of proposed design changes.
• Facilitate the approval process for required design changes.
• Communicate decisions clearly and maintain comprehensive records.
• Contribute to Development of Design Management Procedures:
• Regularly review design management procedures.
• Provide feedback on existing procedures for improvement.
• Collaborate on procedure enhancements.

Job Context:

This position plays a pivotal role in aligning design management with the company’s strategic business plan and objectives. The Director of Design Management is responsible for overseeing the procurement and execution of design services essential to the successful development of individual building projects. The role requires adaptability and proactive risk management.

Required skills to be successful:

• Job-Specific Skills:
  • Consultant and Subcontractor Prequalification.
  • Design Scope Definition.
  • Client Requirement Communication.
  • Design Review and Quality Assurance.
• Behavioural Competencies:
  • Teamwork.
  • Communication.
  • Professional Knowledge.
  • Training and Coaching.
  • Leadership.

What equips you for the role:

• Minimum Qualifications and Knowledge:
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
  • Chartered Engineer status or relevant professional accreditation.
  • In-depth knowledge of design standards and codes.
• Minimum Experience:
  • 10 to 15 years of proven experience in design management and construction.
  • Strong familiarity with industry design standards and codes.

About Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate:

The real estate development and operations arm of Al-Futtaim is responsible for a multi-billion-dollar portfolio across MENA, focusing on high-quality residential, business, retail, and educational developments.

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