Project Design Manager

An established international architecture and engineering practice is seeking a talented Project Design Manager to join its Abu Dhabi team.The role is ideal for a technically strong Senior Architect who has begun taking on broader project-management responsibilities and is ready to formalise that progression. You will manage project delivery while continuing to contribute to and coordinate the design process, working within an integrated team of architects, engineers, interior designers and planners.Projects include large, complex and high-profile developments across the Middle East, including super-tall towers, hospitality, commercial and mixed-use schemes.Key responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day management of assigned projects under the guidance of a Project Director.

• Ensure delivery against agreed scope, programme, budget and quality requirements.

• Participate in the design process, reviewing and coordinating architectural and multidisciplinary design information.

• Plan and manage internal resourcing, allocate work and monitor progress across architectural and engineering teams.

• Coordinate sub-consultants and external stakeholders, including clients, operators, contractors and authorities.

• Prepare and maintain project schedules, look-ahead programmes, progress reports and action trackers.

• Organise and chair coordination meetings, issue minutes and ensure actions are followed through to close-out.

• Support contract-administration activities, including variation and change tracking, RFIs and technical clarifications.

• Identify project risks and issues early, escalating them appropriately and proposing practical mitigation measures.

• Champion quality, health and safety, and compliance with relevant codes and standards throughout the project lifecycle.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture is essential.

• Approximately 10+ years’ post-qualification experience.

• Established Senior Architect experience, with demonstrable exposure to project-management responsibilities.

• Proven UAE experience, ideally gained with a recognised consultant or multidisciplinary design practice.

• Track record delivering large-scale projects in the UAE or wider Middle East.

• Experience in high-rise residential towers and/or hospitality projects is particularly relevant.

• Sound understanding of all project stages: concept, schematic design, detailed design and construction.

• Strong design literacy and the ability to communicate and defend design intent clearly with both internal teams and clients.

• Evidence of programming, reporting, scheduling and consultant/stakeholder coordination experience.

• Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD, Bluebeam, MS Project and Primavera.

Personal qualities

• Design-minded architect who wants to move further into project management without losing connection to the creative process.

• Confident, polished communicator who can lead meetings and present to senior stakeholders.

• Organised, detail-focused and proactive in resolving issues.

• Collaborative team player, comfortable working within a large integrated multidisciplinary environment.

• Calm and resilient under pressure, with the ability to manage fast-paced, complex projects.

Benefits

• AED 27,000–30,000 per month, dependent on experience.

• Annual flight allowance.

• Medical insurance / healthcare.

• Structured career development and mentoring.

• Clear pathway from Senior Architect into a more formally defined Project Manager role within a global practice.

VONQ