Design Manager

About the Role

ABYATONA Real Estates is looking for a seasoned Design Manager with at least 15 years of industry experience to oversee and direct the design processes from conception through detailed design to construction phases. This pivotal role involves leading multidisciplinary design teams and ensuring that all design outputs comply with project goals, budget constraints, quality standards, and scheduling requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire design lifecycle across different project stages, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
• Coordinate and lead teams of architects, structural, MEP, infrastructure, and specialist consultants.
• Approve and review design outputs for compliance with specifications, relevant codes, and contractual obligations.
• Set and track design timelines, deliverables, and major milestones to ensure project alignment.
• Liaise with project, construction, commercial, and technical teams to facilitate smooth project execution.
• Identify and manage design intersections and potential conflicts or risks early.
• Evaluate consultant proposals, scopes of work, design documents, and related technical materials.
• Conduct design review meetings and manage responses to technical feedback from stakeholders.
• Implement robust design change controls and assess their impact on costs, schedule, quality, and feasibility.
• Champion value engineering and design improvement initiatives without compromising standards.
• Ensure all design decisions are effectively documented and communicated.
• Monitor consultant performance for adherence to quality standards and schedule deadlines.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the design team.
• Engage with regulatory authorities and stakeholders to secure necessary approvals and permits.
• Assist tendering, procurement, and construction units by resolving design issues and clarifying technical details.
• Promote incorporation of lessons learned and best practices into ongoing and future designs.
• Prepare and present detailed design progress reports, risk assessments, and key issues to senior leadership.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil, Structural or MEP Engineering, or closely related field.
• At least 15 years of professional experience with comprehensive design management and multidisciplinary project exposure.
• Proven track record handling complex projects and large design teams.
• Deep knowledge of design management processes, construction methods, codes, and industry standards.
• Experience collaborating with consultants, contractors, clients, and government bodies.
• Strong grasp of project scheduling, budgeting, contractual frameworks, and change control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in design software, project management tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Professional accreditation or membership in recognized engineering or architectural institutions is advantageous.
• Prior experience in GCC/Saudi Arabian markets highly preferred.

Core Competencies

• Ability to lead design initiatives and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Effective project and design management skills.
• Expertise in technical problem-solving and risk/change management.
• Capacity to manage stakeholder relationships and ensure quality assurance.
• Strong team leadership and development capabilities.
• Commercial insight and strategic decision-making aptitude.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Preferred Profile

The chosen candidate will be a senior design expert and strategic thinker capable of managing intricate design projects, producing superior design results, resolving multifaceted challenges, and bridging design with project execution and construction phases effectively.