Assistant Design Manager I Real Estate I Asset Development

Job Requisition ID: 182416 

About Al-Futtaim
Established in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim is one of the most diversified and progressive privately held regional businesses, headquartered in Dubai. Operating across more than 20 countries, the Group spans automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and health. With more than 40,000 employees, Al-Futtaim represents over 200 of the world’s most recognised brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE and Marks & Spencer. Driven by its purpose to enrich lives and elevate communities, Al-Futtaim focuses on digital innovation, AI, sustainable growth and strategic partnerships, creating long-term value for customers, communities and partners while building a responsible legacy for future generations.

• The Assistant Manager Design is responsible for managing the design process and consultants for individual projects. The role involves overseeing the design process from pre-concept stage to construction documentation, ensuring all designs align with project objectives and comply with statutory regulations. The position requires close coordination with Project Team Leaders/Managers and effective communication across teams to integrate DFC requirements seamlessly. The role contributes significantly to the success of design management procedures and the procurement of consultancy services to support the organization's business plan.

Design Consultant Management

• Prequalify and select design consultants by assessing market conditions, defining requirements, and developing evaluation criteria.
• Conduct interviews and assess presentations to make recommendations for selecting designers.
• Define design scope and ensure alignment with project objectives, adjusting as necessary.
• Control design costs and manage contracts from pre-concept design through construction documentation.

Design Process Coordination

• Coordinate DFC requirements into comprehensive designs, ensuring compatibility and mutual alignment.
• Establish effective communication channels and interfaces among designers.
• Review designs for compliance with latest DFC requirements and statutory regulations.
• Procure design reviews and communicate actionable feedback to designers.

Design Documentation and Approval

• Procure and verify acceptable design packages for each stage, ensuring compliance with design scope and quality standards.
• Ensure designs adhere to statutory regulations to secure necessary approvals and Non-Objection Certificates.
• Release designs when fully compliant and maintain accurate records of all transactions.

Design Progress Measurement and Change Management

• Create and manage a design programme aligned with the construction schedule.
• Measure design delivery against programme and prioritize critical path designs.
• Identify and manage potential design changes, analyzing cost and time implications and seeking necessary approvals.
• Communicate changes effectively to all stakeholders.

Team and Procedural Development

• Assign tasks to design management staff and CAD/clerical staff based on skills and workload.
• Provide feedback and support to draughting team members to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of design management procedures.
• Draft sections for procedural manuals detailing deliverables required from design consultants.

• Strong skills in prequalification and selection of consultants.
• Ability to define and manage design scopes and deliverables accurately.
• Expertise in coordinating and interfacing with design teams and consultants.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate design requirements and feedback effectively.

• Architectural Honours Degree and qualified Architect or equivalent.
• 10 to 15 years hands-on experience in Design and Construction.
• In-depth knowledge of architectural design standards, codes, and building regulations.
• Experience with prequalification of consultants and coordination of design scopes.

About Al-Futtaim Real Estate

With a legacy of more than six decades in real estate and asset management, Al-Futtaim Real Estate – part of Al-Futtaim – creates real impact on the communities it serves through long-term investment and growth. As one of the region’s leading private developers, the company plans, creates and manages developments across the MENA region.  

Al-Futtaim Real Estate has a diversified, multi-billion-dollar portfolio across the real estate value chain and asset types such as residential, commercial, malls and industries including hospitality, healthcare, infrastructure and education. Flagship mixed-use urban communities include Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City.  

Al-Futtaim Real Estate is also responsible for Al-Futtaim Contracting, a fully integrated, end-to-end specialist division operating across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt. The business has delivered industry-leading construction, engineering, technology and FM solutions for more than 50 years.