Senior Design Manager

Key Responsibilities Design Leadership Lead and manage the complete façade design process from concept development through detailed design, fabrication, and installation stages. Direct design teams across multiple locations and disciplines to ensure timely and high-quality project delivery. Establish design strategies and technical solutions aligned with architectural intent, project requirements, budget, and programme. Review and approve façade shop drawings, fabrication drawings, setting-out drawings, installation drawings, and material take-offs. Technical Excellence Interpret and manage contract requirements, specifications, architectural drawings, and performance criteria. Oversee structural, thermal, acoustic, movement, and performance aspects of façade systems. Ensure compliance with project specifications, international standards, and local regulations, including BS, EN, ASTM, CWCT, and relevant Middle East codes. Drive innovative solutions for complex façade geometries and bespoke architectural requirements. Stakeholder Management Serve as the primary design interface with clients, architects, consultants, contractors, and system suppliers. Lead technical workshops, coordination meetings, design reviews, and value engineering discussions. Present design solutions confidently to senior stakeholders and project teams. Project Delivery Support project management teams in achieving programme, cost, quality, and technical objectives. Monitor design progress and proactively resolve technical challenges affecting procurement, fabrication, testing, and site installation. Identify risks, opportunities, and variation impacts related to design development. Support commercial and estimating teams during tender and pre-construction phases. Team Development Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of design managers, BIM manager, engineers, designers, and draughtsmen. Establish best practices and maintain high technical and quality standards throughout the department. Promote continuous learning and technical development within the organization. Quality & Governance Implement robust design review and approval procedures. Ensure all deliverables meet company quality standards and project requirements. Support mock-ups, laboratory testing, site testing, and project commissioning activities. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related discipline. Minimum 20 years of façade industry experience, including significant experience on large-scale and landmark projects. Proven experience managing design teams on high-rise, mixed-use, hospitality, commercial, airport, cultural, or mega-development projects. Strong expertise in unitized curtain walls, stick systems, skylights, steel-glass structures, bespoke façades, and specialty building envelope systems. Previous experience working on projects within the GCC or Middle East region is highly desirable. Strong understanding of façade engineering principles, design standards, and performance requirements. Experience coordinating with international consultants, architects, contractors, and suppliers. Technical Skills Advanced knowledge of façade design and engineering principles. Strong understanding of structural calculations and system performance requirements. Proficiency in AutoCAD, 3D design and Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with BIM environments and platforms such as Revit is advantageous. Familiarity with façade analysis software and engineering tools is preferred. Leadership Competencies We are looking for a candidate who demonstrates: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Strong leadership and team management capabilities. Excellent presentation and client-facing skills. Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Ability to manage multiple stakeholders across international teams. Strong commercial awareness and decision-making skills. Results-oriented mindset with a focus on quality and delivery. Preferred Experience Candidates with experience delivering façade packages valued in excess of USD 100M+ on iconic or complex projects Show more Show less