Design Manager - Master planning

Job Purpose

Reporting into the Development Director, the Design Manager – Masterplanning will be responsible for leading, coordinating, and managing the masterplanning and urban design components of a large-scale masterplanned community in Muscat, Oman. The role involves overseeing all design phases—from concept and feasibility through to detailed planning and regulatory submissions—while ensuring alignment with the project vision, development strategy, and local requirements. This position requires strong design leadership, technical expertise, and proven experience working on major masterplan projects within the Middle East region.

Key Accountabilities

Masterplanning & Urban Design Oversight:

Lead and review the masterplan, ensuring alignment with the project vision, land-use strategy, mobility planning, and public realm design.

Design Coordination:

Manage multidisciplinary design consultants, oversee deliverables, maintain design quality, and ensure adherence to project briefs and timelines.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

Coordinate with internal teams, external consultants, and government authorities to ensure smooth design integration and timely approvals.

Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure the masterplan meets local Omani regulations and regional planning standards. Support preparation and submission of all planning documents.

Budget & Schedule Management:

Monitor design schedules, consultant scopes, and budgets. Support procurement and review consultant proposals and variations.

Risk Management:

Identify design-related risks and implement mitigation measures to prevent delays or cost impacts.

Sustainability & Quality Assurance:

Integrate sustainability and smart community principles while maintaining high design quality and long-term functionality.

Presentations & Reporting:

Prepare and deliver design updates, reports, and presentations to senior management and external stakeholders.

Qualifications, Experience, Core Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred (Urban Design/Planning/Architecture).
• 10–15 years of experience in master planning or urban design, with minimum 5 years in the Middle East (mandatory).
• Proven experience working on large-scale master planned communities , mixed-use developments, or urban planning projects.
• Prior experience with real estate developers or leading international design consultancies.
• Strong understanding of regional planning codes, mobility planning, infrastructure coordination, and sustainability frameworks.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and guide complex design processes.
• Proficiency in reviewing masterplan drawings, technical reports, and planning documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously with strong time management and organizational skills.