Head of Delivery (Design & Build)

The Role
The Head of Delivery will oversee the end-to-end project delivery function across all commercial interior fit-out projects within the UAE region. This senior leadership role is responsible for ensuring that every project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality, design, and client satisfaction. The position requires a balance of strategic vision, operational excellence, and hands-on leadership across multidisciplinary teams, including project management, site operations, MEP, procurement, and commercial functions. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategy • Lead and oversee all project delivery functions across multiple concurrent fit-out projects. • Develop and implement best-practice project delivery systems aligned with Verve Design’s ethos and standards. • Drive consistency in performance, safety, and quality across all projects. • Collaborate closely with senior management, design directors, and commercial teams to align delivery strategies with business growth objectives. Project Execution & Performance • Direct project managers and site teams to ensure delivery excellence from tender through to handover. • Monitor and manage budgets, schedules, and margins across all active projects. • Identify project risks early and implement mitigation plans effectively. • Ensure compliance with all authority approvals, HSE, and QA/QC requirements. Client Management & Stakeholder Communication • Act as a senior escalation point for all delivery matters and client issues. • Maintain transparent, professional, and trusted communication with clients and consultants. • Represent Verve Design in key client meetings and presentations. Team Development & Operations • Lead, mentor, and motivate a high-performing delivery team. • Work collaboratively with design, procurement, and commercial teams to streamline processes. • Promote continuous improvement, teamwork, and operational efficiency across departments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Architecture. • Minimum 15 years’ experience in interior fit-out or design & build, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. • Proven track record of managing large-scale commercial and corporate interior projects (AED 10M+). • Comprehensive knowledge of construction methods, MEP systems, and authority processes in the UAE. • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. • Previous UAE experience essential; GCC experience advantageous. Preferred Attributes • Visionary leader who inspires collaboration and accountability. • Strong business acumen with an eye for design detail and delivery excellence. • Adaptable and solutions-oriented, thriving in a fast-paced project environment. • Passionate about delivering innovative, sustainable, and people-centric spaces.

About the company
Welcome to Cross Recruitment LLC, a recruitment company covering the UAE and Gulf States. We specialize in finding suitable candidates for companies in Interior Design, FF&E and Architectural Industries, such as Furniture Manufacturers and Distributors, Suppliers of Interior Products, Hospitality, Flooring, Carpets and Lighting, etc. Our Managing Director, Dawn Cross, is a very well known and respected recruiter within the industry, having worked for many years in the GCC and internationally. As such, we already have our network of experienced consultants working on various job levels from C-Suite Executives and Managing Directors, to Sales, Design and Office Support staff. When a position opens, with many people seeking employment today, companies can be inundated with CVs which can be time consuming to go through. We can do that for you. Once the job vacancy has been opened, we collect the CVS, review and shortlist the candidates and call those of interest for a one-on-one interview. We pride ourselves on meeting all candidates face to face to establish suitability, identifying the potentials who will be an asset to your company for the long term and easing the interview process allowing your company to focus on its productivity.