Head of Design

Position Summary

Head of Design & Engineering - Up to 75,000 AED per month, plus flights and family visas. Real Tier 1 - Global business based in Dubai Head Office.

Role Overview

Tier 1 Buildings main contractor in Dubai is seeking a highly experienced Head of Design & Engineering to lead multidisciplinary design teams across major buildings from Mega Watt Data Centers to high rise buildings. The role is responsible for design strategy, technical excellence, value engineering, design coordination, and ensuring constructable, compliant, and cost effective solutions from pre contract through project delivery. You will manage BIM, Sustainability, Quality, Temporary Works, and Design & Engineering departments. Reporting to the Group General Manager, you will lead and drive the business capability, embracing MMC and driving efficiencies from carbon footprint, innovation, safety & time to meet client needs in new ways for all stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the design & engineering department across multiple large scale projects. Current team size is 38 staff.
• Develop & manage in house design strategies aligned with project and team objectives.
• Manage in house engineering teams and external consultants.
• Drive innovation, digital design processes, and best practice engineering standards.

Design Management

• Oversee the full design lifecycle: concept, schematic, detailed design, and IFC stages.
• Ensure timely delivery of design packages in line with project schedules.
• Conduct constructability reviews and coordinate with construction teams.
• Lead technical reviews, value engineering, and design optimization.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Act as the primary interface between consultants, clients, and authorities.
• Lead technical meetings and workshops with subcontractors and design partners.
• Ensure compliance with UAE building codes, local authority requirements, and international standards.

Quality, Risk, and Compliance

• Ensure all design work meets quality, health & safety, and regulatory standards.
• Identify design risks early and implement mitigation strategies.
• Oversee approvals, permits, and NOCs for major projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, or related field.
• 15-20+ years' experience, including significant time with Tier 1 main contractors.
• At least 5 years of local experience in a relevant senior decision making capacity.
• Proven leadership of design/engineering on major projects with clear experience on technology and data centre projects.
• Strong knowledge of UAE authority processes.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and technical leadership skills.
• Ability to manage large multidisciplinary teams and fast track projects.

Package

• Salary up to AED 75,000 per month, depending on experience.
• Annual flight allowance, medical insurance, performance bonus.
• Long term career prospects with a major regional contractor.