Head of Design & Engineering (Architecture)

Our Tier 1 Main Contracting Client has a new requirement for a seasoned Head of Design & Engineering / Design & Engineering Director to head up their design and technical team in Dubai working on major new hospitality, residential (towers and villas) and mall projects. Successful candidates will have a proven background as a Design & Engineering Head leading and driving the design and technical aspects of major new build & refurbishment projects in the UAE up to AED 1 billion in value and have worked for recognised main contracting companies previously.

This role is available for immediate joining and is a direct hire, permanent opportunity, employed by our client.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Department Management

• Lead, supervise, and mentor the engineering team (civil, structural, MEP, architectural, CAD/BIM, document control).
• Allocate responsibilities and monitor workload distribution to ensure timely and efficient deliverables.
• Establish departmental goals, KPIs, and performance standards aligned with company strategy.

Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance

• Review and approve engineering deliverables, including design drawings, shop drawings, technical submittals, and method statements.
• Ensure compliance with Dubai Municipality (DM), DDA, RERA, DEWA, Civil Defense, and international building codes.
• Enforce strict quality standards for luxury projects, ensuring flawless detailing and high-end finishing.

Design & Consultant Coordination

• Act as the primary liaison with consultants, architects, and interior designers to resolve technical queries.
• Coordinate design modifications, RFIs, and approvals, ensuring smooth flow of updated drawings to site teams.
• Conduct value engineering exercises to optimize designs while balancing cost, aesthetics, and function.

Project Support & Site Coordination

• Provide engineering guidance to project managers and site engineers during construction.
• Conduct regular site visits to verify compliance with approved drawings and specifications.
• Resolve complex technical issues promptly to avoid project delays.

Regulatory & Approvals

• Manage authority approvals and NOCs with DM, DDA, DEWA, Civil Defense, RTA, and other statutory bodies.
• Ensure documentation and submissions meet UAE legal requirements and project timelines.

Documentation & Reporting

• Oversee preparation of engineering reports, compliance statements, as-built drawings, and project records.
• Provide regular technical and progress reports to senior management and clients.
• Ensure the department adheres to ISO procedures and internal quality management systems.