Hill International
Design Manager
- Permanent
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Experience 15 - 20 yrs
Job expiry date: 01/05/2026
Job overview
Date posted
17/03/2026
Location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Salary
AED 40,000 - 50,000 per month
Compensation
Comprehensive package
Experience
15 - 20 yrs
Seniority
Manager
Qualification
Bachelors degree
Expiration date
01/05/2026
Job description
Leads and monitors design consultants and senior engineers to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with project requirements. Oversees design submissions, approvals, tender processes, and documentation while providing technical support to clients and internal teams. Responsible for quality, safety, and environmental compliance in all project phases.
Required skills
Design management and oversight
Building and villa project expertise
Coordination with senior discipline engineers and design consultants
Review and endorsement of design submissions and variations
Government permit approvals and regulatory compliance
Pre-qualification and tender management
Alternative design solutions and material recommendations
Document control and reporting
Quality, environmental, safety, and occupational health compliance
Client liaison and stakeholder management
Construction interfaces and cross-disciplinary coordination
Key responsibilities
- Monitor performance of design consultants to ensure design correctness, completeness, and compliance with scope
- Ensure design meets end-user requirements and statement of requirement
- Manage senior discipline engineers within the project management team regarding design aspects
- Review and endorse variation orders and concession requests for client approval
- Attend client, consultant, and sub-consultant meetings and provide technical guidance
- Coordinate with regional/home office for technical support and design validation
- Oversee timely submission of documents to government departments to obtain necessary permits
- Review project strategy, reports, and monthly updates; highlight areas of concern and provide recommendations
- Lead pre-qualification of construction contractors and manage tender stage technical clarifications
- Propose alternative materials or systems to optimize design, construction, and maintenance
- Ensure all project documents are properly controlled, recorded, and filed
- Maintain compliance with organizational Quality, Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health policies
Experience & skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering; Master’s preferred
- Minimum 15 years of relevant experience with at least 5 years in design management for consultancy or design firm
- Strong understanding of building and villa projects
- Knowledge of design processes, functional analysis, cross-disciplinary coordination, construction interfaces, programming, and cost management
- Experience in contractor liaison preferred
- Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills