RMJM
Technical Design Director – Technical Advisory (Site-Based, Landmark Project)
- Permanent
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Experience 15 - 20 yrs
Job expiry date: 01/01/2026
Job overview
Date posted
17/11/2025
Location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Salary
AED 60,000 - 100,000 per month
Compensation
Comprehensive package + relocation
Experience
15 - 20 yrs
Seniority
Director
Qualification
Professional qualification
Expiration date
01/01/2026
Job description
The Technical Design Director – Technical Advisory (Site-Based, Landmark Project) at RMJM will provide senior-level on-site technical leadership for a major Abu Dhabi landmark development. The role involves acting as the primary liaison between the design team, contractors, and client representatives to ensure that construction adheres to approved drawings, design intent, and technical specifications. The Director will lead the resolution of construction-related design conflicts, oversee the review of shop drawings, material submittals, and RFIs, and ensure that all work complies with project requirements, local regulations, and international sustainability standards such as LEED and BREEAM. Responsibilities extend to conducting quality inspections, managing technical risks, and leading value engineering initiatives to enhance constructability and cost efficiency. The candidate must have deep expertise in façade systems, structural interfaces, MEP coordination, waterproofing, and BIM-based design coordination, with proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Navisworks. This full-time, site-based role requires daily collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure design integrity, project compliance, and timely issue resolution. The position demands a proven record of leading large-scale, high-rise, mixed-use, or cultural projects with strong command over modern delivery methods including design-build and fast-track execution.
Required skills
Key responsibilities
- Act as the lead technical liaison between the design team, contractors, and client representatives to ensure compliance with approved drawings and specifications
- Resolve construction-related design conflicts in real time, delivering practical and technically sound solutions while maintaining design integrity
- Oversee the review and approval of shop drawings, material submittals, and RFIs to verify alignment with project requirements and design intent
- Conduct regular site inspections to assess workmanship, materials, and system installations against quality and technical standards
- Ensure all construction activities adhere to UAE local regulations, international building codes, and sustainability certifications such as LEED and BREEAM
- Lead defect prevention and resolution processes, coordinating with contractors to implement corrective measures promptly
- Advise on construction methodologies, sequencing, and logistics to optimize site efficiency and safety during execution
- Collaborate with contractors and consultants to identify and implement value engineering solutions while maintaining aesthetic and functional quality
- Assess temporary works, structural interfaces, and MEP coordination to minimize technical risks and ensure seamless integration across systems
- Identify, document, and escalate critical technical risks including structural, façade, and waterproofing issues that could impact cost, schedule, or quality
- Prepare and deliver daily and weekly technical reports summarizing progress, issues, resolutions, and site observations for senior leadership
- Support testing and commissioning activities to ensure systems perform according to design specifications and operational requirements
Experience & skills
- Chartered Engineer or Architect accreditation such as PE, RIBA, AIA, or equivalent preferred
- Minimum 15 years of technical design and construction supervision experience on large-scale, landmark developments
- Extensive on-site experience in resolving complex design and construction challenges
- Expertise in façade systems, structural interfaces, MEP coordination, and waterproofing details relevant to high-rise or mixed-use developments
- In-depth knowledge of construction techniques, BIM coordination, and modern project delivery methods such as design-build and fast-track
- Proficiency in BIM/Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and construction management software platforms
- Thorough understanding of UAE local building codes, permit processes, and inspection requirements
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in technical and multidisciplinary project environments
- Proven ability to manage quality control, risk mitigation, and compliance activities on active construction sites
- Willingness to work full-time, on-site in Abu Dhabi from Monday to Saturday
