Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager | MAF Entertainment | Design & Construction Company: Majid Al Futtaim Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Job Type: Regular (Full-Time) Category: Design & Construction Management (with elements of Operations and Project Management) Date Posted: January 15, 2026 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the complete design lifecycle for Leisure & Entertainment (L&E) projects, ensuring the integration of creative vision, brand standards, and operational requirements into the built environment.
• Act as a key liaison between external consultants, internal departments (Real Estate, Construction, Operations, CoE), and execution partners to maintain design integrity and business alignment.
• Manage post-contract design responsibilities, including the review of shop drawings, material approvals, and site implementation to ensure quality and brand consistency.
• Drive value engineering and cost optimization initiatives while upholding the highest quality and brand standards.
• Present project updates and design reviews to senior leadership, including CEO-level stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the detailed responsibilities and requirements indicate a significant overlap with Project Management and Operations. The role requires not just design oversight but also execution coordination, stakeholder management, and ensuring operational feasibility, making it a hybrid function critical to the GTM (Go-To-Market) success of entertainment venues.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Lifecycle Management: Lead and manage the comprehensive design development process from concept through detailed design, ensuring alignment with brand identity, feasibility studies, and constructability.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Facilitate seamless integration of functional, maintenance, and guest experience requirements by coordinating with Real Estate, Construction, Operations, and Center of Excellence (CoE) teams.
• Post-Contract Design Oversight: Take ownership of design guardianship during the construction phase, including meticulous review of shop drawings, approval of materials, oversight of mock-ups, and conducting site quality inspections.
• Stakeholder & Authority Liaison: Manage and coordinate landlord and regulatory authority approvals, ensuring strict adherence to brand, mall, and local compliance requirements.
• Value Engineering & Cost Control: Collaborate closely with Quantity Surveyors (QS), Procurement, and Construction teams to drive value engineering and cost optimization efforts without compromising quality or brand standards.
• Performance Reporting & Presentation: Serve as the primary design interface for all internal and external stakeholders, delivering clear, concise updates and formal design reviews to senior and executive leadership.
• Quality Assurance & Brand Consistency: Uphold and enforce stringent quality assurance measures and brand consistency through the diligent application of design guidelines, standards, and site implementation reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong need for process-driven execution, typical of operations roles. The emphasis on "on-time, on-budget delivery," "value engineering," and "cost optimization" points towards a role that directly impacts the financial performance and operational efficiency of L&E projects, a key concern for revenue operations and GTM strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Architecture, Architecture, or Design Management.

Experience:

• 8–12 years of progressive experience in design and project management, specifically within the Leisure, Entertainment, Retail, or Food & Beverage (F&B) sectors.
• Proven track record in managing consultants, diverse stakeholders, post-contract design phases, and experience with GCC developer/consultancy environments.

Required Skills:

• Design Management Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of design development stages, from concept to detailed design, and their implications for L&E projects.
• Project Management Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively for complex design and construction initiatives.
• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional skills in coordinating and influencing a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, fostering collaborative relationships.
• Technical Design Acumen: High level of expertise in materials, construction methods, landlord submission processes, and fit-out standards relevant to the entertainment industry.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam, essential for design review and collaboration.
• Process Workflow Management: Experience with structured design review workflows and a systematic approach to managing approvals and documentation.
• Performance-Driven Mindset: A proven history of achieving timely approvals, controlling costs and variations, maintaining brand consistency, and effectively coordinating with landlords.
• Problem-Solving & Collaboration: A collaborative, proactive, and problem-solving approach to overcoming design and project challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific L&E attraction design principles and operational flow considerations.
• Familiarity with sustainability standards and their integration into design.
• Knowledge of contract administration and dispute resolution in design contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills, particularly in project management, stakeholder coordination, and proficiency with design software like AutoCAD and Revit, are crucial for any operations professional involved in the build-out or optimization of physical spaces. The emphasis on performance metrics like "timely approvals, cost and variation control, brand consistency, and efficient landlord coordination" directly aligns with operational efficiency goals and GTM readiness.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating successful management of the full design lifecycle for at least 3-5 significant Leisure & Entertainment, Retail, or F&B projects.
• Process Optimization Examples: Case studies detailing how design processes were streamlined, value engineering was implemented, or cost efficiencies were achieved, with quantifiable results.
• System Integration Evidence: Examples of how design decisions integrated with operational requirements, guest experience enhancements, or construction feasibility, showcasing cross-functional collaboration.
• Stakeholder Management Documentation: Evidence of successful collaboration and communication with diverse stakeholders (consultants, internal teams, authorities), potentially through project summaries or testimonials.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to document and present design workflows, highlighting improvements made to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and brand adherence.
• Implementation & Automation: Examples of how design plans were translated into actionable site implementation, including review of shop drawings, material approvals, and site inspections.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrations of how design outcomes were measured against project objectives, brand standards, and operational needs, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is critical. It should not just showcase aesthetic outcomes but also the underlying processes, problem-solving methodologies, and operational considerations that led to successful project delivery. Operations candidates should highlight their ability to define, document, and optimize processes that ensure efficiency and alignment with strategic goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: AED 25,000 - 40,000 per month (approximately USD 6,800 - 10,900 per month).
• Methodology: This estimate is based on research for Design Manager roles with 10+ years of experience in Dubai, UAE, considering the industry (Leisure & Entertainment, Retail), the scope of responsibilities (full design lifecycle, stakeholder management, cost control), and the company's standing (Majid Al Futtaim is a major conglomerate). Salary ranges in Dubai can vary significantly based on specific company policies, candidate experience, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision) for employee and dependents.
• Paid Time Off (Annual Leave, Public Holidays).
• Retirement/Pension Contributions (as per UAE Labour Law).
• Employee Discounts and Privileges across Majid Al Futtaim properties and brands (retail, entertainment, hospitality).
• Professional Development and Training Opportunities.
• Potential for Performance-Based Bonuses.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for qualified candidates.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Flexibility may be required to attend site visits, stakeholder meetings, or address urgent project needs outside of standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is a guideline and should be confirmed with the employer. For operations roles, benefits that support work-life balance and professional growth are particularly attractive, such as training opportunities and flexible working arrangements where feasible.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail, Entertainment, Hospitality, Real Estate Development. Majid Al Futtaim operates a diverse portfolio including shopping malls, communities, retail outlets, and entertainment venues across the MENA region. Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally, with a significant presence in Dubai). This size implies structured processes, opportunities for impact, and potential for career advancement. Founded: 1992. With a long history, Majid Al Futtaim has established a strong market presence and a robust corporate culture.

Team Structure:

• Operations & Design Integration: The Design Manager will be part of the MAF Entertainment division, likely within a Design & Construction department.
• Reporting: Reports to a senior leadership role such as Head of Design & Construction or Director of Projects within MAF Entertainment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works closely with teams in Real Estate Development, Operations (venue management), Construction, Procurement, Marketing, and Finance, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on leveraging data for design choices, operational planning, and performance measurement.
• Process Standardization & Optimization: A focus on developing and adhering to standardized design and construction processes to ensure consistency and efficiency across projects.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritizing the guest experience in all design and operational planning phases.

Company Website: https://www.majidalfuttaim.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Majid Al Futtaim's scale suggests a need for robust operational frameworks and disciplined execution. A candidate's ability to navigate large organizational structures, adhere to established processes, and collaborate across diverse business units will be critical for success in this Design Manager role, impacting the operational readiness and customer experience of their entertainment properties.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level position within the Design & Construction function, bridging strategic design intent with practical operational execution. It requires significant experience and the ability to influence project outcomes. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Director or VP level within the relevant business unit (MAF Entertainment), indicating a high level of responsibility and exposure to senior leadership. Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the operational efficiency, guest experience, and brand perception of Leisure & Entertainment venues. Successful design implementation leads to smoother operations, higher customer satisfaction, and improved revenue generation potential.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into roles such as Head of Design & Construction, Director of Projects, or broader operational leadership positions within MAF Entertainment or other Majid Al Futtaim divisions.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific types of entertainment venues or advanced design technologies.
• Cross-Divisional Mobility: Potential to transition into project management or operational roles within other Majid Al Futtaim sectors (e.g., Retail, Hospitality) leveraging transferable skills.
• Continuous Learning: Access to corporate training programs, industry certifications, and participation in relevant conferences to stay abreast of design and operational trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in a large conglomerate like Majid Al Futtaim often involves demonstrating strong project delivery capabilities, operational awareness, and leadership potential. Success in this role can pave the way for significant advancement into roles that manage larger portfolios or broader operational functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment within Dubai, designed to foster collaboration and productivity. Office Location(s): Likely based at Majid Al Futtaim's headquarters or a dedicated project office in Dubai, offering accessibility to key business districts. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Access to meeting rooms, project war rooms, and open-plan areas designed for team interaction and cross-functional discussions.
• Technology & Tools: Provision of necessary hardware, software (AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam), and communication tools to support design, project management, and collaboration.
• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to engage with design teams, project managers, operations leads, and senior executives, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule: Primarily standard office hours, with potential for flexible arrangements or extended hours as dictated by project deadlines and site requirements. The focus is on delivering project milestones efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role in a corporate setting emphasizes the need for strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage directly with colleagues and stakeholders. This physical presence is crucial for site inspections, client meetings, and fostering team cohesion, all vital components of effective operations management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Hiring Manager to assess technical expertise, project management experience, and understanding of the role's responsibilities.
• Technical/Panel Interview: May involve a panel of stakeholders (e.g., Head of Construction, Operations Lead) to evaluate design acumen, problem-solving skills, and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, design rationale, and process improvements.
• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with Majid Al Futtaim's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that best demonstrate your experience in L&E, retail, or F&B design management, highlighting complexity, scale, and successful outcomes.
• Process Clarity: For each project, clearly articulate the design process followed, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and how operational needs were integrated.
• Quantifiable Results: Emphasize measurable achievements, such as cost savings through value engineering, adherence to budget and schedule, successful stakeholder approvals, and positive impacts on guest experience or operational efficiency.
• Visual Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Include high-quality renderings, plans, and site photos where appropriate.
• Narrative Focus: Tell a compelling story for each project, focusing on your role, contributions, and the lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge or a case study related to an L&E project, requiring you to outline your approach to design development, stakeholder consultation, and risk mitigation.
• Operational Integration: Practice articulating how design decisions impact operational workflows, maintenance, and guest flow within entertainment venues.
• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to discuss how you would manage conflicting stakeholder requirements or present complex design proposals to non-design audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-focused candidates, the portfolio review is a prime opportunity to demonstrate their ability to translate design intent into implementable operational realities. Highlighting process documentation, efficiency gains, and a focus on measurable outcomes will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D drafting, detailed drawings, and site plans. Proficiency in creating and managing complex architectural drawings.
• Revit: Crucial for Building Information Modeling (BIM), allowing for 3D design, clash detection, and better coordination between disciplines.
• Bluebeam Revu: Widely used for PDF markup, collaboration, document management, and quantity take-offs, streamlining review processes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Likely use of project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar) for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.
• Reporting Dashboards: Familiarity with creating or interpreting dashboards for design progress, budget tracking, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Systems: Experience navigating and contributing data to internal company systems for project tracking and reporting.
• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for document sharing, communication, and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam is non-negotiable. For operations professionals, understanding how these design tools interface with project management and potentially ERP/CRM systems for budget and resource tracking is a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering projects to the highest standards of quality, safety, and brand integrity.
• Customer Centricity: A deep understanding that all design and operational efforts are ultimately aimed at creating exceptional guest experiences.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to design and operational processes to drive efficiency and enhance offerings.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Integrated: Encouraging early and consistent engagement between design, construction, and operations teams to ensure alignment and mitigate risks.
• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent and regular communication channels to share updates, address concerns, and solicit feedback.
• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on collaborative problem-solving to overcome challenges and achieve project objectives efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on customer centricity and continuous improvement aligns strongly with operational objectives. A candidate who can demonstrate how they translate these values into actionable design and construction processes will be highly regarded.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Operational Constraints: Effectively translating innovative design concepts into practical, cost-effective, and operationally sound realities within budget and timeline constraints.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating and reconciling the often-conflicting priorities of various internal departments, external consultants, and regulatory bodies.
• Ensuring Brand Consistency Across Multiple Projects: Maintaining a high degree of brand fidelity and quality control across a portfolio of L&E venues, especially in a fast-paced development environment.
• Adapting to evolving Customer Preferences & Technology: Staying ahead of trends in entertainment, technology, and guest experience to ensure venues remain relevant and engaging.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Project Management Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications that enhance expertise in specialized areas.
• Industry Workshops & Conferences: Participation in events focused on entertainment design, construction management, and operational best practices.
• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders and experienced professionals for guidance and career development.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of L&E projects within Majid Al Futtaim's portfolio offers continuous learning and skill diversification.

📝 Enhancement Note: To prepare for the challenges, operations candidates should focus on their ability to implement robust processes for stakeholder management, risk assessment, and quality control, demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for managing the end-to-end design lifecycle of a major entertainment venue project." (Focus on phases, key deliverables, and decision points)
• "How do you ensure that design concepts align with operational requirements and enhance the guest experience?" (Highlight your cross-functional collaboration approach and operational awareness)
• "Walk us through a time you successfully implemented value engineering or cost optimization measures without compromising design intent or quality." (Quantify results and detail your process)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Majid Al Futtaim's L&E portfolio, and what excites you about contributing to it?" (Showcase your research and genuine interest)
• "How would you foster collaboration between design, construction, and operations teams on a new project?" (Emphasize communication, shared goals, and conflict resolution)
• "How do you stay updated on emerging trends in entertainment design and guest experience?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation by project, clearly outlining the brief, your role, the design solution, challenges, and outcomes.
• Focus on Process: Detail the specific processes you followed for design development, stakeholder engagement, approvals, and site implementation.
• Highlight Operational Impact: Emphasize how your design decisions facilitated smooth operations, improved guest flow, or enhanced the overall customer journey.
• Metrics & ROI: Where possible, present quantifiable data on cost savings, schedule adherence, or improvements in operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key highlights efficiently, allowing time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: When preparing for strategy questions, think in terms of operations frameworks: inputs, processes, outputs, feedback loops, and KPIs. For portfolio presentations, frame your design achievements through an operational lens – how did your design make operations easier, more efficient, or more profitable?

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Majid Al Futtaim careers portal using the provided URL.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to specifically highlight L&E, retail, or F&B projects, emphasizing your process management, stakeholder coordination, and cost optimization achievements.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 8-12 years of relevant experience, using keywords from the job description (e.g., Design Management, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Value Engineering, AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, GCC Developer/Consultancy). Quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience through the lens of operational efficiency and guest experience. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to present your portfolio confidently.
• Company Research: Deeply research Majid Al Futtaim's L&E brands, recent projects, and their stated values. Understand their market position and strategic goals to align your responses during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.