Senior Design Manager (Structures/Infrastructure)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager (Structures/Infrastructure)

Company: Mace

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Construction & Design Management

Date Posted: October 28, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive design management of major car parking structure projects, encompassing the entire project lifecycle from concept through detailed design, procurement, and construction.

• Oversee and manage the transition of existing concept designs into fully coordinated, procurement-ready, and construction-ready design information, ensuring constructability and buildability.

• Drive the coordination of multidisciplinary design consultants, including architects, structural engineers, civil engineers, MEP specialists, transport planners, fire and life safety experts, and other specialist system designers.

• Establish, manage, and monitor design programs, key deliverables, individual responsibilities, and critical review gateways to ensure project milestones are met.

• Facilitate and lead design reviews, technical workshops, constructability assessments, and value engineering exercises to optimize design outcomes and project efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is pivotal in ensuring the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects, specifically large-scale car parking structures. The emphasis on managing multidisciplinary consultants and the full design lifecycle from concept to construction indicates a need for strong leadership, technical understanding, and robust project management skills within the construction and infrastructure domain. The location in Dubai suggests familiarity with regional construction standards and regulatory environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end design management process for significant car parking projects, from initial concept development through to detailed design and subsequent construction phases.

• Manage the crucial transition of conceptual designs into coordinated, procurement-ready, and construction-ready design information, ensuring all technical specifications are met.

• Lead and manage a diverse team of multidisciplinary design consultants, including architecture, structural engineering, civil engineering, MEP, transport, fire and life safety, and specialized systems.

• Establish and meticulously manage detailed design programs, define clear deliverables, assign responsibilities, and implement rigorous review gateways to ensure timely and quality design progression.

• Proactively drive coordination efforts among various design disciplines, effectively resolving design clashes, technical challenges, and critical package interfaces to prevent downstream issues.

• Ensure that design considerations for buildability, construction sequencing, site logistics, procurement strategy, and overall construction methodology are integrated from the outset.

• Spearhead and facilitate design review meetings, technical workshops, constructability reviews, and value engineering sessions to enhance design quality and cost-effectiveness.

• Manage complex design interfaces with surrounding infrastructure, including roads, utilities, public realm areas, and adjacent development packages, ensuring seamless integration.

• Provide critical design input for procurement packages, tender documentation, and contractor selection processes, aligning design requirements with commercial objectives.

• Review and approve contractor and specialist subcontractor design submissions during the construction phase, verifying compliance with design intent and project specifications.

• Collaborate closely with project management, planning, and commercial teams to proactively identify design risks that could impact the project's schedule, budget, or procurement strategy.

• Manage the design change control process, ensuring all modifications undergo appropriate technical governance and secure necessary approvals before implementation.

• Coordinate and promote the effective use of BIM and digital design processes to support sophisticated multidisciplinary coordination and clash detection.

• Support the process of obtaining necessary authority approvals and ensure all statutory and regulatory requirements are accurately incorporated into the design documentation.

• Maintain continuous design oversight throughout the construction period to guarantee that the original design intent is faithfully delivered through to project completion and handover.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on, leadership-oriented role focused on the technical and coordination aspects of large-scale infrastructure design. The emphasis on constructability, buildability, and integration with procurement and commercial teams points to a need for a designer who understands the full project lifecycle and can bridge the gap between design and execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or a closely related built-environment discipline. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in design management on major, complex construction projects.

• Proven track record of successfully managing projects from concept or schematic design through to detailed design and into the construction phase.

• Experience within a Project Management Consultancy (PMC), consultancy firm, developer, or Tier 1 contractor environment is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in managing multidisciplinary design consultants across architecture, structural, civil, MEP, transport, and fire safety.

• Strong understanding and practical application of structural, architectural, civil, and MEP coordination principles.

• Proficiency in establishing and managing design programs, deliverables, and review gateways.

• Experience in driving design coordination, resolving clashes, and managing technical issues.

• Solid grasp of construction methodology, buildability principles, and contractor-led design processes.

• Competency in BIM and digital design coordination, with experience managing multiple design consultants.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills to effectively liaise with project teams, consultants, and contractors.

• Risk management skills to identify and mitigate design-related project risks. Preferred Skills:

• Professional membership or chartership with a relevant professional institution (e.g., RIBA, ICE, CIOB).

• Specific experience with large-scale car parking structures, podiums, transport facilities, major concrete structures, or similarly complex multidisciplinary buildings.

• Previous project experience within the UAE or wider GCC region.

• Experience in value engineering and constructability reviews.

• Familiarity with statutory approval processes in the UAE.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of formal education, extensive practical experience in design leadership, and specific technical knowledge relevant to large-scale structural and infrastructure projects. The preference for UAE/GCC experience and specific project types like car parks suggests a need for localized knowledge and specialized expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 complex, large-scale infrastructure or building projects managed from concept to construction, with a strong emphasis on structural or parking facilities.

• Detail your role and specific contributions in managing multidisciplinary design teams and coordinating various engineering disciplines (structural, civil, MEP).

• Provide examples of design coordination processes, clash detection methodologies, and how you resolved significant technical issues or design conflicts.

• Demonstrate experience in managing design interfaces with external stakeholders, infrastructure, and adjacent developments, highlighting successful integration strategies.

• Include evidence of your involvement in procurement support, tender evaluations, or contractor design review processes. Process Documentation:

• Documented examples of design management plans, including program development, deliverable tracking, and review gateway implementation.

• Case studies illustrating your approach to ensuring buildability, constructability, and consideration of construction methodology in design.

• Examples of value engineering exercises or constructability reviews you have led, including the outcomes and impact on project objectives.

• Documentation of your experience with BIM coordination, including workflows, clash detection reports, and integration with project management systems.

• Records or descriptions of how you have managed design changes, ensured technical governance, and secured necessary approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to present a portfolio that not only lists projects but deeply illustrates their process-driven approach to design management, problem-solving, and coordination on complex infrastructure projects. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical application of design management principles and their impact on project delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in Dubai, the estimated salary range is AED 30,000 - 45,000 per month (approximately USD 8,170 - 12,250 per month). This range is subject to variation based on specific experience, qualifications, and the precise scope of responsibilities within Mace's project structure. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the employee and potentially dependents.

• Paid annual leave, typically in line with UAE labor law.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and support for chartership.

• Contribution to end-of-service benefits as per UAE labor regulations.

• Opportunities for career advancement within Mace's global projects.

• Involvement in high-profile, transformative infrastructure projects in Dubai. Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, from Sunday to Thursday. However, given the nature of large-scale construction projects, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and critical milestones, potentially involving occasional overtime or weekend work during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on current market data for senior engineering and design management roles in Dubai, considering the cost of living and industry demand. Benefits are typical for international construction and consultancy firms operating in the region. The specific package will be confirmed during the offer stage.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction and Consultancy. Mace operates at the intersection of construction expertise and strategic consultancy, offering a unique value proposition in the built environment sector.

Company Size: Mace is a global, multinational company with a significant presence across various continents, employing thousands of individuals. This scale offers opportunities for diverse project involvement and international career mobility.

Founded: Mace was founded in 1990. With over three decades of experience, the company has established a strong reputation for delivering complex and high-profile projects worldwide.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project delivery team, reporting to a Senior Project Manager or Project Director.

• The role involves managing and coordinating external multidisciplinary design consultants, forming a matrix structure where direct reports may be limited, but influence and oversight are extensive.

• Close collaboration is expected with project planning, commercial, construction, and site teams to ensure integrated project execution. Methodology:

• Mace emphasizes a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, encouraging the adoption of best practices in design management, BIM, and digital technologies.

• A strong focus on safety, client delivery, integrity, and creating opportunities for people is embedded in their operational methodology.

• Data-driven decision-making and robust risk management are integral to their project execution approach.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's culture prioritizes safety, client satisfaction, ethical conduct, and employee development. As a large, global firm, it offers a structured yet dynamic environment for professionals. The project in Dubai is a flagship development, indicating significant investment and strategic importance for Mace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the design management function of a major project. It demands significant autonomy, leadership, and the ability to influence project outcomes. It sits at a critical juncture between the design phase and the physical execution of construction, requiring a comprehensive understanding of both.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will typically report to a Project Director or Senior Project Manager. They will, in turn, manage and direct the work of numerous design consultants and specialists, requiring strong leadership and delegation skills. Collaboration will be extensive with other project leads, including commercial managers, construction managers, and planning engineers.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on the project's success. Effective design management ensures that the project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality and safety standards. By proactively managing design coordination, buildability, and risk, the Senior Design Manager significantly influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and Mace's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into Project Director roles, managing larger and more complex projects or entire programs.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific infrastructure typologies (e.g., transport hubs, large-scale parking) or advanced design technologies like BIM and digital twins.

• Global Mobility: As a global firm, Mace offers opportunities to work on projects in different regions, broadening international experience.

• Technical Mastery: Continuous learning and application of cutting-edge design, engineering, and construction methodologies.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior design managers and engineers, contributing to the development of future talent within Mace.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for experienced design professionals, offering a pathway to project leadership and broader strategic influence within the construction and consultancy sectors. The emphasis on delivering complex infrastructure projects provides a rich environment for career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based on-site in Dubai, reflecting the hands-on nature of managing large construction projects. This will involve a combination of working from a project site office and potentially attending meetings at consultant offices or other project locations.

Office Location(s): The specific project site is within Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Mace has a significant presence in Dubai, with multiple offices and project locations across the Emirate.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment will be dynamic and fast-paced, characteristic of major construction projects in a rapidly developing region like Dubai.

• Expect a collaborative atmosphere, requiring constant interaction with a diverse team of international consultants, contractors, and client representatives.

• Access to project management software, BIM platforms, and communication tools will be standard. The emphasis is on effective information flow and coordination.

• The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to adapt to evolving project requirements.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, the demands of large-scale construction projects often necessitate flexibility, with potential for extended hours or weekend work during critical phases of design development, procurement, or construction to meet tight deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes the need for candidates who thrive in a project-driven environment and are comfortable with the inherent demands of large-scale construction in a major international hub like Dubai.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by the recruitment team to assess alignment with the core requirements.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Senior Project Manager or Director) to delve into your experience with design management, complex projects, and specific infrastructure types. Expect questions about your approach to coordination, risk management, and consultant management.

3. Technical/Panel Interview: This stage may involve a panel of subject matter experts (e.g., lead structural engineer, construction manager) to assess your technical understanding, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle complex design challenges. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

4. Portfolio Presentation (Potential): You might be asked to prepare a short presentation showcasing 1-2 key projects from your portfolio, focusing on your role, challenges faced, and how you managed the design process and achieved project objectives.

5. Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with senior leadership, to confirm cultural fit and discuss terms of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that best demonstrate your experience with large-scale structural or infrastructure design, particularly car parking structures if possible. Highlight your leadership in the design management process.

• Clarity of Role: Clearly define your specific responsibilities and contributions on each project. Use "I" statements for direct actions and "We" for team efforts.

• Process Focus: Detail your methodologies for design coordination, clash detection, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation. Use diagrams or workflow examples if possible.

• Quantifiable Achievements: Where possible, quantify the impact of your work. For example, "Resolved X number of clashes leading to Y% reduction in RFI's" or "Implemented value engineering saving Z AED."

• Problem-Solving: Showcase instances where you faced significant design challenges and how you effectively resolved them.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (drawings, renderings, photos) where appropriate, ensuring confidentiality is maintained.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss specific examples of managing multidisciplinary consultants, resolving design conflicts, ensuring buildability, and contributing to procurement strategies.

• Familiarize yourself with common design management challenges in large infrastructure projects, such as interface management, scope creep, and regulatory compliance.

• Understand Mace's values and be ready to articulate how your professional approach aligns with them, particularly regarding safety and client focus.

• Research recent major construction projects in Dubai to demonstrate your awareness of the local market and its challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical competence, leadership capabilities, and practical experience in managing complex design processes within a project environment. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for demonstrating this experience effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Management Software: Platforms for tracking design progress, deliverables, RFIs, and submittals (e.g., Aconex, Procore, BIM 360 Docs).

• Project Management Software: Tools for overall project scheduling, resource allocation, and reporting (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project).

• BIM Software & Platforms: Proficiency in understanding and coordinating BIM models, potentially using software like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, BIM 360 Model Coordination, or similar platforms.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools for team communication and document sharing (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in using project reporting tools to track design KPIs, identify trends, and communicate progress to stakeholders.

• Familiarity with data analysis for identifying design risks and opportunities for value engineering. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design information integrates with commercial and procurement systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with automated workflows for design review and approval processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is not primarily a software user in the same way as a BIM Coordinator, a strong understanding of BIM, project management, and design collaboration tools is essential for effective management and coordination. The ability to leverage technology for efficiency and communication is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First - Going Home Safe and Well: A paramount value, expecting all team members to prioritize safety in all design decisions and site interactions. This translates to ensuring designs are inherently safe to construct and operate.

• Client Focus - Deliver on Our Promise: Emphasis on understanding client requirements deeply and ensuring the design fully meets these needs, leading to successful project outcomes and long-term relationships. This means delivering designs that are buildable, compliant, and meet performance expectations.

• Integrity - Always Do the Right Thing: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with consultants, contractors, and authorities. This includes transparent communication and adherence to compliance obligations.

• Create Opportunity - For Our People to Excel: A commitment to continuous improvement, learning, and development. This value encourages proactive problem-solving, sharing knowledge, and supporting the growth of team members.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A highly collaborative approach is required, bridging the gap between design disciplines, project management, commercial teams, and construction operations.

• Proactive Communication: Open and frequent communication is essential to manage interfaces, resolve issues quickly, and ensure all parties are aligned on design intent and progress.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Encouraging a culture where design reviews and constructability assessments lead to constructive feedback, driving improvements in design quality and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's core values are deeply integrated into their operational practices. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal work ethic and approach align with these principles, particularly in a high-pressure project environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interfaces: Coordinating a multitude of disciplines and their interdependencies on a large-scale project, especially with surrounding infrastructure, presents significant interface management challenges.

• Ensuring Constructability & Buildability: Translating complex designs into practical, buildable solutions that can be executed safely and efficiently on-site, especially within the constraints of a busy urban environment like Dubai.

• Navigating Regulatory Environments: Ensuring compliance with stringent local authority regulations and statutory requirements in Dubai, which can be complex and evolving.

• Driving Design Change Control: Effectively managing and controlling design changes to minimize impact on program and budget while ensuring design integrity is maintained.

• Balancing Stakeholder Expectations: Managing diverse expectations from the client, project team, consultants, and contractors to achieve project objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM & Digital Construction: Deepen expertise in cutting-edge digital tools and methodologies shaping the future of construction design and delivery.

• Large-Scale Infrastructure Expertise: Gain unparalleled experience in the design and delivery of major infrastructure projects, building a strong specialization.

• Global Project Exposure: Opportunities to learn from and contribute to Mace's diverse portfolio of international projects.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Mace's internal training and development programs focused on enhancing leadership, project management, and strategic thinking skills.

• Industry Certifications & Chartership: Support and encouragement to pursue professional accreditations that enhance career standing and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers substantial challenges that are directly linked to significant growth opportunities. Overcoming these challenges will lead to enhanced expertise, leadership capabilities, and a stronger professional profile in the construction and infrastructure sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex multidisciplinary design process for a large infrastructure project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure coordination and successful delivery?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and leadership.)

• "How do you ensure that a design is not only technically sound but also practical for construction (buildable and constructible)? Provide an example." (Highlight your understanding of construction methodology and logistics.)

• "Tell me about a significant design conflict or clash you encountered. What was your role in resolving it, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your problem-solving and coordination skills.)

• "How do you approach managing design consultants to ensure they meet project objectives, timelines, and quality standards?" (Focus on your communication, performance management, and relationship-building skills.)

• "Describe your experience with BIM in design management. How have you utilized it for coordination and clash detection?" (Showcase your technical acumen with relevant tools.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Mace and our approach to delivering major projects like this expansion in Dubai?" (Research Mace's projects, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you prioritize safety in your design management approach?" (Link your actions to Mace's 'Safety First' value.)

• "Can you give an example of how you've gone above and beyond to deliver on a client's promise?" (Illustrate your client-centric approach.)

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement within your design teams?" (Connect with Mace's 'Create Opportunity' value.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your role and the project's scale/complexity. Then, detail your specific contributions to design management, coordination, and problem-solving. Conclude with the project's outcomes and lessons learned.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize the how – your methodologies for managing consultants, coordinating disciplines, conducting reviews, and mitigating risks.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (drawings, schedules, workflow charts) to support your narrative. Ensure they are high-quality and relevant.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements (e.g., reduction in RFIs, cost savings from value engineering, schedule improvements).

• Anticipate Questions: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your specific involvement, technical decisions, and challenges encountered during the projects you present.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your experience through STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method, demonstrating a deep understanding of the design management lifecycle, and aligning your approach with Mace's operational values and project requirements in Dubai.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Mace Careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight experience directly relevant to managing large-scale structural and infrastructure projects, specifically car parking structures, and your expertise in multidisciplinary coordination and the full design lifecycle.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your years of experience, key responsibilities, and quantifiable achievements in design management. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "design management," "structural," "infrastructure," "multidisciplinary coordination," "BIM," "buildability," "procurement").

• Portfolio Preparation: If a portfolio presentation is expected, prepare a concise and impactful presentation showcasing 1-2 relevant projects, focusing on your process, problem-solving, and leadership in design management.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Mace, its values, recent projects in Dubai, and the specific development this role supports. Understand their approach to safety, client delivery, and innovation.

⚠️ 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.

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