About the Role
Guildhall is hiring a Design Manager in Dubai for a large international EPC contractor delivering major infrastructure projects. You will lead design management on a infrastructure project — running the design team, drawing review, technical schedules and quality control. The firm mobilising on several major projects in the region at once. Working fluently across multicultural project teams.
The role
- Lead design management for a major infrastructure project in Dubai.
- Run drawing review, technical schedules and quality control end to end.
- Manage a design team and coordinate their day-to-day delivery.
- Coordinate design activity across international consultants and stakeholders.
- Report design progress to project leadership on a regular cycle.
What you'll bring
- 10+ years in design or engineering on major infrastructure projects.
- Proven experience leading a design team through delivery, not solo work.
- Strong cross-cultural communication skills and fluency in English are required, with additional languages an advantage.
- Experience coordinating design across international, multicultural teams.
- Strong grounding in design management, drawing review and QC processes.
What's on offer
- A design leadership seat on a major infrastructure project in Dubai.
- A role inside an EPC contractor delivering major infrastructure projects.
- Independent authority over design management on a major mandate.
- Entry point into a firm expanding its regional delivery footprint.
Why apply through Guildhall
- Boutique executive search firm in Dubai, established 2010.
- 8x independent industry awards since 2020.
- 4.9-star Google rating from 250+ reviews.
- Direct access to the retained consultant running this search, with a confidential process.
Hiring a Design Manager in Dubai
A Design Manager on a major infrastructure project in Dubai typically owns drawing review, technical schedules and quality control for the design team, reporting into project leadership. On large EPC-delivered schemes such as airports, ports and rail, the role sits at the interface between design consultants, procurement and construction, so cross-cultural coordination is part of the job. Many international contractors in this market value design leaders who can bridge head-office and site teams across languages and cultures. Demand for this profile tends to track live project mobilisation rather than steady-state hiring.
Common questions
What does a Design Manager do in Dubai?
A Design Manager leads the design function on a live construction or infrastructure project. This typically covers drawing review, technical schedules, quality control and coordination between design consultants, contractors and clients. On large EPC-delivered projects, the role also manages a design team and reports progress to project leadership.
What experience do I need to apply?
Employers typically look for 10+ years in design or engineering on large-scale infrastructure or international projects, with proven experience leading a design team rather than working as an individual contributor. Strong knowledge of design management, drawing review and quality control processes is expected, along with experience coordinating across international, multicultural project teams.
How do I apply?
Apply directly on this page. A Guildhall consultant reviews every application confidentially and will contact suitable candidates directly.
Salary Guide — Similar Jobs
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The Agency Behind This Role
This search is managed by Guildhall — an 8× award-winning executive search and recruitment agency, rated 4.9★ across 250+ Google reviews, recruiting in Dubai and across the GCC.