<p>Job Role Purpose:<br /> The Design Manager collaborates closely with an in-house team of designers and external consultant teams to ensure the delivery of designs that align with project briefs, budgets, and timelines. There is a particular emphasis on maintaining design integrity from concept to delivery. Furthermore, this position places significant importance on effectively managing both internal and external stakeholders.</p> <p>The Manager, Design Management is a valuable member of The Design Studio (DS) Design Management Team and reports directly to the Senior Design Manager. This role primarily involves overseeing Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ community developments, mixed-use projects, and the redevelopment of existing shopping malls and hotels.</p> <p>As a custodian of the overall design, the Design Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing MAF initiatives related to sustainability, digital design, and innovation, all in alignment with MAFP’s Net Zero target.</p> <p>Job Responsibilities :</p> <p>Residential Design Expertise: Leverage expertise in residential design to ensure that design projects meet the highest standards of functionality, aesthetics, and user experience.<br /> Mixed-Use Design: Understand master planning and mixed-use asset designs, achieving the right balance and emphasizing product uniqueness.<br /> Materials and Site Management: Review materials selections, control mockup sign-off and on-site implementations, propose solutions and monitor site issues with observation reports.<br /> Contractor Collaboration: Review contractors’ shop drawings, anticipate issues, provide effective solutions, and manage mockup reviews and sign-off in coordination with the site team.<br /> Technical Communication: Present design proposals in a technically sound and persuasive manner.<br /> Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensure alignment and delivery of projects with other business functions.<br /> Stakeholder Updates: Consistently update project progress for all stakeholders.<br /> Alignment and Sign-Off: Ensure consistent alignment and sign-off from all relevant parties.<br /> In-House Team Leadership: Lead the in-house production team in effectively delivering design tasks.<br /> Hands-On Involvement: Actively participate in both creative tasks and high-quality design package production.<br /> Stakeholder Requirements: Understand and incorporate stakeholder requirements (e.g., Leasing, Development, operations) while adhering to the Design Brief and maintaining MAF design standards.<br /> Presentation Quality: Maintain high-quality presentation standards to meet international norms.<br /> Compliance: Ensure compliance with the Majid Al Futtaim Code of Conduct, Departmental policies, and HC Policies and Procedures at all times.<br /> Design Standards Enhancement: Enhance the Design Standards content to encompass high-level principles and lessons learned.<br /> Program and Cost Adherence: Adhere to project schedules and costs, and develop time-saving and design program efficiency initiatives.<br /> Advocacy: Advocate and embody MAFP values within The Design Studio, ensuring adherence and consistent exhibition.<br /> Leadership by Example: Lead by example, fostering an honest and collaborative work environment that promotes teamwork and passion for common business objectives.<br /> Project Leadership: Lead design projects, representing DS in stakeholder meetings, providing design expertise, managing the linear design process, and guiding internal and external design teams.<br /> Design Brief: Create a design brief and deliver designs that align with business-wide strategic initiatives, respond to the Development Brief, and prioritize first-to-asset products.<br /> Design Package Management: Manage design packages, provide clear directions, efficient decision-making, and sign-off from internal stakeholders while ensuring alignment with the original design brief and deliverables.<br /> Design Standards: Assist in project reviews in line with Majid Al Futtaim Design Standards.<br /> Collaboration: Liaise with Design Studio Creative and Technical teams for timely design documentation reviews.<br /> Scope and Deliverables: Create deliverables and scope of work aligned with the Design Brief, considering the design team structure and procurement strategy.<br /> Functional Plans: Lead the production of functional plans with a strong understanding of layout principles.</p> <p>Technical Competencies:</p> <p>BIM/Revit Proficiency: Proficiency in IT skills, particularly with BIM and Revit platforms, to facilitate modern and efficient design practices.<br /> Effective Communication: Exceptional communication skills with a talent for influencing and engaging stakeholders, fostering productive collaborations.<br /> Innovation and Problem-Solving: Ability to work productively and innovatively, serving as both an innovator and enabler. Possesses excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and applies a flexible, pragmatic approach.<br /> Inspiration and Motivation: An enthusiastic professional capable of inspiring others, creating a positive and motivated work environment.<br /> Change Management: Adaptable and skilled in managing change, ensuring smooth transitions in project and team dynamics.<br /> Industry Best Practices: Deep knowledge and understanding of industry best practices, staying updated with the latest trends and methodologies in design management.<br /> Professional Qualifications: Possession of relevant professional qualifications, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.<br /> Personal Characteristics and Required Background:<br /> Leadership in Complex Projects: Proven experience in leading, managing, and motivating design teams and stakeholders on large and complex projects.<br /> Residential and Mixed-Use Expertise: Demonstrated experience in successfully delivering residential and mixed-use developments, showing a strong understanding of the unique challenges and requirements.<br /> Project Expertise: Strong knowledge of key project processes, including design standards, management, construction processes, procurement, and tendering, ensuring successful project execution.</p> <p>Personal Characteristics:<br /> Agile<br /> Flexible<br /> Forward thinker<br /> Innovative<br /> Minimum Experience<br /> Team player<br /> Leader<br /> Confident</p> <p>Experience with reputable companies in the GCC region or abroad is highly regarded.<br /> Previous experience working directly with clients or developers is considered an additional advantage.<br /> A minimum of 8 years of work experience in mixed-use and/or residential design, demonstrating a strong foundation in these areas.<br /> Expertise in master planning, and experience in retail, commercial, and hospitality design is a valuable asset and considered a plus.</p> <p>Minimum Qualifications:<br /> Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or equivalent.</p>