Associate Director - Design Management

Shamal Holding is a diversified investment firm that cultivates the extraordinary. Born in Dubai, we curate a unique portfolio of extraordinary investments, experiences and assets to generate meaningful outcomes. The investments we make are strategically chosen and thoughtfully nurtured, mirroring Dubai’s ambition, spirit and energy. As a global investor, asset owner and developer we utilise our resources, know-how and connections, to deliver long-term value, wherever we operate. Our portfolio spans Lifestyle & Entertainment, Destinations, Real Estate, Hospitality, and F&B, including Skydive Dubai, Deep Dive Dubai, XDubai, Dubai Harbour, Kite Beach and more.

As Shamal Holding continues to grow, we’re in search of an Associate Director – Design Management. In this role you will be delivering a portfolio of developments whose design quality, brand expression and commercial performance meet Shamal’s standards. Success in this role means: design strategies that are approved first time and hold through delivery projects completed within approved budget, programme and quality benchmarks stakeholders aligned on a single design position from concept through handover and measurable gains in innovation and sustainability across the built environment. The role is judged on delivered outcomes across complex, large-scale developments, not on activity.

• A consistent architectural vision and design language is established and evident across every project in the portfolio.
• Concept, schematic and detailed design stages are signed off on schedule, with no rework carried into later stages.
• Delivered designs demonstrably reflect market trends, user experience and brand identity.

• Design deliverables across all concurrent developments are issued complete, on time and within approved budget.
• Design documentation, drawings and specifications are aesthetically and technically reviewed and approved with no critical review comments outstanding.
• Consultant, contractor and authority approvals are secured without delay to the programme.
• Regular site visits and audits relevant to design and technical quality is upheld.

• Internal teams and external design firms work to one aligned design position, with issues resolved before they affect cost or programme.
• Executive leadership receives clear, decision-ready design presentations and updates that enable timely decisions.

• Full compliance with local building codes, zoning regulations and sustainability standards achieved at every project gateway.
• Quality assurance processes and design audits are embedded, with defects and non-conformances trending down.

• Sustainability targets and certification ratings are achieved on every project.
• Innovative materials, methods and digital tools (e.g., BIM) are adopted with measurable improvement in quality, cost or delivery speed.

• Strong design sensibility and architectural judgment.
• Proficient in design management processes, including preparation of design tender documents and review procedures.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strategic thinking with commercial awareness.
• Effective communication and presentation abilities. 
• Ability to manage multiple high-value projects under tight deadlines.
• Technical Proficiency - AutoCAD, Revit, Sketchup, ArchiCAD, Rhino, Adobe Suite, BIM, and visualization tools.
• Regulatory Knowledge - Familiarity with UAE/GCC building codes and permitting processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use developments.
• Strong understanding of architecture related design disciplines.

Due to a high influx of profiles, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.