Design Manager

About the CompanyGo Tech consists of businesses operating in the construction (https://gotech.ae/), facility management and Fit Out. The group has experienced significant growth over the last 2 years and is poised to continue this rapid expansion with opportunities already identified as part of the groups strategic vision. Go Tech is part of the 360 Holding conglomerate (https://www.360holding.ae/) and works closely with its affiliated businesses engaged in education (LFJM and 360 schools), business consultancy services (360 Consultancy) and DIFC based fund management (Tharaa).Position SummaryThe Design Manager is responsible for leading and managing the Design Department, covering ,Structural, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) design across all company projects in Dubai and the wider UAE. The role involves coordinating with external consultants, ensuring designs are technically sound, cost-effective, buildable, and fully compliant with UAE codes, standards, and local authority requirements. The Design Manager will champion BIM-based design delivery in line with Dubai Municipality mandates and ISO 19650, and act as the key link between the design team, consultants, clients, authorities, and the construction team from concept through to completion and handover.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign Management & LeadershipLead, manage, and develop the Design Department, including structural engineers, MEP engineers, architects, BIM modellers/coordinators, and CAD technicians.Establish design standards, procedures, templates, and quality control processes aligned with company and UAE regulatory requirements.Plan and allocate design resources across multiple projects, monitoring workload, deadlines, and deliverables.Review and approve all design outputs (drawings, models, calculations, specifications, reports) prior to issue.Mentor and provide technical guidance to the design team; conduct performance reviews and identify training needs.Structural & MEP Design OversightOversee structural design development including foundations, substructure, superstructure, and specialist elements, ensuring compliance with the Dubai Building Code (DBC), Dubai Municipality regulations, and applicable international codes (ACI, ASCE, BS/Eurocode).Oversee MEP design including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, drainage, fire protection, fire alarm, and ELV/ICT systems, ensuring compliance with DEWA regulations, the UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice (Dubai Civil Defence), Dubai Municipality drainage/irrigation requirements, and Etisalat/du telecom standards.Ensure designs meet Dubai Green Building Regulations and Al Sa'fat rating requirements, and LEED/Estidama where applicable.Ensure full coordination between architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines through BIM-based clash detection and coordination workflows.Lead value engineering reviews to optimise design for cost, programme, and constructability without compromising quality, safety, or compliance.Ensure designs consider UAE-specific conditions including climate, soil conditions, district cooling connections, and local material availability.BIM ManagementLead the implementation of BIM across all design projects in line with Dubai Municipality BIM mandates (Circulars 196 and 207) and ISO 19650 standards.Develop and enforce BIM Execution Plans (BEP), Employer's Information Requirements (EIR) responses, modelling standards, and Level of Development (LOD) requirements for each project.Oversee the production and management of federated models across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines.Manage clash detection, model coordination reviews, and resolution of clashes prior to construction.Ensure the Common Data Environment (CDE) (e.g., Autodesk Construction Cloud / BIM 360, Aconex, Procore) is used correctly for document and model control.Oversee BIM deliverables including 4D (programme), 5D (quantities/cost), and as-built/COBie models for handover and facilities management.Coordinate BIM requirements with consultants, subcontractors, and clients, and ensure consultant models meet project standards.Consultant CoordinationAct as the primary point of contact for external design consultants (structural, MEP, façade, landscape, acoustic, fire, and other specialists).Define scopes of work, deliverables, and timelines for consultants; manage consultant appointments and agreements, including Engineer of Record (EOR) responsibilities under Dubai Municipality regulations.Review consultant submissions for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project requirements, company standards, and authority regulations.Chair design coordination meetings and ensure timely resolution of design queries, RFIs, and technical issues.Monitor consultant performance and manage variations, additional services, and fee claims.Authority Approvals (Dubai / UAE)Lead the full authority approvals process from concept design through to Building Completion Certificate (BCC), including:Dubai Municipality (DM) – Building Permit System (BPS), planning approvals, structural and architectural approvals, drainage, and completion certificates.Dubai Development Authority (DDA) – for projects within DDA free zones and master developments.Trakhees (PCFC) – for projects in Nakheel, JAFZA, Dubai World, and other Trakhees jurisdictions.Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) – fire & life safety approvals, fire strategy, and final inspection.DEWA – electrical and water connection approvals, load demand, substation and meter room requirements.RTA – access, traffic impact studies, parking, and road connection approvals.Etisalat / du – telecom infrastructure approvals.Empower / Emicool / Tabreed – district cooling connection approvals where applicable.Specialist authorities – Dubai Health Authority (healthcare), KHDA (education), Department of Economy & Tourism (hotels/hospitality), Dubai Aviation (height NOCs), and environmental approvals as required.Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the Dubai Building Code, DM circulars, authority portals, and changes in submission requirements.Prepare, review, and coordinate all authority submissions; ensure timely response to and closure of authority comments and conditions.Track approval status across all projects and proactively address issues that could delay permits, mobilisation, or handover.Construction Phase SupportProvide design support to the construction team, including review of shop drawings, material submittals, and method statements for design and code compliance.Respond to site RFIs and technical queries in a timely manner.Review and assess design changes, variations, and site instructions for technical, regulatory, and cost impact, including any required authority re-submissions.Attend site inspections as required to verify construction conforms to design intent and authority-approved drawings.Coordinate authority inspections (DM, DCD, DEWA, etc.) and ensure readiness for completion certificates.Coordinate as-built drawings, as-built BIM models, and design close-out documentation at project completion.Project & Commercial SupportSupport tendering and pre-construction activities, including design reviews, technical proposals, BIM proposals, and identification of design and approval risks.Contribute to project budgeting and programming from a design and approvals perspective.Identify and manage design-related risks and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place.Ensure all design work complies with company QA/QC, HSE, and contractual requirements (including FIDIC-based contracts commonly used in the UAE).Qualifications & ExperienceEssentialBachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or Architecture. Master's degree is an advantage.Minimum 12–15 years of experience in design and construction, with at least 5 years in a design management role within a contractor, developer, or consultancy in the UAE.Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary design teams (structural and MEP) on medium to large-scale projects in Dubai (residential, commercial, mixed-use, hospitality, or industrial).Strong, hands-on knowledge of Dubai authority approval processes and systems (DM, DDA, Trakhees, DCD, DEWA, RTA) and master developer requirements.Demonstrated experience coordinating external consultants and managing Engineer of Record relationships.Solid working knowledge of BIM delivery and ISO 19650 processes.Registration with the UAE Society of Engineers and/or Dubai Municipality Engineer Registration is highly desirable. Chartered or professional status (CEng, PE, or equivalent) is an advantage.Technical SkillsProficient in Autodesk Revit (Architecture, Structure, MEP), Navisworks, AutoCAD, and BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud.Familiarity with structural and MEP analysis software (e.g., ETABS, SAFE, STAAD.Pro, HAP, Carrier, DIALux, ElectricalOM).Sound understanding of the Dubai Building Code, Dubai Green Building Regulations / Al Sa'fat, UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice, DEWA regulations, and relevant international codes.Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, and buildability in the UAE market.Good knowledge of FIDIC contracts and design responsibilities within them.Personal AttributesStrong leadership and people management skills.Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities, particularly with authorities and consultants.Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects and approval timelines simultaneously.Proactive, solutions-focused problem solver.High attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance.Fluent in English (written and spoken); Arabic is a strong advantage.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Timely securing of authority approvals and permits against project programme.Timely delivery of design and BIM packages to construction. Quality of design outputs (minimal authority comment cycles, RFIs, and rework).Effective consultant management (performance, cost control, and deliverables).Successful BIM coordination (reduction in clashes and site issues).Design cost savings achieved through value engineering.Team development and retention.