Design Manager (Masterplanning)

Job description / Role Job Type Full Time Job Location UAE Nationality Any Nationality Salary Not Specified Gender Not Specified Arabic Fluency Not Specified Job Function Architecture Company Industry Construction A leading real estate developer in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager - Master Planning to play a pivotal role in shaping large-scale, mixed-use developments across the emirate. This senior leadership position will oversee the strategic design management of master planning projects, translating the company's long-term vision into high-quality, commercially viable, and sustainable master plans. The role requires a strong balance of design leadership, technical expertise, stakeholder coordination, and strategic thinking, with direct involvement in high-profile developments from visioning through detailed master planning and approvals. Key Search Criteria

• UAE experience is mandatory, with a strong preference for Abu Dhabi-based experience
• Dubai experience will be considered as a second preference, followed by GCC experience
• Background in a consultancy or developer environment is required
• Candidates with both consultancy and developer experience are highly preferred Key Responsibilities Strategic Design & Master Planning Leadership
• Lead the strategic design management of master planning projects from vision through delivery
• Translate corporate development objectives into actionable master planning strategies
• Ensure alignment with approved development briefs, company standards, and leadership direction
• Drive innovation while maintaining design excellence and commercial viability Design Coordination & Compliance
• Coordinate internally across feasibility, architecture, infrastructure, delivery, and commercial teams
• Oversee land use planning, circulation networks, open space strategies, and product mix development
• Review master plan deliverables across all stages, ensuring compliance with DMT planning requirements (Vision, PCMP, Framework, CMP, DMP, etc.)
• Ensure alignment with all relevant authorities and stakeholder requirements Consultant & Stakeholder Management
• Lead and manage external consultants, providing clear design direction and regular reviews
• Review land use analyses and sector allocations, recommending optimizations where required
• Organize and chair consultant and design coordination meetings
• Collaborate closely with Project Management and Delivery teams to secure approvals and ensure continuity Leadership, Communication & Governance
• Present master plans, design strategies, and progress updates to senior and executive leadership
• Support procurement through development of RFPs, design briefs, and scopes of work
• Monitor live projects to ensure consistency with approved detent
• Attend senior management meetings and contribute to strategic discussions Innovation, Sustainability & Standards
• Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the desi