Manager, Design Management – The Design Studio

Job Role Purpose:
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.

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.

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.

Job Responsibilities :

• Residential Design Expertise: Leverage expertise in residential design to ensure that design projects meet the highest standards of functionality, aesthetics, and user experience.
• Mixed-Use Design: Understand master planning and mixed-use asset designs, achieving the right balance and emphasizing product uniqueness.
• Materials and Site Management: Review materials selections, control mockup sign-off and on-site implementations, propose solutions and monitor site issues with observation reports.
• Contractor Collaboration: Review contractors’ shop drawings, anticipate issues, provide effective solutions, and manage mockup reviews and sign-off in coordination with the site team.
• Technical Communication: Present design proposals in a technically sound and persuasive manner.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensure alignment and delivery of projects with other business functions.
• Stakeholder Updates: Consistently update project progress for all stakeholders.
• Alignment and Sign-Off: Ensure consistent alignment and sign-off from all relevant parties.
• In-House Team Leadership: Lead the in-house production team in effectively delivering design tasks.
• Hands-On Involvement: Actively participate in both creative tasks and high-quality design package production.
• Stakeholder Requirements: Understand and incorporate stakeholder requirements (e.g., Leasing, Development, operations) while adhering to the Design Brief and maintaining MAF design standards.
• Presentation Quality: Maintain high-quality presentation standards to meet international norms.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with the Majid Al Futtaim Code of Conduct, Departmental policies, and HC Policies and Procedures at all times.
• Design Standards Enhancement: Enhance the Design Standards content to encompass high-level principles and lessons learned.
• Program and Cost Adherence: Adhere to project schedules and costs, and develop time-saving and design program efficiency initiatives.
• Advocacy: Advocate and embody MAFP values within The Design Studio, ensuring adherence and consistent exhibition.
• Leadership by Example: Lead by example, fostering an honest and collaborative work environment that promotes teamwork and passion for common business objectives.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Design Standards: Assist in project reviews in line with Majid Al Futtaim Design Standards.
• Collaboration: Liaise with Design Studio Creative and Technical teams for timely design documentation reviews.
• Scope and Deliverables: Create deliverables and scope of work aligned with the Design Brief, considering the design team structure and procurement strategy.
• Functional Plans: Lead the production of functional plans with a strong understanding of layout principles.

Technical Competencies:

• BIM/Revit Proficiency: Proficiency in IT skills, particularly with BIM and Revit platforms, to facilitate modern and efficient design practices.
• Effective Communication: Exceptional communication skills with a talent for influencing and engaging stakeholders, fostering productive collaborations.
• Innovation and Problem-Solving: Ability to work productively and innovatively, serving as both an innova