Mace is looking for an experienced Associate Director – Design Management to join their Dubai-based consultancy team. This full-time, on-site leadership role is responsible for overseeing design activities on a major high-rise development, ensuring design excellence, safety, compliance, and timely delivery. The successful candidate will lead and mentor design managers, manage stakeholder relationships, and drive strategic improvements across the project lifecycle.

About the Company:
Mace is a global consultancy and construction firm with a mission to redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our purpose-led approach helps us deliver world-class projects that positively impact communities and societies. Through our Consult business, we combine expert knowledge with project delivery excellence to unlock the potential in every project we touch. At Mace, safety, integrity, inclusivity, and opportunity are our core values, and we look for leaders who share this vision.

Job Responsibilities:

• Act as the operational lead for all design management functions on a flagship high-rise building project.

• Manage and mentor design management teams, ensuring alignment with Mace systems and client expectations.

• Lead the delivery of design strategies that align with key KPIs, client requirements, and statutory obligations.

• Oversee consultant appointments and ensure appropriate resource allocation across workstreams.

• Ensure high safety, quality, cost, and compliance standards across all design activities.

• Act as the primary point of contact for client-facing design matters.

• Direct strategic development, continuous improvement, and risk mitigation across the design management function.

• Present performance reviews and key metrics to senior leadership.

• Support business development and participate in work-winning efforts.

• Drive transformational change, knowledge sharing, and internal capability building.

Skills & Qualifications Required:

• Proven experience managing complex design projects in the UAE is essential.

• Strong technical knowledge across all design disciplines.

• Expertise in design workflows, deliverables, scheduling, and risk management.

• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and large portfolios.

• Business acumen with experience in budgeting and fee management.

• Strategic thinker with strong presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Membership in professional bodies such as RIBA, CIOB, CIBSE, MICE, RICS, or CIAT.

• Experience mentoring high-performing teams.

• Strong influencing and negotiation skills.

• Familiarity with prefabrication, modular strategies, and innovative design approaches.

• Passion for knowledge-sharing, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Why Join Mace:

• Play a pivotal role in redefining Dubai’s skyline on a landmark high-rise project.

• Join a company committed to safety, sustainability, and social impact.

• Work with some of the most talented professionals in the global construction and consultancy space.

• Be part of a culture that champions inclusion, integrity, opportunity, and personal development.

Help us shape the cities of the future — apply today and redefine your potential with Mace.