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Senior Manager - Architecture Design & Urban Design - Job Opportunity at BT

Dubai, AE
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 21, 2025
On-site
AED 20,000 - AED 35,000 per month

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive design management processes for large-scale mixed-use community developments, ensuring strategic alignment from conceptual vision through detailed implementation phases
Provide strategic architectural and urban design direction to external master planning consultants, maintaining design excellence and project vision integrity
Coordinate complex approval processes with planning authorities and regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with statutory guidelines and development strategies
Optimize building efficiency metrics and spatial planning through advanced test fits, gross-to-net area ratio analysis, and market-driven program optimization
Facilitate cross-functional stakeholder alignment across development, sales, legal, and infrastructure teams to ensure seamless project delivery
Maintain rigorous quality standards and regulatory compliance across all design outputs while managing consultant deliverables and project timelines

Requirements

Education

A professional degree in Architecture is required

Experience

Minimum of 10 years' experience, with proven experience managing large-scale or mid-sized master plans from a design standpoint and coordinating with multidisciplinary consultants

Required Skills

Strong understanding of design management, master plan approvals, and authority coordination in the UAE or GCC Strong technical knowledge of architectural detailing, building typologies, and urban regulations Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills Proficiency in design review tools (AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, Bluebeam, etc.) Familiarity with GIS, Revit, or BIM a plus
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The UAE construction and real estate sector is experiencing a significant shift toward sustainable and smart city development, with master planned communities becoming increasingly complex and requiring sophisticated design management expertise. This trend is driving demand for senior professionals who can navigate both traditional architectural principles and modern urban planning technologies. Mixed-use development projects in the GCC region are becoming larger in scale and more integrated, requiring professionals who can manage multiple stakeholder relationships and coordinate across various disciplines. The emphasis on creating livable, walkable communities is reshaping how architects and planners approach master planning in the region. Digital transformation in the architecture and construction industry is accelerating adoption of BIM, GIS, and advanced design review tools, making technical proficiency in these platforms increasingly valuable for senior management positions in the UAE market.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of AED 20,000-35,000 monthly (approximately USD 65,000-114,000 annually) is competitive for the UAE market and reflects the senior management level of this position. This range aligns well with industry standards for experienced architecture professionals in Dubai's dynamic real estate sector, particularly given the requirement for 10+ years of experience and specialized master planning expertise.

Role Significance

Typically manages relationships with 5-10 external consultant teams while coordinating with internal cross-functional teams of 15-20 professionals across development, sales, legal, and infrastructure departments. The role involves matrix management of complex stakeholder networks rather than direct line management.
This is a senior management position that sits at the intersection of technical expertise and strategic leadership. The role holder will have significant influence over major development projects and will be responsible for making critical decisions that affect project outcomes, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction.

Key Projects

Large-scale mixed-use community master plans ranging from 500-2000 residential units with integrated commercial and recreational facilities Multi-phase development projects requiring sequential approval processes and phased delivery strategies Complex regulatory approval projects involving multiple government authorities and utility coordination requirements

Success Factors

Deep understanding of UAE and GCC regulatory environments and the ability to navigate complex approval processes efficiently while maintaining strong relationships with government authorities and regulatory bodies. Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities that enable effective coordination between diverse internal teams, external consultants, and regulatory bodies while maintaining project momentum and quality standards. Strategic thinking ability to balance design excellence with commercial viability, ensuring that architectural vision aligns with market demands, operational requirements, and financial objectives. Technical proficiency across both traditional design tools and emerging technologies, enabling effective quality control and consultant management in an increasingly digital design environment.

Market Demand

High demand exists for this role profile due to the UAE's continued investment in large-scale development projects and the complexity of modern master planned communities. The specific combination of architectural expertise, regulatory knowledge, and stakeholder management skills makes this a sought-after position in the regional market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Design management expertise is absolutely critical as it forms the foundation for coordinating complex multi-consultant teams and ensuring design quality throughout project phases. This skill directly impacts project success and stakeholder satisfaction. Regulatory and authority coordination knowledge is essential for project viability in the UAE market, where complex approval processes can significantly impact project timelines and commercial outcomes. Deep understanding of local requirements is non-negotiable. Leadership and stakeholder management capabilities are crucial for success given the matrix management structure and the need to influence outcomes across multiple external and internal teams without direct authority over many key players.

Beneficial Skills

Advanced BIM and digital design tool proficiency will become increasingly valuable as the industry continues its digital transformation and clients expect more sophisticated design coordination and visualization capabilities. Sustainability and smart city knowledge will provide competitive advantage as UAE development standards continue to evolve toward higher environmental performance and technological integration requirements. Financial and commercial awareness will enhance effectiveness in balancing design aspirations with project economics and market requirements, making the role holder more valuable to development organizations.

Unique Aspects

This role uniquely combines client-side project management with deep architectural expertise, providing the successful candidate with exposure to both design leadership and commercial development strategy.
The position offers significant exposure to regulatory processes and government relations in the UAE market, providing valuable experience in one of the region's most sophisticated regulatory environments.
The cross-disciplinary nature of the role creates opportunities for broad skill development across architecture, urban planning, project management, and business development.
Working on large-scale mixed-use developments provides exposure to cutting-edge urban design trends and sustainable development practices in one of the world's most innovative construction markets.

Career Growth

Career progression to director level typically occurs within 3-5 years for high performers in this role, given the strategic nature of the position and the growth trajectory of the UAE real estate market.

Potential Next Roles

Development Director positions overseeing multiple concurrent projects and managing larger development portfolios Regional Architecture Director roles with responsibility for design standards across multiple markets and project types General Manager positions in major development companies with P&L responsibility for entire business units

Company Overview

BT

BT appears to be positioned as a significant player in the UAE development sector, engaging in large-scale mixed-use community projects that require sophisticated design management and regulatory coordination capabilities.

The company demonstrates strong market presence through its involvement in complex master planning projects and its ability to attract senior-level architectural talent for strategic development initiatives.
Operating in Dubai positions the company at the center of one of the Middle East's most dynamic real estate markets, with access to major infrastructure projects and international development opportunities.
The role structure suggests a collaborative, multi-disciplinary work environment that values both technical excellence and strategic thinking, with emphasis on cross-functional coordination and external stakeholder management.
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