Head of Design & Project Delivery

Location: Grove Mall, Al Barsha, Dubai, UAE

The Head of Design & Project Delivery is a high-impact executive leadership role responsible for safeguarding design integrity and driving the successful execution of facility fit-outs. Reporting directly to the Founders, you will act as the organization’s central authority for both design governance, project management of new facilities and construction delivery.

This role requires a rare combination of high-level project management and hands-on technical depth. You will be expected to manage multidisciplinary teams, consultants, and contractors with an assertive, ownership-driven mindset-ensuring all parties remain on schedule and within budget through rigorous oversight.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Governance & Healthcare Integrity

• Technical Audit & "Hands-on" CAD: Lead the technical validation of architectural, structural, MEP, and joinery shop drawings. Personally review and "markup" AutoCAD/Revit files to identify clashes before they reach the site.
• Healthcare Regulatory Mastery: Ensure all projects strictly adhere to DHA (Dubai Health Authority) or MOHAP Health Facility Guidelines. This includes managing specific spatial requirements for clinical rooms, sterile environments, and optimized patient flow.
• Specialized MEP & Medical Equipment: Ensure design and contractors comply with healthcare-specific HVAC (Infection Control/HEPA), Medical Gas systems, and Lead Lining (Radiation Protection). Coordinate technical requirements for medical equipment (e.g., Imaging/X-Ray) with DEWA loads.
• Material & Sample Finalization: Lead the selection and approval of material samples, physical mock-ups, and FF&E to ensure they meet the Founders' aesthetic vision while remaining clinically compliant (antimicrobial surfaces, etc.).
• Base Building & Utility Compliance: Lead approvals with Dubai Municipality (DM), Civil Defence (DCD) for life safety, and DEWA.

2. Strategic Project Management & Delivery

• Contractor & Consultant Management: Act as the primary point of contact for Architects of Record, MEP consultants, and General Contractors. Establish a rigorous communication cadence to manage deliverables and ensure no project lag.
• Timeline & Milestone Oversight: Drive project schedules with an "on-time, every time" mentality. Identify bottlenecks and proactively pivot resources to keep the critical path on track.
• Quality & Handover Management: Lead high-intensity snagging/de-snagging cycles and operational readiness audits. Develop a "Delivery Standard" playbook to ensure craftsmanship meets the flagship brand standard.
• Remote Oversight: Utilize digital tools (Procore, Bluebeam, BIM360) for virtual site verifications and progress monitoring for any regional or satellite projects..

3. Commercial & Founder-Level Leadership

• Budget & Cost Governance: Manage project budgets with total transparency, validating payment applications from contractors and rigorously tracking variations to protect the company’s capital.
• Authority & Permitting Strategy: Oversee planning approvals and permit processes across Dubai jurisdictions (DM, DCD, Tecom, etc.) to ensure a smooth path to completion.
• Direct Reporting: Deliver consolidated project dashboards, risk assessments, and strategic updates directly to the Founders, offering clear solutions to complex site challenges.

4. Tendering, Procurement & Commercial Strategy

• End-to-End Tendering: Lead the preparation of Tender Packages (ITT), including detailed Scopes of Work (SOW), technical specifications, and healthcare-specific MEP requirements.
• Contractor Prequalification: Rigorously vet potential General Contractors and specialized healthcare sub-contractors (Medical Gas, Lead Lining, HVAC) to ensure they have the financial stability and DHA-track record required.
• Commercial Negotiation: Lead "leveling" sessions to compare bids across multiple contractors. Negotiate aggressively on behalf of the Founders to ensure "Value for Money" without compromising on clinical quality or aesthetic finish.

Requirements

• Experience: 10-15 years in Design-Build or Fit-out Delivery, with a proven track record of delivering high-end healthcare or clinical projects in the UAE.
• Project Management Expertise: Advanced skills in managing external contractors and consultants; ability to be assertive and "firm but fair" to maintain project momentum.
• Technical Tools: Expert-level AutoCAD proficiency is mandatory. Ability to navigate BIM/Revit and use Bluebeam Revu for advanced technical markups.

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Competitive Advantage: Prior experience or technical knowledge of UK (NHS/HTM standards) or USA (FGI/AIA healthcare guidelines) is considered a significant advantage.
• Attributes: An assertive, solutions-driven leadership style with an uncompromising eye for both technical detail and aesthetic finish.

What Success Looks Like

• Aesthetic & Clinical Fidelity: The physical portfolio is a 1:1 realization of the approved design concept and fully DHA-compliant.
• Operational Excellence: Contractors and consultants are managed effectively, resulting in zero project delays and minimal variations.
• Founder Trust: The Founders have total confidence in project timelines and financial reporting through clear, concise communication.