Head of Design & Project Delivery

Location: Grove Mall, Al Barsha, Dubai, UAEThe 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 ResponsibilitiesTechnical Governance & Healthcare IntegrityTechnical 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 siteHealthcare 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 flowSpecialized 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 loadsMaterial & 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 DEWAStrategic Project Management & DeliveryContractor & 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 lagTimeline & Milestone Oversight: Drive project schedules with an "on‑time, every time" mentality. Identify bottlenecks and proactively pivot resources to keep the critical path on trackQuality & 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 standardRemote Oversight: Utilize digital tools (Procore, Bluebeam, BIM360) for virtual site verifications and progress monitoring for any regional or satellite projects.Commercial & Founder‑Level LeadershipBudget & Cost Governance: Manage project budgets with total transparency, validating payment applications from contractors and rigorously tracking variations to protect the company's capitalAuthority & Permitting Strategy: Oversee planning approvals and permit processes across Dubai jurisdictions (DM, DCD, Tecom, etc.) to ensure a smooth path to completionDirect Reporting: Deliver consolidated project dashboards, risk assessments, and strategic updates directly to the Founders, offering clear solutions to complex site challengesTendering, Procurement & Commercial StrategyEnd‑to‑End Tendering: Lead the preparation of Tender Packages (ITT), including detailed Scopes of Work (SOW), technical specifications, and healthcare‑specific MEP requirementsContractor 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 requiredCommercial 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 finishRequirementsExperience: 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 UAEProject Management Expertise: Advanced skills in managing external contractors and consultants; ability to be assertive and "firm but fair" to maintain project momentumTechnical Tools: Expert‑level AutoCAD proficiency is mandatory. Ability to navigate BIM/Revit and use Bluebeam Revu for advanced technical markupsEducation: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or Construction ManagementCompetitive Advantage: Prior experience or technical knowledge of UK (NHS/HTM standards) or USA (FGI/AIA healthcare guidelines) is considered a significant advantageAttributes: An assertive, solutions‑driven leadership style with an uncompromising eye for both technical detail and aesthetic finishWhat Success Looks LikeAesthetic & Clinical Fidelity: The physical portfolio is a 1:1 realization of the approved design concept and fully D