Master Planning Design Lead - Abu Dhabi

<p>A leading real estate developer in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced<strong>Senior Design Manager - Master Planning</strong>to play a pivotal role in shaping large-scale, mixed-use developments across the emirate. This senior leadership position will oversee the strategic design management of master planning projects, translating the company's long-term vision into high-quality, commercially viable, and sustainable master plans.</p><p>The role requires a strong balance of<strong>design leadership, technical expertise, stakeholder coordination, and strategic thinking</strong>, with direct involvement in high-profile developments from visioning through detailed master planning and approvals.</p><p><strong>Key Search Criteria</strong></p><ul><li><strong>UAE experience is mandatory</strong>, with a strong preference for<strong>Abu Dhabi-based experience</strong></li><li><strong>Dubai experience</strong>will be considered as a second preference, followed by<strong>GCC experience</strong></li><li>Background in a<strong>consultancy or developer environment is required</strong></li><li>Candidates with<strong>both consultancy and developer experience</strong>are highly preferred</li></ul><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><p><strong>Strategic Design&Master Planning Leadership</strong></p><ul><li>Lead the strategic design management of master planning projects from vision through delivery</li><li>Ensure alignment with approved development briefs, company standards, and leadership direction</li><li>Drive innovation while maintaining design excellence and commercial viability</li></ul><p><strong>Design Coordination&Compliance</strong></p><ul><li>Coordinate internally across feasibility, architecture, infrastructure, delivery, and commercial teams</li><li>Oversee land use planning, circulation networks, open space strategies, and product mix development</li><li>Review master plan deliverables across all stages, ensuring compliance with<strong>DMT planning requirements</strong>(Vision, PCMP, Framework, CMP, DMP, etc.)</li><li>Ensure alignment with all relevant authorities and stakeholder requirements</li></ul><p><strong>Consultant&Stakeholder Management</strong></p><ul><li>Lead and manage external consultants, providing clear design direction and regular reviews</li><li>Review land use analyses and sector allocations, recommending optimizations where required</li><li>Organize and chair consultant and design coordination meetings</li><li>Collaborate closely with Project Management and Delivery teams to secure approvals and ensure continuity</li></ul><p><strong>Leadership, Communication&Governance</strong></p><ul><li>Present master plans, design strategies, and progress updates to senior and executive leadership</li><li>Support procurement through development of RFPs, design briefs, and scopes of work</li><li>Monitor live projects to ensure consistency with approved design intent</li><li>Attend senior management meetings and contribute to strategic discussions</li></ul><p><strong>Innovation, Sustainability&Standards</strong></p><ul><li>Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the design team</li><li>Ensure master plans align with sustainability, environmental, and long-term community goals</li><li>Stay informed on global urban design trends and emerging technologies</li><li>Continuously refine internal design processes and standards</li></ul><p><strong>About You</strong></p><p><strong>Qualifications&Experience</strong></p><ul><li>Bachelor's or Master's degree in<strong>Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Master Planning</strong>, or related discipline</li><li>Advanced qualifications in Urban Design or Landscape Architecture are an advantage</li><li><strong>12-15 years' experience</strong>in real estate design and development</li><li><strong>Minimum 7+ years' experience in the Middle East</strong>, preferably the UAE</li><li>Deep expertise across all master planning stages, from visioning to detailed design</li><li>Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams across planning, design, delivery, and commercial functions</li><li>Strong design communication skills, including sketching, diagrams, and visual storytelling</li><li>High proficiency in<strong>AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office</strong>, and 3D tools (SketchUp or Revit)</li><li>Strong understanding of land use economics and revenue vs non-revenue products</li><li>Excellent presentation, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills</li><li>Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities</li><li>Fluent English is essential;<strong>Arabic language skills are an advantage</strong></li></ul><p><strong>Why Join</strong></p><ul><li>Play a key role in shaping<strong>landmark developments in Abu Dhabi</strong></li><li>Work directly with senior leadership on strategic, city-shaping projects</li><li>Competitive package and long-term career growth within a major developer</li></ul>#J-18808-Lj