Design Manager - Landscape Architecture

Job Description

Design Manager (DM) | Landscape Architecture

A. Role

Lead day-to-day management and coordination of landscape and public-realm design across early-stage concept through detailed and IFC delivery, ensuring design excellence, commercial control, and full interdisciplinary integration.

B. Design Management and Team Leadership

• Plan, manage, and deliver assigned projects within approved time, fee, and quality parameters.
• Develop commercial awareness — actively monitor fee utilisation, scope changes, and initiate change-control processes where required.
• Prepare and maintain resource and deliverable schedules in coordination with the HoD and Project Managers.
• Contribute to sub-consultant procurement, scope definition, and technical performance assessment.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a multi-disciplinary team (Landscape, Irrigation, BIM, Visualisation, CAD, and Environmental specialists).
• Implement structured QA/QC and peer-review procedures at every design gateway.
• Coordinate early integration of civil, MEP, and infrastructure requirements.
• Ensure landscape designs incorporate sustainability, accessibility, and safety-in-design principles.
• Deliver complex landscape projects while providing technical and managerial guidance throughout design and construction support.
• Delegate tasks effectively, monitor progress, manage risks, and report proactively.
• Ensure compliance with internal QMS and ISO 9001 processes.
• Represent the Landscape discipline in client and consultant meetings, managing expectations and promoting company values.
• Contribute to proposals: scope identification, design methodology, management plans, deliverables lists, and design budgets.
• Maintain formal documentation — Minutes of Meetings, Design-Change Logs, Coordination Trackers, and Risk Registers.

C. Design & Technical Expertise

• Oversee and review preparation of all landscape deliverables, including Design Delivery Plans, Reports, Drawings, Hardscape/Softscape Packages, Irrigation & Grading Plans, Planting Strategies, Sustainability Narratives, and Material Schedules.
• Collaborate with HoD and PMs on complex technical challenges ensuring constructability and environmental performance.
• Ensure accurate production of tender and IFC documentation aligned with authority standards (RCRC, MOMRA, SBC, DM, etc.).
• Develop and track deliverables lists per contract scope.
• Maintain awareness of current codes, standards, and sustainable design best practice.
• Lead BIM integration using Revit LA / Civil 3D / Navisworks, ensuring model accuracy, coordination, and LOD compliance.
• Review sub-consultant deliverables and coordinate with Architecture, Structure, MEP, Infrastructure, and ID teams.
• Work with QS and Spec Writer to develop landscape specifications, BOQs, and cost schedules.
• Contribute to Value-Engineering, tender evaluation, and site support.
• Champion innovation in digital design, visualisation, and sustainable materials.

D. Communication and Collaboration

• Exhibit fluent written and spoken communication in English (and Arabic where applicable).
• Lead client presentations, design workshops, and coordination reviews.
• Translate complex technical data into clear visual and verbal narratives for stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and authorities.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful culture aligned with company values.
• Maintain consistently high Client-Satisfaction Scores through proactive service.

E. Department Operations

• Report weekly to HoD/Management on schedules, deliverables, and resource allocation.
• Work closely with Project Managers for programme tracking and risk reporting.
• Coordinate within the team and across disciplines to ensure cohesive project delivery.
• Participate in QA reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Support development of internal standards, templates, and digital workflows.
• Mentor team members and contribute to the Landscape Skills Framework through structured CPD and feedback.
• Adopt full ownership and accountability for assigned projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from a recognised University (required).
• Professional accreditation or eligibility (CMLI, ASLA, or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum 15 years total experience, including at least 3 years in a design-management capacity within the GCC.
• Comprehensive understanding of landscape design principles, construction techniques, and regional authority codes.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale public-realm projects.
• Proficiency in Revit LA, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Navisworks, Microsoft Project, and BIM 360.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, prioritise workloads, and deliver under pressure.