Design Manager – Landscape

Job Description

Faithful+Gould are currently looking for a Design Manager – Landscape in Abu Dhabi with demonstrated experience on large scale projects.<br><br>Faithful+Gould is a hands-on project delivery organisation that has moulded its business to respond to the demands of the nations in which it operates. In doing so, we actively seek to employ staff who possess strong pro-active management skills which enables them to understand the entire delivery process from site acquisition through to feasibility, design, construction, sales and occupancy phases. Our end-to-end project delivery solution is focused on best maximising project outcomes while minimising project risk for our Clients.<br><br><strong><u>Job Purpose<br><br></u></strong>The Landscape Design Manager is vital to client’s success in developing sustainable, vibrant communities across diverse sectors. Tasked with managing and overseeing the design, development and delivery of landscape, public realm, and open space designs, this role ensures functionality, aesthetics, and environmental sustainability while adhering to project requirements and regulations.<br><br>In collaboration with cross-functional teams and external parties, the Landscape Design Manager streamlines landscape design integration into project plans, contributing to the success of client’s project portfolio.<br><br><strong><u>Role And Responsibilities<br><br></u></strong>The Landscape Design Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, design, and<br><br><strong><u>Responsibilities<br><br></u></strong>The following list outlines some of the typical roles and responsibilities of this position<br><br>implementation of effective landscape, public realm and open space designs throughout the portfolio.<br><ul><li> Managing and leading in house creative reviews to understand, validate and evaluate the<br></li></ul>strengths, constraints, applicability and identity values of design with in its local context.<br><ul><li> Overseeing both internal and external teams and control the development of the design from concept through to delivery.</li><li> Assessing and evaluating consultant design work, ensuring compliance with relevant codes, regulations, and best practice standards.</li><li> Managing and coordinating the overall design and development process in coordination with wider projects and delivery team.</li><li> Monitoring, organizing, and ensuring the required quality and timeliness of the design<br></li></ul>production, and stakeholders work on projects of all scales.<br><ul><li> Monitor the performance of all landscape design firms for work related to project,<br></li></ul>emphasizing on-time and on-budget performance and monitoring compliance with Design<br><br>Guidelines and contract terms.<br><ul><li> Monitor the development of the overall design process from conceptual design through<br></li></ul>schematic and detailed/contract documents.<br><ul><li> Perform design reviews throughout the design process from conceptual design through<br></li></ul>schematic and detailed/contract documents.<br><ul><li> Review the Design Consultants cost estimates and conduct ongoing constructability reviews to successfully meeting the schedules and program budgets</li><li> Monitor submittals by the design consultants to obtain approvals and permits necessary by all regulatory agencies and local authorities having jurisdiction.</li><li> Implement Design to budget requirement in all appropriate RFP’s and contracts for design<br></li></ul>services. Monitor compliance with Design to Budget standards.<br><ul><li> Monitor the dissemination of design information among the Program Team in timely manner such that abortive work is avoided or minimized as much as practicable.</li><li> Monitor the performance of the Design Consultant and other consultants in respect of the<br></li></ul>deliverables associated with the agreed Design Program and provide immediate advice to<br><br>Client in the event their progress may affect the program overall completion date or milestone objectives together with recommended remedial action.<br><ul><li> Overseeing both internal and external teams and controlling the development of the design from concept through to delivery.</li><li> Scheduling, monitoring, organizing, and ensuring the required quality and timeliness of the<br></li></ul>production design, and stakeholders work on projects of all scales.<br><ul><li> Manage and oversee the development and delivery of landscape, public realm, and open<br></li></ul>space design projects, ensuring functionality, aesthetics, and environmental sustainability.<br><ul><li> Align landscape design projects with company objectives, project requirements, and industry standards.</li><li> Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources, ensuring timely delivery within budget<br></li></ul>constraints.<br><ul><li> Develop and maintain relationships with clients, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution.</li><li> Mentor the landscape design team, collaborating with cross-functional teams for seamless<br></li></ul>design integration.<br><ul><li> Prepare and present design proposals, project updates, and documentation to company<br></li></ul>leadership.<br><ul><li> Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of existing landscape projects for long-term<br></li></ul>sustainability.<br><ul><li> Ensure compliance with local regulations, codes, and environmental standards for all<br></li></ul>landscape design projects.<br><ul><li> Develop and implement quality control processes to maintain a high level of design quality and innovation across all projects.</li><li> Collaborate with construction and operations departments to ensure successful project<br></li></ul>implementation and handover.<br><ul><li> Supervise and provide feedback to junior design staff, fostering skill development and<br></li></ul>professional growth.<br><ul><li> Monitor industry developments and incorporate emerging best practices, materials, and<br></li></ul>technologies into landscape design offerings.<br><ul><li> Attend meetings and presentations with leadership and stakeholders, effectively<br></li></ul>communicating project status and design intent.<br><ul><li> Identify and address potential design challenges, proposing effective solutions to maintain<br></li></ul>project progress.<br><ul><li> Determine and manage risks that may affect the project in any way, particularly schedule,<br></li></ul>budget or quality/ specifications.<br><ul><li> Assist the design team and site delivery team to identify and resolve problems.</li><li> Review and approve project plans and specifications, ensuring adherence to design standards and requirements.</li><li> Supervise and coordinate design changes, revised design and construction drawings.</li><li> Input on the assessment of shop drawings for correctness and alignment with approved plans and design intent.</li><li> Organize and contribute to the preparation and development of design and construction<br></li></ul>delivery strategies.<br><ul><li> Maintain records and prepare reports and presentations related to design and development projects.</li><li> Provide feedback and recommendations regarding designs to align with approved direction and design intent.</li><li> Prepare and review design briefs and scopes of work for input to design consultant<br></li></ul>procurement, in coordination and support of the consultant procurement process.<br><ul><li> Assist in the RFP process for prequalification of architectural/engineering services and<br></li></ul>participate in the negotiation of design contracts<br><ul><li> Advise on the need to appoint consultants and in conjunction with Client develop the scope of services for each consultant.</li><li> Prepare a list of select consulting firms with proven capabilities and resources and issue prequalification documents to them and make a recommendation of a short list of consultants.</li><li> Respond to questions and queries raised during the tender period and circulate the questions and answers to all the vendors.</li><li> Review proposals received from the vendors, evaluate content and offer, prepare a detailed report and make recommendations for appointment for Client’s review.</li><li> Manage and monitor stage gate submittal process and deliverables against tracking schedule, review consultant’s dashboards, schedules and coordinate high-level issues log against committed scopes and deliverables.</li><li> Communicate design strategy and direction to ensure understanding of strategy, priorities,<br></li></ul>and impact on the wider delivery process.<br><ul><li> Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams of designers and engineers through all stages of<br></li></ul>design, production, and delivery.<br><ul><li> Coordinate with project design and delivery teams to ensure brand is consistent across the full customer journey.</li><li> Serve as the primary point of contact for all design-related items throughout the design and delivery process.</li><li> Compile and provide reporting on the status of design and implementation for all projects<br></li></ul>while in progress and up to completion.<br><ul><li> Coordinate with the delivery team during the construction phase.</li><li> Provide support and guidance to team members.<br></li></ul><strong><u>Qualifications &amp; Experience<br></u></strong><ul><li> Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, or a related field.</li><li> A minimum of 10+ years of experience in landscape design, with a focus on destination design<br></li></ul>development and/or environmentally sustainable projects across various sectors.<br><ul><li> A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the UAE/ GCC region.</li><li> Proficiency in the Arabic language is desirable but not mandatory<br></li></ul><strong><u>Preferred Skills And Competencies<br><br></u></strong>The successful candidate for the Landscape Design Manager role should possess strong technical knowledge and experience, including:<br><ul><li> Solid understanding of accessibility regulations such as ADA, DDA, or other Universal Access regulations.</li><li> Inspirational design leadership, not only in consultant management and also developing<br></li></ul>creative, innovative, practical and sustainable solutions.<br><ul><li> Active leadership style. Ability to build consensus among multiple stakeholders.</li><li> Strong design skills, with a portfolio showcasing innovative and sustainable landscape design projects.</li><li> Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.</li><li> Strong design skills and creativity, with a keen eye for detail.</li><li> Strong understanding of local and regional landscape design practices.</li><li> Knowledge and understanding of relevant codes, standards, and regulations related to<br></li></ul>landscape, public realm and open space design.<br><ul><li> Proficiency with design software, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.</li><li> Ability to produce high-quality hand-drawn sketches and renderings for initial design concepts.</li><li> Proactive and innovative approach to problem-solving and design challenges.</li><li> Experience working on large-scale, mixed-use development projects in diverse sectors.</li><li> Familiarity with sustainable design certifications and rating systems, such as LEED or Estidama.</li><li> Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including architects, urban planners, and engineers.</li><li> Operational/project delivery and site experience on major schemes preferred.</li><li> Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams.</li><li> Strong presentation skills, with experience presenting to company leadership and clients.</li><li> Proven attention to best value for investment within agreed budgets.</li><li> Sound knowledge of current design trends and building materials</li><li> Self-starter with strong business acumen and initiative.</li><li> Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to<br></li></ul>manage multiple projects simultaneously.<br><ul><li> Exceptional public realm design development experience on a range of commercial, leisure, hospitality, and residential projects.</li><li> Exemplary project management skills, including organization, time management,<br></li></ul>resourcefulness, flexibility, and communication.<br><ul><li> Previous experience in design consultancy and development.</li><li> Knowledge of native plants, sustainable landscape practices, and green infrastructure design principles.</li><li> Experience in the procurement and management of external design consultants and<br></li></ul>contractors.<br><ul><li> Solid understanding of accessibility regulations such as ADA, DDA, or other Universal Access regulations, and other accessibility considerations.</li><li> Passion for innovation, out-of-the-box thinking, and delivering high-quality results.</li><li> Leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and mentor design teams.</li><li> Ability to work independently, take initiative, and make informed decisions<br></li></ul>SNC Lavalin’s Faithful+Gould business is one of the world’s leading integrated project and programme management consultancies, with over 2,400 professionals operating worldwide.<br><br>Our aim is to protect and maximize our clients’ interests throughout the planning and delivery of projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, on budget. We pride ourselves on collaborating with client teams and developing long-term relationships.<br><br>Key services include – Project management, programme management, project controls, commercial management, cost management and expert scheduling and construction planning.<br><br>Our industry is going through a digital transformation and we have been investing in and pioneering digital methods to improve all aspects of our service. We have focused our digital transformation around platform modernization and product development and through standardization and automation, we are achieving efficiencies that are directly passed on our clients who benefit from a consistent quality of service as well as the savings.<br><br>Active in the Middle East for over 20 years, we have offices in the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia. We hire and retain only the best people in the industry. Our success is built on recruiting – and then developing – brilliant people from a broad range of professional and cultural backgrounds. It’s precisely this diversity of talent that sets us apart.<br><br>Acquired by SNC Lavalin in 2017, we also have an extensive depth of geographic exposure across 50 countries and the breadth of 53,000 experts. As one of the largest engineering contractors, we have access to 17,000 staff in the Middle East making us one of the largest multidisciplinary consultancies in the region.<br><br><strong><u>Rewards &amp; Benefits<br><br></u></strong><strong>We offer an excellent package which includes:<br></strong><ul><li>A competitive salary</li><li>Transportation allowance</li><li>Medical and life insurance cover</li><li>22 calendar days annual leave</li><li>Company gratuity scheme</li><li>Discretionary bonus scheme</li><li>Annual flight allowance to point of origin<br></li></ul>SNC-Lavalin is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction or disablement. We oppose all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination.<br><br>Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applications equally.<br><br><strong><u>We Pursue This Commitment By<br><br></u></strong>Having clear and concise procedures and guidelines for both line managers and employees to ensure policies are fully understood and implemented;<br><br>Complying with the relevant employment legislation and codes of practice;<br><br>Ensuring that all existing employees, potential employees, colleagues and customers are treated equally and with respect;<br><br>Ensuring that the workplace is an environment free from discrimination, harassment, victimisation and bullying regardless of an individual’s gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction or disablement;<br><br>Making all decisions relating to recruitment, selection or promotion according to the employees’ ability.