Senior Executive

Roles and responsibilities

We are looking to hire a Senior Executive Retail Design Engineer who will be responsible for overseeing retail design and fit-out processes for our client based in Dubai—one of the largest companies in the region.

This position is a contract role with an initial duration of 2 years and renewable based on performance.

The role sits within the Retail Design & Delivery department and reports directly to the Manager or Assistant Manager, Retail Design.

We are looking for a passionate Senior Executive Design Engineer who will be responsible for managing tenant design submissions, site inspections, and overall fit-out processes. You should also have experience in retail design, project management, and working with authorities for design approvals.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Inputs & Retail Design Review:

• Conduct kick-off meetings with tenants and their teams.
• Evaluate tenant contractors to ensure they meet experience requirements.
• Review and approve design submissions while ensuring compliance with policies and authority regulations.
• Compare tenant drawings to actual site conditions and assist in obtaining necessary approvals.
• Oversee the design review process for kiosks, carts, trucks, pocket shops, ATM spaces, and wall units.
• Coordinate retail tenancy design with Project Management, Development, Leasing, and Mall Management teams
• Provide technical guidance to tenants, consultants, and contractors on design and construction matters.
• Inspect on-site tenant contractor work and fabricated units for compliance with approved drawings.
• Monitor design quality and documentation distribution throughout construction phases.
• Review Lease Outline Drawings (LOD) and ensure compliance with design standards.
• Facilitate communication between stakeholders to complete design approvals.

Delivery & Tenant Mobilization:

• Ensure timely delivery of retail spaces while minimizing revenue downtime.
• Implement health & safety measures and oversee risk assessments.
• Follow up on tenant mobilization and resolve any project-related issues.

Desired candidate profile

Improvements:

• Redesign and improve retail formats based on market trends and customer needs.
• Ensure adherence to design standards and criteria.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Prepare weekly fit-out status reports for internal departments.
• Maintain project documents, including design submissions, site activities, and authority-related paperwork.
• Track project progress and manage fit-out documentation.

Key Relationship Management:

• Act as the primary contact for tenants during the fit-out process.
• Coordinate with base-build contractors and statutory authorities.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including consultants, contractors, architects, and leasing teams.
• Assist tenants with design and fit-out recommendations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or equivalent.
• 2-4 years of experience in retail design, preferably in large shopping mall or retail development environments.
• UAE Driving License required.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and design software (AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Fluent in English

Availability:

• Preference will be given to candidates available immediately or within 30 days after accepting the offer.