Senior Design Manager

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class

.
We are looking for a Senior Design Manager to join our growing team in Dubai. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional with a proven track record of delivering complex school development and educational facility projects across the region. You'll lead the full project lifecycle, from initial concept and stakeholder engagement through to detailed design, construction, and final handove

r.
Responsibiliti

es:Design Leadership & Strat

• egyChampion innovative, functional, and aesthetic design solutions aligned with client needs and organisational visi
• on.Drive creative direction and design quality across all stages of developme
• nt.Define project requirements in collaboration with school stakeholders and educational authoriti

es.
Design Management & Execu

• tionLead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams across multiple proje
• cts.Ensure timely delivery of design solutions within scope and bud
• get.Support business development and operations through collaborative project execut

ion.
Stakeholder Collabor

• ationAct as the primary liaison for clients, consultants, contractors, and minist
• ries.Lead design reviews and regulatory presentations with confidence and cla
• rity.Maintain consistent communication of design intent across all project ph

ases.
Quality Control & Documen

• tationReview and validate all drawings, specifications, and design document
• ation.Implement rigorous quality standards and sustainability bench
• marks.Ensure compliance with regional codes, safety standards, and best prac

tices.
Budget & Resource Man

• agementMonitor budgets and resource allocation to optimize project perfo
• rmance.Ensure your team is equipped with the tools and talent to s
• ucceed.Track milestones and proactively resolve project chal

lenges.
Innovation & Sustai

• nabilityStay ahead of industry trends and emerging techn
• ologies.Integrate green building practices and future-ready design into every

project.
Required Skills & Ex

• perience:Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Architecture or relat
• ed field.Professional licensure (RIBA, AIA, or equivalent) p
• referred.LEED or sustainability certification i
• s a plus.PMP or project management certification d
• esirable.Minimum 10 years in architectural design with at least 3 in a senior leaders
• hip role.Demonstrated success delivering large-scale education or institutional
• projects.Strong portfolio showcasing relevant design excellence across
• sectors.Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder ma
• nagement.Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino and related design
• software.Deep knowledge of building codes, construction methodologies, and sustainable design pr
• inciples.Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a dynamic env

ironment.
At Cognita, we’re not just building schools, we’re shaping futures. This role offers the

• chance to:Lead the design of innovative, future ready learning env
• ironments.Drive impactful projects that support regional growth and educational e
• xcellence.Collaborate with passionate professionals in a globally respected educat
• ion group.Be part of a purpose driven, ambitious, and forward thinking org
• anisation.Please note, this role is office-based (Dubai, UAE) with local and regional site visits as

required.
Cognita is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is