Our client, a leading Gulf master developer, is building its team in Damascus for a landmark large-scale mixed-use community. The Design Project Manager works alongside Design Team Leaders and Project Directors to manage the pre-contract design phase: consultant procurement, design and authority submissions, risk, cost, scope and programme control. This is a fully on-site role based in Damascus. We are particularly keen to hear from Syrian professionals working abroad who are looking to return home and contribute to the country's reconstruction. Fluent Arabic and English are essential.
Duties & Responsibilities
Prepare design briefs and technical scopes for lead and sub-consultant procurement
Oversee consultant procurement so scopes cover the full project and minimise variations
Coordinate responses to consultant tender queries with Design and Contracts & Commercial teams
Maintain the consultant database and pre-qualification by discipline
Monitor design team workload and task allocation
Create and maintain Design Department templates and project documentation
Report status, risks and progress to senior leadership and maintain dashboards
Track stakeholder requirements; run meetings, presentations and minutes
Follow up authority applications and NOCs, reporting progress and risks
Monitor and control cost, scope, schedule changes and vendor payments
Manage consultant contracts and variations, ensuring contractual compliance
Lead project close-out and post-project evaluations
Skills & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering (Master’s and PMP an advantage)
12+ years’ experience, including at least 3 years as a Project Manager or similar
Strong pre-contract / design-stage project management experience in real estate or construction
Experience managing projects from conception through delivery
Experience with local authority submissions and requirements
Fluent Arabic and English (spoken and written) – essential
Syrian professionals looking to return to Syria strongly preferred
Willing to be based full-time in Damascus
Benefits: + medical insurance + security support.