Head of Innovation and Design

The Role

Head of Innovation and Design is responsible for supporting property development and other construction and capital projects; appoints consultants; leads the preparation and approval of initial, conceptual and detailed designs; leads a team of engineers, architects, designers and suppo...

The Role
Head of Innovation and Design is responsible for supporting property development and other construction and capital projects; appoints consultants; leads the preparation and approval of initial, conceptual and detailed designs; leads a team of engineers, architects, designers and support staff to provide technical expertise during development / capital project execution. Strategy and planning • Review proposed development strategies; challenge assumptions and propose design and value engineering options to improve asset efficiency. • Advise Chief Development Officer on design-related matters that impact the implementation of the Company’s strategy. Financial • Manage design budget preparation and provide input to the budgeting process. • Initiate corrective action, where necessary, to address budget variations. • Prepare, submit, and justify budget amendment requests to Chief Development Officer Leadership • Represent the Section to Chief Development Officer, other departments and to external parties; serve on committees, as required. • Agree objectives and KPIs with subordinates; assign tasks, initiatives and targets, delegating where appropriate while retaining accountability for results. • Ensure that subordinates have the requisite knowledge, skills and other competencies required to complete tasks and achieve objectives. • Provide technical direction, advice, guidance and support for subordinates where necessary, engaging in communication and consultation to ensure that proposals, risks, issues and requirements are clarified. • Evaluate subordinate performance. Business • Acquire and maintain expertise in Uniestate’s business, including its structure, departmental roles and responsibilities and operations, applying this knowledge in all decisions. Policies, procedures and ways of working • Direct the development and implementation of Section’s internal policies, systems, processes, and procedures People and talent management • Identify subordinates’ learning and development needs and ensure that they receive the required training, experience and learning to execute their roles effectively. • Identify successors for Section positions and ensure that they are mentored and developed to be able to take up new roles, when required. • Delegate tasks to subordinates to assist them in developing their competencies. • Provide active leadership for nationalisation programs and the development of UAE nationals. Engineering services • Provide expertise during opportunity appraisal. Lead feasibility studies and technical due diligence for new investments / acquisitions and proposed capital projects (asset upgrades and enhancements). • Work with Head of Project Development and Head of Construction to ensure that engineering services are provided for development projects. • Review consultant and contractor bids during procurement. • Apply or lead the application of value engineering to designs. • Review and approve / correct design and engineering submittals from consultants and contractors. • Oversee the preparation of operation and maintenance guidelines and standards for development products. • Provide technical advice to Asset Management concerning property improvement plans and asset upgrades. • Lead the provision of engineering and architectural services to ROI / defensive projects. Design management • Lead the management of design phases for development and other capital projects: architectural, structural, MEP, interior, and landscape design activities. • Review design proposals against client requirements, industry standards / best practices and value engineering criteria. Ensure designs align with project positioning, pricing strategy, and target market requirements. • Integrate innovation, sustainability, and smart-living concepts where commercially viable. • Manage design development stages from concept through IFC. • Coordinate with Government Relations to ensure regulatory compliance. • Collaborate with Construction and Cost Control teams to ensure buildability and budget alignment. • Recommend the appointment of design consultants, where required, and ensure that they fulfil their contractual requirements. • Monitor design progress; initiate corrective action, where required. • Approve or arrange the approval of designs. • Control design changes and ensure formal approval of variations Risk management • Contribute to the preparation and maintenance of project risk registers and the project portfolio risk register. • Contribute to the asset risk register, when required. Technology • Propose systems, applications and tools for innovation and design management. • Ensure that project teams utilise approved systems, applications and tools. Compliance • Ensure that all designs, works and processes comply with legal / regulatory and internal requirements. • Advise subordinates on compliance-related matters.

Requirements
Education and qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field is required • Master’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred Experience • 9+ years of experience in development and construction field with a least four years of experience in a managerial position Skills • Strategic management • Engineering practices • Value engineering • Building codes and standards • Real estate and property management • Budgeting • Project management • Planning and scheduling • Project management • Risk management • Codes and standards / legal and regulatory requirements

About the company
Union Investments has established a solid reputation as a robust, dynamic and forward-looking organization Union Investments has come a long way from its modest beginnings almost 25 years ago. Union Investments was established by H.H Sheikh Tariq Al Qassimi in year 1986, which rapidly grown into a large conglomerate within a short span of time. Union Investments is an umbrella of three sub-holding companies including Oryx Holding, RAK Holding and Union Holding Company