Planning Head - Mixed-Use + Urban Development Projects

Job Summary

The Design Management Head manages and oversees the planning, design development, and technical delivery of mixed-use and urban development projects from project inception through construction completion. The position is responsible for project leadership, consultant management, stakeholder coordination, design quality, schedule, budget, and compliance with applicable codes and standards. This role ensures the successful integration of multidisciplinary design solutions while meeting business objectives, project KPIs, and client expectations.

Duties and Responsibilities

PROJECT LEADERSHIP

 Lead planning and design development from project feasibility through project completion.

 Establish project execution strategies, design parameters, budgets, and schedules.

 Manage multidisciplinary consultants and internal project teams.

 Monitor project KPIs, deliverables, and project risks.

 Present project updates and recommendations to Business Units and executive management.

DESIGN MANAGEMENT & COORDINATION

 Direct coordination among architects, engineers, specialty consultants, contractors, and Business Units.

 Review and approve design submissions, technical reports, specifications, and presentations.

 Ensure compliance with company standards, design guidelines, applicable codes, and project requirements.

 Lead value engineering and design optimization initiatives.

 Manage consultant selection, appointments, performance, and deliverables.

CONSTRUCTION & TECHNICAL SUPPORT

 Provide technical leadership during bidding, construction, and project close-out.

 Review RFI/ RFAs, shop drawings, material submissions, and design revisions.

 Conduct periodic project site inspections and technical meetings.

 Resolve complex design issues affecting cost, schedule, quality, or constructability.

 Monitor consultant responsiveness and construction support performance.

ADMINISTRATIVE & PEOPLE LEADERSHIP

 Lead, mentor, and evaluate Assistant Design Managers and project staff.

 Prepare departmental reports, dashboards, project forecasts, and management presentations.

 Implement QA/QC procedures, design review systems, and continuous improvement initiatives.

 Coordinate with Project Cost Management, Contracts & Awards, Construction Management, QA,

PMO, and Sustainability teams.

 Support resource planning, departmental initiatives, and strategic planning.

Technical Competencies and Skills

Strategic Design Management  Project Leadership and Decision-Making  Multidisciplinary Design Coordination  Building Codes and Regulatory Compliance  Consultant and Stakeholder Management  Construction Administration  Value Engineering and Design Optimization  Project Scheduling and Financial Awareness  Presentation and Executive Communication  Leadership, Coaching, Team Development

Education, Trainings and Licenses Required

Leadership,  Graduate of BS Architecture or related discipline such as Landscape Architecture, Environmental Planning, Civil Engineering, or Urban Planning.  Licensed Architect or equivalent professional license is highly preferred.  Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in design management, architecture, engineering, or construction.  Extensive experience in mixed-use, commercial, retail, industrial, or urban development projects.  Training in Project Management, BIM, Design Management, Construction Management is an advantage.