Manager, Project Design (Urban Architecture)

About Sembcorp

Sembcorp is a leading energy and urban solutions provider headquartered in Singapore. Led by its purpose to drive energy transition, Sembcorp delivers sustainable energy solutions and urban developments by leveraging its sector expertise and global track record.

Join Integrated Urban Solutions

Play a role in building smart and sustainable cities! With over 30 years of experience, we transform raw land into thriving developments across Vietnam, Indonesia, and China. As a key growth engine, our Integrated Urban Solutions segment strives to be Asia’s fastest-growing industrial solutions provider. By delivering efficient energy solutions and pioneering innovative water resource management, we enable the growth of vibrant, future-ready communities.

Job Description

The Manager, Project Design is responsible to lead and manage the design development process for industrial, commercial, and mixed-use development projects from conceptualization through construction. The role is responsible for ensuring that project designs are functional, cost-effective, sustainable, and aligned with business objectives while coordinating closely with internal stakeholders, consultants and project teams.

Key Responsibilities

Design Planning and Development

• Conceptualize and develop design solutions for industrial, commercial, and mixed-use development projects based on business, operational, and tenant requirements.
• Evaluate project opportunities and prepare design feasibility studies, development concepts, and planning recommendations to support business and investment decisions.
• Present design proposals, development concepts, and technical recommendations to management and key stakeholders for review and approval.
• Review and optimize design proposals to ensure functionality, operational efficiency, sustainability, constructability, and cost-effectiveness.

Consultant and Design Management

• Prepare scopes of work, technical briefs, and consultant requirements for the appointment of architects, engineers, and other design consultants.
• Manage and coordinate external consultants and specialist vendors throughout the design development process to ensure timely and quality deliverables.
• Monitor design progress and ensure compliance with project objectives, design standards, regulatory requirements, and approved budgets.

Tender and Project Support

• Support the Project Manager in the preparation of tender documentation, technical specifications, design drawings, and evaluation of tender submissions.
• Provide technical and design inputs throughout the procurement and tendering process to support contractor selection and project implementation.
• Review consultant and contractor submissions to ensure alignment with project requirements and design intent.

Construction and Design Coordination

• Work closely with project management and site teams to resolve design-related issues during construction.
• Review proposed design changes, value engineering initiatives, and technical solutions to balance project quality, functionality, timeline, and cost considerations.
• Conduct site visits and provide design guidance to ensure project execution is consistent with approved design intent.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders across development, investment, leasing, operations, engineering, and project management functions.
• Liaise with consultants, contractors, authorities, and external stakeholders to facilitate project approvals and design implementation.

Continuous Improvement

• Keep abreast of industry best practices, emerging design trends, sustainable development standards, and technological advancements relevant to industrial and mixed-use developments.
• Support initiatives to enhance design standards, processes, and knowledge sharing within the Design Management team.
• Undertake any other duties and projects assigned by the Head of Project Design.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or a related discipline. Professional architectural registration or relevant professional accreditation would be advantageous.
• Minimum 8-10 years of relevant experience in architectural design, design management, or development management, preferably within industrial, business park, logistics, commercial, or mixed-use developments.
• Experience managing projects through the full development lifecycle, including concept design, feasibility studies, design development, tendering, construction, and project completion.
• Prior experience working on overseas development projects, particularly in Vietnam, will be an advantage.
• Strong understanding of architectural design principles, development planning, feasibility assessments, project execution, cost control, and value engineering.
• Familiarity with international design trends, sustainable development practices, and green building certification frameworks such as LEED, Green Mark, EDGE, or equivalent standards.
• Knowledge of building regulations, statutory requirements, and development approval processes in Southeast Asian markets, particularly Vietnam and Indonesia, is preferred.
• Proficient in design and project management software, including AutoCAD, SketchUp, BIM platforms (e.g., Revit), Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Project.
• Strong project coordination and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Effective communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at different levels.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Willingness to travel within the region, including Vietnam and Indonesia, as required by project needs.

Our Culture at Sembcorp

At Sembcorp, our culture is shaped by a strong set of shared behaviours that guide the way we work and uphold our commitment to driving the energy transition.

We foster an institution-first mindset, where the success of Sembcorp takes precedence over individual interests. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, as we work seamlessly across markets, businesses, and functions to achieve our goals together. Accountability is a core principle, ensuring that we take ownership of our commitments and deliver on them with integrity and excellence. These values define who we are and create a workplace where our people can thrive while making a meaningful impact on driving energy transition.

Join us in making a real impact!