Deputy General Manager - Design

Job Description: Deputy General Manager - Design and Project Coordination

Role Overview

The Deputy General Manager (DGM) is responsible for the end-to-end coordination and execution of design strategies for large-scale residential projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. This role involves leading the design process, from concept through to execution, collaborating with architects, consultants, and internal teams, and driving successful project completion. The DGM will play a key role in translating design ideas into practical solutions and managing key project milestones while ensuring seamless alignment between design, budget, and construction goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Massing & Feasibility:
• Evaluate the feasibility of residential projects at the pre-planning stage, including built-up and saleable areas, project specifications, and compliance with zoning regulations.
• Develop comprehensive project estimates considering FSI, number of towers, height, and other specifications, providing vital inputs to costing and budgeting teams.
• Lead the preparation and submission of RFPs (Request for Proposals) and ensure alignment with Regional and Zonal offices for optimal project feasibility and design strategy.
• Manage the alignment of consultants' costs (architects, structural engineers, etc.) to ensure they remain within the approved budget outlined in the business plan.
• Consultant Management & Vendor Coordination:
• Identify and select top-tier architects, engineers, and design consultants, and manage initial negotiations for project design work.
• Prepare detailed recommendations for Senior Leadership and Regional Heads on consultant selection and approval processes.
• Ensure timely financial transactions and payments to vendors, working closely with the finance team to guarantee smooth operations and compliance with project schedules.
• Project Design & Coordination:
• Take full ownership of the design delivery for the project, ensuring all required drawings (GFA, GFC, structural, MEP, coordinated drawings) are finalized and submitted as per project timelines.
• Lead coordination with consultants (architects, structural engineers, MEP, landscape designers) and zonal-level teams to ensure the alignment of design work at all stages.
• Collaborate with the product and marketing teams to understand project USPs, pricing strategies, and customer preferences, incorporating them into the design.
• Ensure design briefs are delivered on time for each project phase (concept, schematic, GFA, GFC), working closely with consultants and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with established milestones.
• Provide expert guidance on design vetting, suggesting improvements and ensuring the design meets company objectives, regulatory requirements, and the envisioned product brief.
• Project Launch & Readiness:
• Oversee the creation of renders, cut sheets, and 3D models in close collaboration with the Design Head at the Zonal Office to prepare for the site launch.
• Engage closely with Sales and Marketing teams to incorporate customer feedback into the design process and ensure market-appropriate design solutions.
• Spearhead the design of sample sales flats and marketing offices on-site, ensuring timely procurement of necessary materials, coordination with vendors, and alignment with project timelines.
• Lead the development of site experiences for project launches, ensuring seamless execution in coordination with the Sales Head for branding elements.
• Project Execution & Monitoring:
• Work closely with the Project Management team during the execution phase to monitor construction and ensure it adheres to the approved design and quality standards.
• Address design-related queries, including Request for Information (RFI) issues raised by the operations team, and facilitate quick resolutions to keep the project on track.
• Conduct regular site visits to ensure the design intent is being followed and provide support as needed to the construction team to address design-related challenges.
• Learning and Development:
• Continuously identify opportunities for self-improvement and professional growth, including advanced training, leadership development, and involvement in high-profile projects.
• Share knowledge and best practices with team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  
  

Key Interactions

Internal:

• Costing & Budgeting: Provide critical inputs for budget allocation towards design requirements, ensuring financial discipline and adherence to project costs.
• Product Team: Work collaboratively to refine the product mix, USPs, and pricing strategies to align the design with market expectations and customer needs.
• Business Development: Offer expertise during the project feasibility and due diligence (TDD) stage, providing input on design implications for project viability.
• Marketing & Brand Communication: Coordinate efforts to create a compelling site sales office and exceptional launch experience that resonates with customers.
• Legal & Liaison: Ensure proper legal documentation for design approvals and regulatory requirements, working closely with the legal team to secure necessary government clearances (RERA, MOEF, etc.).
  
  

External

• Consultants & Vendors: Lead relationships with architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, façade designers, landscape architects, and interior designers to ensure the timely and successful delivery of design work.
• JVPs (Joint Venture Partners): Guide external stakeholders in understanding the design brief, ensuring alignment and setting clear expectations on project requirements and milestones.
  
  

Skills Required

Essential Skills:

• Significant experience (5-8 years) in managing and executing the design lifecycle for large-scale residential projects, including conceptualization, design execution, and construction monitoring.
• Deep knowledge of architectural design principles, building codes, and industry trends, including sustainable and innovative design practices.
• Proven ability to coordinate and manage diverse teams of architects, consultants, and contractors to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
• Expertise in customer experience design, including the execution of show flats, marketing offices, and other key customer-facing elements.
• Strong understanding of legal contracts, agreements, and compliance procedures for hiring consultants and managing vendors.
• Advanced proficiency in design software (CAD, BIM, etc.) and a working knowledge of project management tools.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience in large-scale real estate development and group housing projects.
• Knowledge of local by-laws, zoning regulations, and approvals required for residential projects.
• Experience with green building certifications (e.g., IGBC) and sustainable design initiatives.
  
  

Qualification & Experience

• Graduate/Post Graduate in Architecture with 10+ years of relevant work experience in design coordination, project management, and execution of residential or commercial projects.
• Proven track record of managing design and project execution at the senior level, with hands-on experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering high-profile projects.
  
  

This role offers a strategic opportunity to lead complex residential projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with company goals, market trends, and customer expectations. The DGM will drive design excellence and ensure that all aspects of the project are seamlessly executed to achieve successful outcomes.

About Godrej Properties

Godrej Properties is among the fastest growing real estate companies in India, having grown by a CAGR of 20% by booking value in the last 5 years and earned the distinction of being the largest listed real estate developer in India for last two financial years (FY2018 and FY2019). We aim to accelerate this momentum further over next few years and are looking for motivated individuals to be a part of our growth story.

Godrej Properties has a unique Joint Venture based development model which helps us to keep an asset light balance sheet, thereby mitigating financial risks associated with a debt heavy structure, supports independent scale-up of local operations across various geographies and create a strong business development pipeline.

GPL has been consistently ranked amongst the top 2 places to work in the Real Estate segment in the “Great Places to Work” survey. We take much pride in fostering an inspiring workplace, with an agile and high performance culture. We are also deeply committed to recognising and valuing diversity across our teams. GPL brings the Godrej Group philosophy of innovation, sustainability and excellence to the real estate industry. Each development combines a 122–year legacy of excellence and trust with a commitment to cutting-edge design and technology. GPL has received 8 awards in Q1 FY19. Godrej Properties is currently developing residential, commercial and township projects spread across the country in 12 cities.

Our People Philosophy

Core to our employer brand, is the philosophy of tough love. We expect a lot from our team members, differentiate on the basis of performance and potential through career opportunities and rewards and lay particular emphasis on developing, mentoring and training. We believe that passionate, rounded individuals with diverse interests make for better Godrejites. And we understand that our team members play multi-faceted roles. This is why we encourage them, not just to explore their whole selves, but also create an enabling space for them to do so.

Watch ‘Why Godrej’ by Nadir Godrej, a video on our people philosophy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxiHCMR64Hs&feature=emb_logo

Read more about our people philosophy here.

https://godrejcareers.com/people-philosophy.aspx