Area Design Manager - Other Developers Precincts

Bechtel Oil, Gas & Chemicals Incorporated; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm is seeking an Area Design Manager to lead the planning and execution of design strategies for urban environments. The role includes managing design consultants, ensuring compliance with quality and budgetary requirements, and integrating smart technologies into infrastructure projects. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in design management and strong leadership skills. Operations based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15-20 years of experience in design management.
• At least 5 years in smart city or large-scale urban infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of large public/private infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead design development, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including architects and engineers.
• Oversee design phases from conceptual to detailed design.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering

Tools

BIM

GIS

Smart city platforms

Job description

Area Design Manager - Other Developers Precincts

Requisition ID:288742

• Relocation Authorized: National/International - Camp
• Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project

Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:

Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place.

Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers’ objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations.

Bechtel is pursuing a significant new award of work in Egypt. The Project will cover the development of luxurious residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, tourism amenities, and economic zones. If successful, Bechtel’s contract for the delivery of this project will be for project management and construction management services.

This position is contingent upon project award, client approval and staffing plan changes.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Engineering Director, in this role, you will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of design strategies for the assigned area on the project. This role involves integrating urban design, digital infrastructure, sustainability, and citizen‑centric technologies to create intelligent, connected, and resilient urban environments.

You will lead and be accountable for the performance of the customer’s appointed Design Consultants in the delivery of the design in accordance with budgetary, schedule and quality requirements.

Additionally, you will establish and maintain the Engineering Programme Management plans and procedures, ensure compliance with the Customer’s project governance requirements, ensure that the technical design deliverables comply with the Customer’s requirements, stakeholders’ requirements, local and international building code requirements and deputize for the Engineering Director, when required, as the primary Delivery Partner representative on technical matters to the Customer. You will coordinate and collaborate with the vertical assets PMC and their Project Engineering teams.

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead the design development of assigned areas on the projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and international standards.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including architects, engineers, urban planners, and technology consultants.
• Oversee design phases from conceptual to detailed design, ensuring quality, innovation, and feasibility.
• Integrate smart technologies (IoT , AI, data platforms) into urban infrastructure and public services.
• Collaborate with stakeholders including government agencies, developers, and community groups.
• Ensure compliance with local and international codes, sustainability frameworks, and smart city benchmarks.
• Manage design documentation, approvals, and change control processes.
• Support procurement and tendering processes by preparing design briefs and technical specifications.
• Monitor design progress, resolve conflicts, and ensure timely delivery of design packages.
• Possesses full technical responsibility for interpreting, organizing, executing, and coordinating the delivery of the infrastructure design.
• Establish and maintain a high‑quality multi‑discipline team of engineering specialists and provide overall leadership, direction and motivation.
• Ensure compliance with the Customer’s project governance procedures & requirements, including KPIs.
• Lead the review of relevant design deliverables, including constructability, value engineering and safety in design considerations.
• Coordinate with Project Stakeholders and undertake presentations as required, including Stage Gate Reviews.
• Management and accountability for the timely delivery of all design submissions.
• Managing design subcontractors, subconsultants and contractors to ensure timely and budget‑compliant project delivery.
• Experience in delivering major infrastructure and masterplan projects.
• Ensure compliance with infrastructure design and construction requirements.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 15‑20 years of experience in design management, with at least 5 years in smart city or large‑scale urban infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of large public / private infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and sustainable urbanism.
• Experience with BIM, GIS, and smart city platforms is desirable.
• Proven leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong varied experience in creating, developing and leading teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal relationship skills at varying levels of the organization.
• Strong leadership, foster teamwork across multidisciplinary teams, problem‑solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively influence outcomes and elevate issues appropriately.
• Must be a self‑starter and highly motivated to succeed.
• Demonstrated skill in identifying, analyzing and solving problems.
• Role model the Bechtel Visions, Values, & Commitments (VV&C) and must be a strong advocate of our Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DE&I) efforts and initiatives.
• Previous, related, working experience in the middle east is highly preferred.
• Experience of working within a multicultural, highly diverse team environment is essential.
• Desirable: understanding of current innovations in infrastructure works, including applications of AI.
• Desirable: understanding of international regulatory codes, standards and design criteria relating to infrastructure design.

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e‑mail their request to [e-mail]