Associate Director - Design Management - AECOM Middle East - Dubai, UAE

AECOM Middle East Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 312,480 - 379,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Award-winning training

Global exposure

Collaborative environment

Job summary

AECOM Middle East Ltd in Dubai is seeking an Associate Director - Design Management to lead multiple complex design portfolios. This role requires strong leadership, client engagement, and multidisciplinary coordination to drive impactful design outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of experience in design leadership, a degree in Architecture, and a proven record in managing extensive design portfolios. Join AECOM to shape Dubai's skyline and contribute to innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of post-graduate experience in design leadership.
• Professional membership required.
• Strong leadership background managing complex, multi-project design portfolios.
• Advanced knowledge of design management best practices, tools, and processes.
• Excellent client-facing skills with strong business development capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple design projects or portfolios, ensuring alignment with client goals.
• Provide strategic oversight to Project Managers, ensuring compliance with protocols.
• Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and competitive advantage.
• Mentor and evaluate multidisciplinary project teams.
• Advise leadership on client strategies and market opportunities.
• Make autonomous decisions aligned with company policies.

Skills

Strategic design management

Multidisciplinary coordination

Leadership and team development

Client engagement and business development

Portfolio governance and quality assurance

Advanced problem-solving and innovation

Proposal leadership and bid management

Education

Degree in Architecture or related discipline

Job description

Position Overview

Associate Director - Design Management role leads multiple complex design portfolios across Dubai, ensuring strategic alignment, design excellence, and operational efficiency. The position combines high-level leadership, client engagement, and multidisciplinary coordination to drive high-impact design outcomes across diverse sectors.

Job Details Country: UAE City: Dubai Industry: Architecture & Planning Function: Design Salary: 28000-34000 monthly (Market estimated) Gender: Any Candidate Nationality: Any Job Type: Full-time

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple design projects or portfolios, ensuring alignment with client goals and company standards
• Provide strategic oversight to Project Managers, ensuring compliance with protocols and reporting requirements
• Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and competitive advantage
• Mentor, manage, and evaluate multidisciplinary project teams, promoting continuous development
• Advise leadership on client strategies, market opportunities, and business growth areas
• Make autonomous decisions aligned with company policies and long-term objectives
• Coordinate internal and external design teams to ensure integrated design delivery
• Conduct peer reviews, technical presentations, and contribute to design innovation
• Resolve complex design and project challenges with minimal direction
• Lead development of advanced methodologies and procedures for novel design assignments
• Serve as subject matter expert and strengthen AECOM's market positioning
• Act as Approved Lead Verifier, ensuring quality assurance and compliance
• Manage key client accounts or sub-functions as required
• Lead major annual proposals supporting business development strategies
• Engage with clients to build strong relationships and identify opportunities

Ideal Profile

• Minimum 15 years of post-graduate experience in design leadership
• Degree in Architecture or related discipline; professional membership required
• Strong leadership background managing complex, multi-project design portfolios
• Advanced knowledge of design management best practices, tools, and processes
• Excellent client-facing skills with strong business development capability
• Proven ability to mentor teams and manage cross-functional coordination
• Strong analytical, managerial, and decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication, reporting, and technical presentation skills

Skills Set

• Strategic design management
• Multidisciplinary coordination
• Leadership and team development
• Client engagement and business development
• Portfolio governance and quality assurance
• Advanced problem-solving and innovation
• Proposal leadership and bid management

Why Join Us

• Lead high-profile design portfolios that shape Dubai's skyline and infrastructure
• Work with global design and engineering leaders driving industry innovation
• Grow professionally through AECOM's award-winning training and global exposure
• Join a collaborative and future-focused environment committed to excellence

About the Company

AECOM Middle East is a leading engineering, design, and infrastructure consultancy based in Dubai, delivering innovative, sustainable solutions across transportation, buildings, water, environment, and energy. With global reach and strong regional expertise, AECOM helps clients deliver world-class urban and infrastructure developments across the GCC.