Design Director

Skilled Careers; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Skilled Careers partners with an internationally recognised architectural consultancy to appoint a Design Director – Masterplanning in Dubai. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, commercially aware design leader to own major masterplanning projects from concept to delivery.

You will lead design direction across the Middle East, develop compelling concepts, oversee development and delivery, mentor multidisciplinary teams, and communicate vision to clients and stakeholders, while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Urban Design or Masterplanning required.
• 10+ years of experience in urban design, masterplanning and architecture.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating creativity and experience delivering complex masterplanning projects.
• Proven experience in a design leadership role leading teams and managing projects from concept to delivery.
• Experience working on Middle East projects is essential with understanding of the region's landscape.
• Ability to balance bold design thinking with practical delivery, client management and commercial considerations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design direction of major masterplanning and urban design projects across the Middle East.
• Drive creative vision, developing concepts and design strategies for large-scale developments.
• Oversee design development and project delivery, ensuring creative ambition is maintained.
• Lead, mentor and inspire multidisciplinary design teams, fostering innovation and design excellence.
• Collaborate with clients, stakeholders and leadership to communicate design vision and outcomes.
• Provide strategic input into project pursuits, presentations and business development opportunities.

Skills

Urban design leadership

Masterplanning

Architecture

Client management

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Urban Design or Masterplanning

Job description

Skilled Careers is partnering with an internationally recognised architectural consultancy to appoint a Design Director – Masterplanning to join its Dubai team. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and commercially aware design leader to take ownership of major masterplanning projects, driving design excellence from initial concept through to successful project delivery.

Working closely with senior leadership, clients and multidisciplinary teams, you will play a pivotal role in shaping ambitious urban environments, combining innovative design thinking with the technical and leadership capabilities required to bring complex projects to life.

The role:

• Lead the design direction of major masterplanning and urban design projects across the Middle East.
• Drive creative vision, developing compelling concepts and design strategies for large-scale, complex developments.
• Oversee design development and project delivery, ensuring creative ambition is maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead, mentor and inspire multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a culture of innovation and design excellence.
• Work closely with clients, stakeholders and internal leadership to communicate design vision and deliver exceptional outcomes.
• Provide strategic input into project pursuits, presentations and business development opportunities.

To be considered, candidates must have:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Design or Masterplanning
• 10+ years of experience in urban design, masterplanning and architecture
• A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional creativity, conceptual design ability and experience delivering complex masterplanning or urban design projects.
• Proven experience in a design leadership role, with the ability to lead teams and manage projects from concept through to delivery.
• Previous experience working on projects within the Middle East is essential, with a strong understanding of the region's development landscape and design expectations.
• The ability to balance bold design thinking with practical project delivery, client management and commercial considerations.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.

Dubai-based candidates are welcome, but we are equally interested in exceptional international talent currently based outside the Middle East, provided you have demonstrable experience working on projects in the region.

If you are a design-led leader with the creativity, experience and ambition to shape the future of urban environments, we would welcome a confidential conversation.