Design Director, Buildings — Hybrid (Dubai)

AECOM; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

AD&D

Disability benefits

Paid time off

Flexible work options

Well-being resources

Employee assistance program

Business travel insurance

Service recognition awards

Retirement savings plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

AECOM in Dubai is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead the Buildings Design practice. You will oversee the design lifecycle, ensuring quality and translating creative vision into practical execution across hospitality and mixed-use developments.

The role requires 8–10 years in design management, proven leadership of design teams and coordination of consultants, plus strong client-facing capabilities. This hybrid Dubai position offers global collaboration and iconic project opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in a design management role, with hospitality & mixed use development projects.
• Proven track record delivering complex multidisciplinary projects with measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing design teams, coordinating consultants, and working directly with clients and key project stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination and the critical interfaces between various engineering and design disciplines.
• Bachelor's degree in Design, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete design lifecycle from development through detailed design and delivery, ensuring seamless coordination across all project phases.
• Manage design coordination and resolve complex interdisciplinary interfaces, bringing together diverse technical specialists to challenge assumptions and drive integrated solutions.
• Conduct design reviews and coordination workshops, providing assertive technical leadership while maintaining transparency and inclusivity across all stakeholder groups.
• Collaborate closely with clients, end users, contractors, and specialist consultants to translate operational requirements into practical, coordinated design solutions.
• Manage design risks, technical assurance, program requirements, and stakeholder expectations while maintaining unwavering focus on quality and buildability.
• Allocate resources strategically and manage project budgets, timelines, and deliverables with efficiency and precision.
• Champion innovative design thinking and best practices, while remaining flexible and resilient in adapting to evolving project needs and market demands.
• Communicate design decisions and project status transparently to all stakeholders, demonstrating empathy and emotional intelligence in managing diverse perspectives.

Skills

Design leadership

Multidisciplinary coordination

Client & stakeholder management

Project delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree in Design, Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Job description

AECOM in Dubai is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead the Buildings Design practice. You will oversee the design lifecycle, ensuring quality and translating creative vision into practical execution across hospitality and mixed-use developments.

The role requires 8–10 years in design management, proven leadership of design teams and coordination of consultants, plus strong client-facing capabilities. This hybrid Dubai position offers global collaboration and iconic project opportunities.