Design Manager

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

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Design Manager to join our Buildings Design practice, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In this role, you will drive the successful delivery of innovative design projects while fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment that empowers your team to excel. As Design Manager, you will be the strategic bridge between creative vision and practical execution, ensuring that all design initiatives meet organizational goals, client expectations, and quality standards.

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

Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive in a design management role, with experience on hospitality & mixed use development projects.
• Proven track record successfully 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

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include:

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• AD&D
• disability benefits
• paid time off
• leaves of absences
• voluntary benefits
• perks
• flexible work options
• well-being resources
• employee assistance program
• business travel insurance
• service recognition awards
• retirement savings plan
• employee stock purchase plan

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ReqID: J10159583

Business Line: Building Engineering

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: ME and Africa

Career Area: Design

Work Location Model: Hybrid