Director - Architecture Retail and Hospitality - AECOM - Dubai, UAE

AECOM Middle East Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 446,400 - 669,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive executive-level compensation

Comprehensive employee benefits

Opportunity to influence design direction

Job summary

AECOM Middle East Ltd is seeking a Director - Architecture Retail and Hospitality to lead the design and delivery of large-scale projects in Dubai. This role emphasizes design excellence, financial performance, and client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong architectural background with over 15 years in retail and hospitality, demonstrated leadership, and proficiency in architectural software. The position offers competitive compensation along with extensive employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in architectural design with a strong focus on retail and hospitality projects.
• Proven leadership in delivering large-scale and complex architectural developments.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating innovative retail and hospitality design solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee architectural practice and project delivery including design direction, budget control, and bid strategy.
• Guide conceptual development and detailed design to ensure innovation, quality, and alignment with client objectives.
• Engage directly with clients to understand vision and translate requirements into compelling design solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Architecture Design

Team Management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Job description

Position Overview

Director - Architecture Retail and Hospitality provides strategic leadership for the design and delivery of large-scale retail and hospitality projects in Dubai, overseeing design excellence, technical quality, financial performance, and client relationships across the full project lifecycle.

Job Details

• Country: UAE
• City: Dubai
• Industry: Architecture & Planning
• Function: Director
• Salary: 40000-60000 monthly (Market estimated)
• Gender: Any
• Candidate Nationality: Any
• Job Type: Full-time

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee architectural practice and project delivery including design direction, budget control, and bid strategy.
• Guide conceptual development and detailed design to ensure innovation, quality, and alignment with client objectives.
• Collaborate with Architecture and Interiors leadership to define technical direction and long-term strategic planning.
• Align design, technical, and business development teams to deliver integrated and cohesive project outcomes.
• Engage directly with clients to understand vision and translate requirements into compelling design solutions.
• Lead design presentations to clients, stakeholders, and review authorities with clear articulation of design intent.
• Provide high-level technical oversight ensuring compliance with codes, consultancy standards, and client requirements.
• Define project timelines and milestones, monitor progress, and ensure delivery within scope, budget, and schedule.
• Prepare financial forecasts and reports while managing project budgets and commercial performance.
• Coordinate closely with engineers, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams for seamless technical integration.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and ensure scalable, adaptable, and future-ready design solutions.
• Resolve complex design and business challenges through innovative and collaborative approaches.
• Drive process improvements, contribute to thought leadership, and support market growth initiatives.
• Ensure consistent design excellence, documentation accuracy, coordination integrity, and regulatory compliance.

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Valid professional architecture license.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in architectural design with a strong focus on retail and hospitality projects.
• Proven leadership in delivering large-scale and complex architectural developments.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating innovative retail and hospitality design solutions.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Strong project management capability including budgeting, resourcing, and scheduling.
• Proficiency in architectural design software including AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp.
• In-depth knowledge of retail and hospitality trends, sustainability principles, and international building codes.

Benefits

• Lead high-profile retail and hospitality developments shaping urban environments.
• Strategic leadership role within a globally recognized consultancy.
• Opportunity to influence design direction and regional growth.
• Competitive executive-level compensation and comprehensive employee benefits.