Senior Associate Director, Urban Advisory & Masterplanning

AECOM; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, seeks an experienced Associate Director to lead the Urban Advisory team. You will drive the development and delivery of high-impact infrastructure projects while mentoring a talented team and collaborating with clients, stakeholders, and leadership across the region.

You will shape urban development strategies, oversee market analyses, feasibility studies, and strategic recommendations, and manage client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Degree in economics, urban planning, public policy, or a related field.
• 14+ years in urban advisory, economic development, and infrastructure
• Proven track record directing complex, multi-stakeholder advisory projects from inception to delivery.
• Advanced competency in economic appraisal, feasibility, and financial modeling for urban and infrastructure projects.
• Experience with major transport and mobility programs, infrastructure corridors, urban regeneration programs and economic and industrial cities.
• Strong commercial acumen: scope definition, budgeting and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conception, development, and execution of urban advisory projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives and organizational standards
• Conduct comprehensive market analysis, feasibility studies, and strategic assessments to inform urban development recommendations
• Develop and present strategic recommendations to senior leadership, clients, and key stakeholders, translating complex data into actionable insights
• Manage client relationships throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring satisfaction, clear communication, and successful project outcomes
• Oversee project teams, providing direction, mentorship, and performance feedback to ensure delivery excellence and professional development
• Analyze urban trends, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics to identify opportunities and risks within the built environment sector
• Contribute to business development initiatives, including proposal development, pitch preparation, and new market opportunities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate sustainability, innovation, and best practices into advisory solutions
• Monitor project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation to ensure efficient delivery and profitability
• Stay current with industry developments, emerging technologies, and evolving best practices in urban planning and advisory

Skills

Strategic leadership

Urban planning

Economic appraisal

Financial modeling

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Transport planning

Education

Economics / Urban planning degree

Job description

AECOM in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, seeks an experienced Associate Director to lead the Urban Advisory team. You will drive the development and delivery of high-impact infrastructure projects while mentoring a talented team and collaborating with clients, stakeholders, and leadership across the region.

You will shape urban development strategies, oversee market analyses, feasibility studies, and strategic recommendations, and manage client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.