Senior Associate - Landscape

AECOM; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM seeks a Senior Associate - Landscape to lead design, delivery and client engagement across our Middle East portfolio, advancing high-performing public realm and landscape projects from concept through to delivery. You will shape design outcomes, grow client relationships, and mentor a multidisciplinary team for resilient, context-driven solutions.

The role requires 12–15+ years in landscape architecture with strong leadership and experience navigating regional authority approvals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Landscape Architecture.
• 12–15+ years’ experience with a strong portfolio across complex, large-scale landscape projects.
• Proven leadership in design quality and project delivery.
• Experience navigating regional authority requirements and approvals.
• Proficiency in Revizto, Rhino and Grasshopper; familiarity with BIM/digital workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead landscape design across all stages with focus on design excellence.
• Set design direction and manage budgets, schedules, and programs.
• Champion climate-appropriate, water-wise strategies for MEA.
• Coordinate with urban design, architecture, civil, MEP, and cost teams.
• Oversee technical deliverables and digital workflows.
• Lead design presentations and client engagement.
• Navigate regional authority approvals and compliance.
• Mentor multidisciplinary team and deliver training.
• Prepare technical reports and feasibility studies.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Design leadership

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Landscape Architecture

Tools

Revizto

Rhino

Grasshopper

BIM/digital workflows

Job description

Company Description

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.

Work with Us. Change the World.

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 a Senior Associate - Landscape to lead design, delivery and client engagement across our Middle East portfolio, advancing high-performing public realm and landscape projects from concept through to delivery. You will shape design outcomes, grow key client relationships, and mentor a multidisciplinary team to deliver resilient, context-driven solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Lead landscape design across all stages (visioning, concept, schematic, detailed, IFC) with a strong focus on design excellence, constructability and value.
• Set design direction, run quality reviews, and ensure alignment with project briefs, budgets, and programs.
• Champion climate-appropriate, water-wise and resilient landscape strategies tailored to arid and semi-arid MEA conditions.
• Own scope, schedule, budget, risk, and change management across multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Coordinate seamlessly with urban design, architecture, civil, structures, MEP, environmental, and cost management teams.
• Oversee technical deliverables and ensure digital standards and workflows are followed.
• Lead design presentations and manage feedback to maintain scope, quality, and client satisfaction.
• Navigate regional authority processes to support approvals, permitting, and compliance requirements.
• Conduct regular project reviews to ensure alignment with client objectives and company standards.
• Prepare and deliver internal and external training sessions to enhance team skills and knowledge.
• Support the development and implementation of digital tools and workflows to improve efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with regional teams to leverage expertise and resources for project success.
• Prepare and review technical reports, feasibility studies, and strategic frameworks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Landscape Architecture
• 12–15+ years’ experience with a strong portfolio across complex, large-scale landscape projects.
• Proven leadership in design quality, interdisciplinary coordination, and project delivery.
• Demonstrable experience navigating regional authority requirements and approvals.
• Proficiency in Revizto /Rhino/Grasshopper; familiarity with BIM/digital workflows.

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, and 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: J10151523

Business Line: U&P

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: ME and Africa

Career Area: Design

Work Location Model: Hybrid