Senior Design Manager

AECOM; Dubai; On-site; AED 320,000 - 520,000; Part time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead design management for a high-profile project in the UAE. You will drive branding, cultural alignment, and multidisciplinary coordination to deliver integrated outcomes across stakeholders and consultants.

The role requires extensive experience in design or project management within government/defence environments, with a strong focus on UX, functionality, and regulatory adherence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture (Master’s preferred).
• 15+ years in design or project management, incl. leadership on complex institutional/defence projects.
• Experience coordinating FF&E and branding in defence projects.
• Strong knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks and authorities.
• Experience with government defence or military projects; focus on UX and branding.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of functional, cultural, and branding requirements aligned with client vision.
• Manage FF&E packages integration from design to procurement to installation.
• Support overall design strategy ensuring alignment with briefs and standards.
• Provide support to the Design Manager for reporting and design reviews from consultants.
• Exercise discretion in managing workflows, priorities, resolving design challenges.
• Coordinate with internal/external stakeholders to deliver cohesive solutions.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with stakeholders to disseminate project information.
• Ensure deliverables meet quality standards, regulatory compliance and client expectations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes and delivery efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

UX focus

Branding integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture

Tools

FF&E coordination

Job description

AECOM is seeking a Senior Design Manager (SDM) to join our Design Management team for a project in Abu Dhabi. This role demands advanced technicalexpertise strategic oversight and the ability to coordinate with diverse stakeholders.

The successful candidate will ensure that design solutions reflect institutional identitycultural values and operational requirements working across multidisciplinary teamsand stakeholders to deliver integrated and high-quality outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the development of functional cultural and brandingrequirements ensuring alignment with clients vision and institutional goals.
• Manage the integration and delivery of FF&E packages from design toprocurement and installation.
• Support the overall design strategy and execution ensuring alignment withclient briefs technical standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Provide comprehensive support to the Design Manager (DM) for all design related matters including reporting and design reviews received fromconsultants.
• Exercise discretion and independence in managing workflows settingpriorities and resolving design challenges.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver cohesivesolutions.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with internal stakeholdersconsultants contractors and client representatives to ensure the accuratedissemination of project information.
• Ensure deliverables meet quality standards regulatory compliance andclient expectations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes standards and delivery efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in architecture (Masters degree preferred)
• 15 years of experience in design management or project management roles
• including leadership on complex institutional or defence-sector projects.
• Demonstrated experience in FF&E coordination and integration ofbranding elements into Defence projects.
• Strong knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks authorities requirements
• Experience in government defence or military projects with focus on user experiencefunctionality and branding.
• Excellent leadership stakeholder management and communication skills.

Additional Information

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 optionswell-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 2024. Learn more at .

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 youll 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 youve always envisioned. Here youll 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.

Remote Work

No

Employment Type

Contract