Senior Design Manager - AECOM Middle East - Abu Dhabi, UAE

AECOM Middle East Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 446,400 - 558,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional growth programs

Leadership development opportunities

Job summary

AECOM Middle East Ltd is seeking a Senior Design Manager to spearhead multidisciplinary design coordination in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The role demands leading the design management process from concept to delivery, ensuring quality, functional, and culturally aligned design solutions for major institutional and defense sector projects.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, 15 years of design management experience, and a strong grasp of UAE building codes. AECOM offers opportunities for professional growth and a chance to work on landmark projects that shape the built environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in design management or project leadership, preferably in large institutional or defense-related developments.
• Proven expertise in FF&E coordination, technical integration, and stakeholder communication.
• Strong understanding of UAE building codes, local authority approval procedures, and defense sector standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall design management and integration process from concept to delivery.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment with project goals.
• Oversee FF&E design, selection, and installation.

Skills

Design leadership and coordination

FF&E management and procurement

Regulatory and authority liaison

Project planning and risk management

Stakeholder and client communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Master's degree in Architecture

Job description

Position Overview

Senior Design Manager – AECOM Middle East – Abu Dhabi, UAE. AECOM Middle East is seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Design Manager to lead multidisciplinary design coordination and ensure the delivery of high-quality, functional, culturally aligned design solutions for institutional and defense‑sector projects.

Job Details

• Country: UAE
• City: Abu Dhabi
• Industry: Architecture / Engineering
• Function: Design Management / Project Leadership
• Salary: 40000-50000 monthly (Market estimated)
• Gender: Any
• Candidate Nationality: Any
• Job Type: Full‑time

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall design management and integration process from concept to delivery.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure that architectural, interior, and branding requirements align with the project's functional and operational goals.
• Oversee FF&E design, selection, and installation, ensuring adherence to project identity and institutional standards.
• Support the Design Director and Project Manager in developing strategies, reviewing consultant submissions, and managing workflows.
• Collaborate with clients and key stakeholders to translate vision into practical, compliant design outcomes.
• Manage design schedules, budgets, and quality assurance processes across multiple workstreams.
• Ensure all project documentation, reports, and design reviews meet regulatory and authority requirements.
• Promote design innovation and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide mentorship and leadership to design teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture (Master's preferred).
• Minimum 15 years of experience in design management or project leadership, preferably in large institutional or defense‑related developments.
• Proven expertise in FF&E coordination, technical integration, and stakeholder communication.
• Strong understanding of UAE building codes, local authority approval procedures, and defense sector standards.
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary design teams on complex projects.
• Excellent organizational, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Fluent in English; Arabic language skills are an advantage.

Skills Set

• Design leadership and coordination
• FF&E management and procurement
• Regulatory and authority liaison
• Project planning and risk management
• Stakeholder and client communication

Why Join Us

• Lead landmark projects that shape Abu Dhabi's built environment and national infrastructure.
• Collaborate with global experts in architecture, engineering, and project management.
• Access professional growth programs and leadership development opportunities.