Senior Manager - Urban Design - Master Developer

Michael Page; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking an experienced Urban Design leader to drive master-planned developments, mixed-use districts and destination projects in the UAE. The role oversees urban design strategy from concept visioning through master planning, coordinating with architecture, landscape, infrastructure, transport and environmental disciplines to deliver memorable places.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Urban Design, Urban Planning or Architecture, with 12+ years of UAE

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture or related discipline with UAE experience.
• 12+ years of experience in urban design, master planning or city planning with leadership responsibility on complex development projects.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale master-planned communities, mixed-use districts or waterfront destinations.
• Strong understanding of urban structure, placemaking, public realm, mobility networks and density planning.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams and presenting to authorities and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of urban design concepts, spatial frameworks and place-making strategies across major master-planning projects.
• Translate vision into coherent urban design solutions and development frameworks.
• Shape land use plans, movement networks, public realm and density distribution.
• Drive workshops and design reviews with internal teams and external consultants.
• Review master plans and submissions to ensure quality and alignment with objectives.
• Coordinate with architecture, landscape, infrastructure, transport and environmental disciplines.
• Balance design excellence with commercial objectives and constraints.
• Present recommendations to senior leadership, authorities and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to design standards and processes.

Skills

Urban design

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture

Tools

Rhino

AutoCAD

SketchUp

ArcGIS

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Urban Design leader to drive the creation of innovative, people-centric master-planned developments, mixed-use districts and destination projects. This role will oversee urban design strategy from concept visioning through master planning, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver commercially successful and highly memorable places.

Client Details

Our client is a prominent development and destination organisation with an ambitious portfolio of large-scale mixed-use, residential, waterfront and leisure projects in UAE. With a strong focus on design excellence, innovation and placemaking, the organisation is committed to delivering world-class communities and destinations that enhance quality of life and contribute to long-term economic growth.

Description

• Lead the development of urban design concepts, spatial frameworks and place-making strategies across major master-planning projects.
• Translate vision and development objectives into coherent, implementable urban design solutions and development frameworks.
• Shape land use plans, movement networks, public realm strategies, density distribution and built-form arrangements.
• Drive collaborative workshops and design reviews with internal stakeholders and external consultants.
• Review master plans, urban design proposals and technical submissions to ensure alignment with project aspirations and design quality standards.
• Coordinate closely with architecture, landscape, infrastructure, transport and environmental disciplines to deliver integrated outcomes.
• Balance design excellence with commercial objectives, planning requirements, infrastructure constraints and project delivery considerations.
• Present urban design recommendations and project strategies to senior leadership, authorities and key stakeholders.
• Mentor junior designers while contributing to the enhancement of internal design standards, processes and best practices.

Profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture or a related discipline with prior UAE experienceApproximately 12+ years of experience in urban design, master planning or city planning, with leadership responsibility on complex development projects.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale master-planned communities, mixed-use districts, waterfront destinations or urban regeneration projects.
• Strong understanding of urban structure, placemaking, public realm, mobility networks, density planning and development frameworks.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary design environments integrating architecture, landscape, transport and infrastructure.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects from early visioning and concept development through master planning and approval stages.
• Strong portfolio showcasing innovative and high-quality urban design outcomes.
• Experience engaging with developers, government entities or major public-sector stakeholders within the GCC or comparable international markets.
• Proficiency in relevant urban design and planning software including Rhino, AutoCAD, SketchUp, ArcGIS and Adobe Creative Suite.

Job Offer

• Opportunity to influence some of the region's most high-profile and transformative development projects.
• Work within a collaborative and design-led environment committed to innovation and placemaking excellence.
• Exposure to large-scale destination, mixed-use and master-planning initiatives with significant long-term impact.

Skills

• urban design