Smart Cities - Digital Delivery Specialist

AESG; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

AESG in Dubai seeks a Senior Smart Buildings & Cities Advisor to drive business development and client delivery across masterplans, buildings and infrastructure. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, shape digital advisory strategies and ensure commercial and technical performance on complex projects.

The role requires a Master’s degree in a related field, broad experience across smart city domains, and strong skills in proposal writing, governance, data platforms, and AI applications for the

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering, architectural, urban planning or IT field.
• Proven track record delivering Smart City strategies and roadmaps.
• Experience with multiple Smart City domains (ICT, mobility, utilities).
• Strong governance, procurement and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of digital infrastructure, data platforms and AI in built environments.
• Familiarity with ISO standards and digital connectivity frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead Smart Buildings strategies and advisory commissions for new developments.
• Define requirements for digital connectivity, BMS, IoT and digital platforms.
• Translate strategies into design criteria and procurement scopes.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Maintain client relationships and ensure project delivery aligns with outcomes.
• Lead team mentoring and market positioning activities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Business development

Client engagement

Project management

Stakeholder management

Education

Master’s degree (engineering/architecture/urban planning/IT/sustainability)

Tools

BIM

Digital twins

Smart standards

Job description

Job Description:

Due to the continuing success and growth of our AESG team, a fantastic opportunity has opened up at our award‑winning Specialist Consultancy, Engineering and Advisory Firm.

We are headquartered in London, Riyadh, Singapore and Dubai, Cape Town, Cairo & Sydney working throughout the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Our areas of expertise are represented in four core verticals: Building Engineering, Planning and Infrastructure, Strategy and Advisory and Commissioning, Handover and Asset Management.

We pride ourselves in being leaders in the industry in each of the services that we offer. We have one of the largest dedicated team with decades of cumulative experience in sustainable design, fire and life safety, cost management, façade engineering, commissioning, building performance, waste management, environmental consultancy, carbon management and acoustics.

Job Purpose

• Assist in growing AESG's Smart Buildings and Smart Cities consultancy offering, with responsibility for business development, revenue generation, client relationships and the successful delivery of projects across buildings, masterplans, districts and infrastructure.
• The role will assist in developing strong pipelines of Smart Building, Cities and Digital Advisory opportunities, converting opportunities into appointments, expanding existing client accounts and ensuring the commercial and technical performance of our projects as well as the professional development and mentorship of the team.
• The role will lead multidisciplinary assignments supporting clients in defining Smart City visions, digital strategies, governance frameworks, use cases, implementation roadmaps and performance targets that respond to the needs of communities, operators and asset owners. This will include integrating smart mobility, sustainability, safety and security, digital infrastructure, utilities, public realm, community services and operational performance requirements into planning, design, construction and operation.
• Digital advisory, AI, data, IoT, digital twins and related technologies will be used both to enhance AESG's Smart Buildings and Smart Cities offering and to develop differentiated new services and propositions where there is a clear client need and commercial opportunity.

Qualification / Experience

• Master’s degree in engineering, architecture, urban planning, information technology, computer science, sustainability or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience developing Smart City strategies, maturity assessments, use‑case portfolios, design guidelines and implementation roadmaps.
• Experience working across multiple Smart City domains, such as ICT, mobility, sustainability, utilities, public safety, community services, digital infrastructure, governance and city operations.
• Strong understanding of how Smart City requirements are embedded within master planning, infrastructure, building design, procurement, construction and operational processes.
• Experience engaging government entities, developers, operators, technology providers, designers and other multidisciplinary stakeholders.
• Knowledge of digital infrastructure, data platforms, IoT systems, BIM, digital twins and systems integration.
• Familiarity with relevant Smart City standards and frameworks, including ISO 37120, ISO 37122, ISO 37123, ISO 37106 and other applicable international or local requirements.
• Experience with SmartScore, WiredScore or comparable digital connectivity and smart‑building frameworks would be advantageous.
• Strong commercial, proposal‑writing, project‑management and client‑engagement capabilities.
• Practical understanding of AI and its application to the built environment, including advisory, automation, analytics and technology‑enabled service delivery.

GENERAL EXPECTANCY

• Highly experienced in leadership and managing complex projects.
• Responsible for departmental performance.
• Maintain awareness of emerging urban challenges, technologies, regulatory requirements and market trends.
• Ensure Smart City recommendations remain user‑focused, outcome‑driven and implementable.

Responsibilities

Smart Buildings Advisory and Delivery

• Lead Smart Building strategies, briefs and advisory commissions for new developments and existing assets, focused on measurable user, operational and asset‑performance outcomes.
• Define practical requirements for digital connectivity, integrated building systems, BMS, IoT, data, analytics, controls, digital twins and smart‑building platforms.
• Translate Smart Building strategies into design criteria, employer’s requirements, specifications, procurement requirements and implementation roadmaps.
• Review designs and technology proposals, coordinating requirements through design, construction, commissioning, handover and operation.
• Coordinate with AESG’s MEP, Sustainability, Security, Commissioning, Digital O&M and other specialists to deliver integrated Smart Building solutions, including SmartScore, WiredScore and related frameworks where relevant.
• Take ownership of the successful delivery and development of existing Smart Building projects and client relationships.

Smart Cities Advisory and Delivery

• Lead Smart City strategies and frameworks for masterplans, districts, communities and infrastructure projects.
• Undertake baseline and maturity assessments and define measurable outcomes, governance requirements, performance indicators and implementation priorities.
• Develop and prioritise Smart City use cases across relevant domains, drawing on AESG specialists rather than duplicating discipline‑specific expertise.
• Translate strategies and use cases into practical design requirements, guidelines, implementation roadmaps and procurement scopes.
• Advise on operating models, data and technology requirements, city platforms and integration between physical infrastructure, operational processes and digital systems.
• Track Smart City requirements through design and delivery to ensure recommendations remain practical, coordinated and implementable.
• Maintain a Smart City requirements register, design review tracker and implementation risk register throughout project development.

Digital Advisory, AI and Data

• Lead client‑facing digital advisory services that support and extend AESG’s Smart Buildings and Smart Cities offering, and pursue adjacent opportunities where there is a clear commercial case.
• Advise clients on digital strategy, technology roadmaps, data governance, interoperability, systems integration, digital twins, IoT, analytics and operational platforms.
• Identify and develop practical AI use cases for the built environment, including generative AI, automation, analytics and decision support, with appropriate consideration of governance, privacy, cybersecurity and risk.
• Prioritise AI and digital initiatives based on client value, feasibility, cost, readiness and measurable business outcomes rather than technology adoption for its own sake.
• Develop repeatable, marketable digital and AI‑enabled propositions, tools and methodologies, including the application of AESG’s Data+® platform where relevant.
• Evaluate technology partners and vendors where specialist platforms or implementation capability are required, maintaining a vendor‑neutral advisory position.

Client, Project and Commercial Delivery

• Act as the primary client interface and project lead for key Smart Buildings, Smart Cities and Digital Advisory commissions.
• Manage project scope, programme, resources, budget, margin, quality and risk, escalating issues early and taking corrective action where required.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and workshops, converting diverse stakeholder requirements into clear, prioritised and deliverable outcomes.
• Identify and secure variations, extensions and follow‑on services arising from project delivery and evolving client needs.
• Support procurement, tender evaluation, implementation and performance validation where these form part of the agreed commission.
• Ensure deliverables are technically robust, commercially viable, concise and appropriate for executive, technical and operational audiences.

Team Leadership and Market Positioning

• Provide day‑to‑day leadership and mentoring to the Smart Buildings, Smart Cities and Digital Advisory team and support resource planning and recruitment with the Director.
• Develop consistent methodologies, templates, case studies and quality‑control processes that improve delivery efficiency and support work winning.
• Promote effective collaboration across AESG offices and service lines, assembling multidisciplinary teams around client needs and opportunities.
• Represent AESG at relevant client events, conferences and industry forums and contribute targeted thought leadership that strengthens market positioning and supports pipeline generation.
• Build external relationships with developers, government entities, asset owners, operators, designers, technology partners and other stakeholders relevant to the growth of the portfolio.

Commercial Growth and Revenue

• Qualify and convert opportunities through existing AESG relationships, targeted business development, market engagement and personal networks.
• Lead proposals, scopes, methodologies, fee development, presentations and commercial negotiations for relevant opportunities.
• Grow key client accounts by identifying repeat work, follow‑on commissions and opportunities to cross‑sell wider AESG services.
• Maintain an accurate opportunity pipeline and revenue forecast, with clear actions, ownership and conversion strategies.
• Develop new propositions only where there is a defined client need, credible route to market and potential to generate profitable revenue.

COMPETENCIES

• Leadership / Management skills - Line management of divisional staff and able to convey the strategic vision and direction effectively to team members.
• Communication / Collaboration - Communicate the organisation’s vision, goals, and strategies to a wider audience. Adept at articulating complex ideas to various stakeholders, including the c-suite and clients.
• Technical Knowledge / Expertise - Balance technical expertise with people management skills, including coaching, performance management, and resource allocation. High level of technical expertise with experience in numerous complex and prestigious projects. Oversee technical functions in the division.
• Creativity / Innovation - Leading creation / implementation of technical innovation to drive efficiencies across the business. Identify market trends, assess potential disruptions, and lead the development of long‑time innovation plans.
• Client Focus / Relationship Building - Manage multiple Client relationships as key Client Account Manager. Generating multiple new work opportunities contributing sustained financial growth.
• Strategic Vision / Planning - Synthesize information from different sources, support development of strategies and creation of Detailed plans. Manage resources, budgets, and timelines.

Demonstrated Knowledge Base And Professional Skillset

• Time Management / Planning - Manages priorities to meet the strategic requirements of the organisation. Identifies future needs to be incorporated into long term plans. Choose appropriate strategies and create plans for the achievement of strategic goals. Implements time loss efficiency techniques.
• Industry Experience / Thought Leadership - Industry leader in chosen discipline. Active leadership in industry professional groups and conferences. They consistently produce high-quality content, that shape industry conversations.
• Project Management / Operational Delivery - Have managed a multi‑faced projects value exceeding ($1m) from inception to completion with high level of Client feedback. Independently manage high level, complex projects.
• Leadership / Team Management Experience - Proven ability to lead a diverse team, potentially across a variety of locations. Technical leadership in the division. Uphold AESG Core Values.
• Commercial Acumen / Business Development - Independent commercial management of projects. Identifying and evaluating financial risks associated with projects, including cost overruns and revenue shortfalls. Generating new work opportunities. Key contributor to work winning in the division. Support consultants in the commercial management of their projects.
• Problem Solving / Decision Making - Individuals focus on making strategic decisions that impact the entire department or organisation. They are skilled in aligning decisions with the AESG’s goals and values, as well as assessing the long‑term implications of their choices.
• Employee Focus / Process Compliance - They collaborate with senior leadership to align HR policies with the AESG’s values and goals. Handle non‑compliance issues and take remedial action.

Requirements: