Technical Director – Urban Development

Meinhardt SUIT; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading urban planning and design firm in Dubai seeks a Design Director to oversee project planning and execution. The ideal candidate will have 15–17 years of experience, a deep understanding of urban development in the Middle East, and strong leadership skills. You'll lead multidisciplinary teams, engage with clients, and contribute to innovative urban solutions. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape impactful urban environments.

Qualifications

• 15–17 years of professional experience in master planning and urban development.
• Proven track record in significant masterplanning projects in the Middle East.
• Registered with a recognized urban planning body.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams throughout project stages.
• Ensure compliance with local and international regulations.
• Engage with clients and represent M-SUIT at industry events.

Skills

Leadership

Urban Planning

Project Management

Team Mentorship

Client Engagement

Education

Bachelor’s and/or Master’s in urban planning, architecture, engineering

Tools

CAD software

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

MS Office

Job description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic & Technical Leadership

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams across all design stages—from strategy and concept to technical delivery and implementation.
• Provide vision and direction for the integration of urban planning, landscape architecture, transport, sustainability, and nature-based solutions within projects.
• Develop and enforce M-SUIT’s technical standards, design methodologies, and quality assurance protocols.
• Guide strategic design reviews and integrated design frameworks on large-scale, complex projects in urban regeneration, public realm, nature services, and masterplanning.

Project Oversight & Delivery

• Direct project planning, design, and execution across varied geographies and contexts.
• Oversee the translation of concept into deliverables, ensuring that environmental systems, public realm frameworks, cultural contexts, and urban design principles are embedded from inception to handover.
• Ensure all work complies with relevant regulations, codes, and best practices locally and internationally.
• Coordinate seamlessly with infrastructure, architecture, and engineering teams to ensure holistic delivery of integrated design solutions.

Studio Culture & Mentorship

• Champion a creative, supportive and multidisciplinary studio culture that fosters growth, design excellence, and cross-discipline collaboration.
• Actively mentor junior and mid-level team members internally.
• Embed a culture of environmental awareness, design innovation, and continuous learning.

Client Engagement & Business Development

• Lead high-level client engagements, managing relationships and ensuring strategic alignment and satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
• Hands on work on high-quality presentations and reports to present design concepts, progress, and final master plans to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Support the Business Development team by identifying opportunities, participating in proposal development, and presenting at client pitches.
• Represent M-SUIT in key industry events, conferences, and public forums to position the studio as a leader in integrated landscape and urbanism.
• Support strategic growth by developing service offerings around Nature Services, Smart City strategies, Cultural Landscapes, Public Realm Guidelines, and Regeneration Frameworks.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

• Bachelor’s and / or Master’s in urban planning, architecture, engineering, or a related field.
• 15–17 years of professional experience in master planning, urban development, and integrated urbanism.
• Proven track record as Design Director / Project Director / Project Manager for regionally significant and globally recognized masterplanning projects—particularly in the Middle East (e.g., NEOM, The Line, Expo 2020, King Salman Park, SDC Downtowns).
• Professional experience across diverse geographies, with emphasis on Gulf and MENA regions.
• Proficiency in CAD software, geographic information systems (GIS), MS Office, and other technical tools relevant to urban development.
• Registered with or certified by a recognized urban planning or urban design body (e.g. RTPI, AICP, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate large multidisciplinary teams across complex project lifecycles, from strategy to implementation.
• Familiarity with regulatory codes, international best practices, and international guidelines.
• Committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and environmentally responsible studio culture.