Job Description

Senior Design Manager - AECOM Middle East - Abu Dhabi, UAE
Position Overview
AECOM Middle East is seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Design Manager to join its Architecture team in Abu Dhabi. The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary design coordination, ensuring seamless delivery of high-quality, functional, and culturally aligned design solutions for institutional and defense-sector projects. This role requires deep technical knowledge, strategic leadership, and strong stakeholder management skills.
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.

About the Company
AECOM Middle East is a trusted global engineering and architecture consultancy headquartered in Dubai, delivering innovative, sustainable solutions across transportation, buildings, water, energy, and environmental sectors. Combining global expertise with regional insight, AECOM's UAE operations play a pivotal role in shaping smart, resilient, and future-ready communities across the Middle East.
Job Title Senior Design Manager - AECOM Middle East - Abu Dhabi, UAE
Senior Design Manager - AECOM Middle East - Abu Dhabi, UAE
Position Overview
AECOM Middle East is seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Design Manager to join its Architecture team in Abu Dhabi. The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary design coordination, ensuring seamless delivery of high-quality, functional, and culturally aligned design solutions for institutional and defense-sector projects. This role requires deep technical knowledge, strategic leadership, and strong stakeholder management skills.
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.

About the Company
AECOM Middle East is a trusted global engineering and architecture consultancy headquartered in Dubai, delivering innovative, sustainable solutions across transportation, buildings, water, energy, and environmental sectors. Combining global expertise with regional insight, AECOM's UAE operations play a pivotal role in shaping smart, resilient, and future-ready communities across the Middle East.
Post Details
Job Start Date
Salary from 40000.00
Salary to 50000.00
Number of Vacancies 1
Location -
Location City Dubai
Desired Candidate's Profile
Gender No Preference
Nationality
Candidate Current Location

Skills Required