Design Manager

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

AECOM is seeking a visionary Design Manager in Dubai to lead a creative team, shaping strategy, standards, and pitches for infrastructure and branding projects in a fast paced market. You will mentor designers, ensure on time and on budget delivery, and collaborate with cross functional teams to integrate design across disciplines while upholding accessibility and brand guidelines. The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in design, a master’s preferred, 10+ years in design with at least 3 in leadership, a portfolio, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, and Figma, plus strong UX UI and design thinking. To apply, tailor your portfolio to complex projects, quantify leadership outcomes, and show UAE market awareness and client collaboration.

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We are seeking a visionary and innovative Design Manager to join our dynamic team in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As a Design Manager, you will lead and inspire our creative department, overseeing the development of cutting-edge design solutions that meet and exceed our clients' expectations in this vibrant, multicultural market.

• Provide strategic direction and creative leadership for multiple design projects across various mediums and platforms
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of design elements into overall project goals
• Manage and mentor a team of talented designers, fostering their professional growth and enhancing their skills
• Develop and maintain design standards, guidelines, and best practices to ensure consistency and quality across all projects
• Present design concepts and solutions to clients, stakeholders, and senior management
• Stay current with design trends, technologies, and methodologies, particularly those relevant to the UAE and Middle Eastern markets
• Oversee the entire design process from concept to completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget
• Contribute to business development efforts by participating in client pitches and proposal preparations
• Implement design thinking methodologies to solve complex problems and drive innovation
• Ensure all designs align with brand guidelines and meet accessibility standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a design-related field (e.g., graphic design, industrial design, or similar); Master's degree preferred
• 10+ years of relevant professional design experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Proven track record of managing and delivering successful design projects in a fast-paced, multicultural environment
• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in various design disciplines and ability to create innovative solutions
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly
• Proficiency in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma)
• In-depth knowledge of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles
• Experience with design thinking methodologies and ability to apply them to solve complex problems
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with a track record of developing high-performing design teams
• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Adaptability and cultural sensitivity, with an understanding of design preferences in the UAE and Middle Eastern markets
• Familiarity with current design trends and industry best practices
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Willingness to stay updated on emerging technologies and design tools

Additional Information

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.