Head of Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design

Company: Turner & Townsend

Location: North Coast, Egypt

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Leadership / Creative Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

Experience Level: 20+ years of experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and define the overarching design strategy and creative vision for the organization, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market positioning.

• Manage and mentor a high-performing design team, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and continuous professional development.

• Oversee all design operations, from conceptualization to final delivery, ensuring the highest standards of quality and timely project completion.

• Establish and maintain robust design systems, standards, and best practices that ensure brand consistency and operational efficiency across all visual outputs.

• Act as a key collaborator with cross-functional departments, including product, marketing, and executive leadership, translating complex business needs into compelling visual and user-centric solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Head of Design at Turner & Townsend, a global professional services company specializing in program, project, and cost management, implies a significant focus on design within the built environment, real estate development, and potentially corporate branding for large-scale projects. This role requires a strategic leader capable of influencing high-stakes projects and managing complex stakeholder relationships, extending beyond typical consumer-facing product design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive design strategy that supports Turner & Townsend's organizational goals and enhances its market presence within the real estate and construction sectors.

• Lead, mentor, and manage a talented team of designers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring the delivery of exceptional creative output.

• Oversee the end-to-end design process for all projects, ensuring adherence to quality standards, brand guidelines, and project timelines.

• Establish and maintain comprehensive design systems, style guides, and best practices to ensure consistency and efficiency across all design initiatives.

• Collaborate closely with product development, marketing, executive leadership, and potentially client-facing teams to translate business requirements into impactful visual designs and user experiences.

• Conduct in-depth design research and competitive analysis to inform strategic decision-making and identify opportunities for innovation.

• Present design concepts, strategies, and recommendations effectively to senior leadership and external clients, articulating the value and impact of design initiatives.

• Champion design innovation, staying abreast of emerging trends, tools, and methodologies, and integrating them where appropriate to maintain a competitive edge.

• Manage design budgets, allocate resources efficiently, and oversee project timelines to ensure successful project delivery within scope and financial parameters.

• Cultivate and manage relationships with external design partners, agencies, and vendors to supplement internal capabilities when necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given Turner & Townsend's industry (construction, real estate, infrastructure), the "design" scope likely encompasses architectural visualization, branding for large-scale projects, user experience for client portals or internal tools, and potentially graphic design for reports and presentations. The responsibilities highlight a need for strategic leadership in applying design principles to a complex, business-to-business environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Architecture, or a related field. Experience:

• A minimum of 20 years of progressive professional experience in design, with a substantial portion in leadership and creative direction roles.

• Proven experience in successfully leading, managing, and scaling design teams within a corporate or agency environment.

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic design initiatives that have driven business outcomes.

• Extensive experience in managing complex projects from conception through to completion, with a focus on delivering high-quality results. Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in industry-standard design tools and software, including but not limited to Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects) and advanced prototyping/design tools like Figma.

• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, develop, and implement comprehensive design strategies and robust design systems.

• Exceptional project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively.

• Advanced stakeholder management and communication abilities, capable of influencing and collaborating with individuals at all levels of an organization, including executive leadership.

• Proven experience in cross-functional collaboration, working effectively with product management, marketing, engineering, and other departments.

• A strong strategic mindset with the ability to balance creative vision with pragmatic business objectives and deliver measurable results.

• A compelling portfolio showcasing significant design leadership, strategic impact, and a diverse range of successful design projects.

• Exceptional mentoring, people development, and team-building capabilities.

• In-depth knowledge of current design trends, emerging tools, and modern design methodologies.

• Ability to thrive and lead effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and often ambiguous work environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the real estate, construction, or infrastructure industries.

• Familiarity with user experience (UX) research methodologies and user-centered design principles.

• Knowledge of brand strategy development and brand management.

• Experience managing design budgets and resource allocation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "20+ years" requirement for this Head of Design role suggests an expectation of extensive strategic experience, not just senior-level execution. The emphasis on "design strategy," "design systems," and "stakeholder management" points towards a need for someone who can shape the design function and its impact on the broader business, particularly within the context of a global professional services firm.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates a minimum of 20 years of design leadership experience, showcasing strategic thinking and creative direction.

• Case studies detailing the development and implementation of design strategies, highlighting the impact on business objectives, brand perception, or operational efficiency.

• Examples of established and maintained design systems, illustrating their structure, scalability, and application across various projects.

• Evidence of leading and mentoring design teams, with examples of how you fostered talent and improved team performance.

• Demonstrations of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders, including how design challenges were overcome.

• Documentation of projects where you managed design budgets and resources effectively, ensuring successful project delivery.

• Visual examples of work that reflect an understanding of the real estate, construction, or infrastructure industries, if applicable. Process Documentation:

• Examples of your approach to developing and documenting design processes, from initial concept to final execution and iteration.

• Demonstration of how you implement and manage design systems to ensure consistency and scalability across an organization.

• Evidence of your methodology for conducting design research, competitive analysis, and translating insights into actionable design strategies.

• Documentation of your process for presenting design concepts and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and clients, including how you measure and communicate design impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior leadership role like Head of Design, the portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond simply showcasing visual output and must articulate strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and the tangible business impact of design initiatives. The emphasis on "design systems" and "process documentation" indicates a need for someone who can build and scale design operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the "Head of Design" title, 20+ years of experience, and the location in North Coast, Egypt, with a global firm like Turner & Townsend, the estimated salary range would be between EGP 1,500,000 to EGP 3,000,000 per annum. This is an estimate based on senior leadership roles in professional services firms in Egypt, factoring in significant experience and specialized skills. The exact compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the company's internal compensation structure. Benefits:

• Flexible working environment, promoting adaptability and personal well-being.

• Support for work-life balance, recognizing the importance of personal time alongside professional commitments.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions.

• Performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates moving to the North Coast, Egypt. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically around 40 hours per week, but the role emphasizes flexibility to accommodate project needs and work-life balance. This may involve occasional work outside of standard hours to meet deadlines or attend international calls, balanced by the flexibility offered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market research for senior leadership positions in Egypt and international professional services firms. The specific benefits are inferred from the "Additional Information" section of the job description, which mentions a "healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance."

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Turner & Townsend operates within the global professional services sector, specializing in program, project, and cost management for the built environment. This includes real estate, infrastructure, and natural resources sectors. The company's culture is built around making a difference by delivering better outcomes for clients, enabling people to realize their potential, and contributing to a prosperous society. Company Size:

• Turner & Townsend is a large, global organization with over 112 offices worldwide and a significant number of employees (estimated to be in the thousands). This scale provides opportunities for diverse project involvement and career progression but also requires individuals to navigate a structured corporate environment. Founded:

• Founded in 1946, Turner & Townsend has a long-standing history and reputation in its industry, suggesting a stable and established corporate environment with deep industry knowledge and established processes. Team Structure:

• The Head of Design will likely lead a dedicated design team, potentially within a broader marketing, communications, or project delivery department.

• The reporting structure will place this role at a senior level, reporting to a Director or Vice President overseeing relevant functions.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of Turner & Townsend's approach, meaning the design team will frequently interact with project managers, engineers, client relationship managers, and marketing professionals. Methodology:

• Turner & Townsend emphasizes data-driven decision-making and a commitment to delivering measurable outcomes for clients.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, especially in project and cost management, suggesting a need for efficient and well-documented processes.

• The company likely embraces innovation and technology to enhance service delivery and client value. Company Website:

• https://www.turnerandtownsend.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights a global reach and a commitment to making a difference, suggesting a culture that values impact and professional growth. The "Real estate" department mentioned in the raw data further solidifies the context for the Head of Design role, indicating a focus on design within property development and management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role represents a senior leadership position, often referred to as an "Executive" or "Director" level within design functions. It demands strategic oversight, team management, and significant influence over the company's visual identity and brand expression, particularly within the context of large-scale projects. Reporting Structure:

• The Head of Design will report to a senior executive, likely a Vice President or Director responsible for a broader functional area such as Marketing, Strategy, or Project Delivery, depending on the organizational structure. They will, in turn, manage a team of designers, potentially including design leads or managers. Operations Impact:

• The Head of Design's impact is critical in shaping the perception of Turner & Townsend's capabilities and brand, especially in client-facing materials, project proposals, and internal communications. Effective design leadership can enhance client engagement, differentiate the company in a competitive market, and contribute to the successful realization of complex projects by providing clear and compelling visual representations. Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership Expansion: Potential to expand the scope of design influence across new sectors or service offerings within Turner & Townsend globally.

• Strategic Business Involvement: Opportunity to contribute more broadly to business strategy, leveraging design thinking to solve complex business challenges beyond traditional design outputs.

• Mentorship and Executive Development: A platform to mentor future design leaders and contribute to the executive leadership team's strategic vision.

• Industry Influence: Opportunity to represent Turner & Townsend at industry events, contributing to thought leadership in design for the built environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "20+ years" experience level and "Head of Design" title clearly position this as a top-tier leadership role. The growth opportunities focus on expanding influence and strategic contribution, reflecting the seniority and potential impact of this position within a global firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is based in the North Coast, Egypt, likely within a professional office environment that supports Turner & Townsend's operations in the region. This environment would typically be designed for collaboration, client meetings, and focused work. Office Location(s):

• The primary location is North Coast, Egypt. Given Turner & Townsend's global presence, there may be opportunities for occasional travel to other offices or project sites. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with modern technology and tools necessary for design work, including high-performance workstations and relevant software.

• It will foster a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging interaction with design team members and cross-functional colleagues.

• Opportunities for informal and formal brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and strategic planning meetings will be integral to the workspace. Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule will be full-time, likely around 40 hours per week. However, the role emphasizes flexibility and work-life balance, suggesting that occasional adjustments to working hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines or client needs, balanced by the flexibility offered by the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of a "healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance" from the "Additional Information" section directly informs the work environment context. The North Coast location suggests a potentially dynamic and growing regional hub for Turner & Townsend.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio by a recruitment specialist to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly the 20+ years of experience and leadership track record.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deep dive into your design leadership philosophy, strategic approach, team management style, and experience relevant to Turner & Townsend's industry. Expect questions about how you've driven design strategy and managed complex projects.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your strategic impact, leadership, and ability to deliver results. Be prepared to discuss your process, challenges, and the measurable outcomes achieved.

• Cross-functional Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from other departments (e.g., project management, marketing, business development) to assess your collaboration skills, communication style, and understanding of their needs.

• Executive Interview: A final conversation with a senior executive (e.g., Country Manager, Regional Director) to evaluate your strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term vision for the design function within Turner & Townsend.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that most clearly demonstrate your leadership in design strategy, team management, and impact on business objectives, especially those relevant to the real estate or construction sectors.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your strategic approach, the design solutions implemented, your role in leading the team, and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Showcase Systems Thinking: Include examples of design systems you've developed or significantly contributed to, explaining their purpose, structure, and benefits.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in mentoring, team development, and fostering a high-performance design culture.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your design initiatives (e.g., increased client engagement, improved brand perception, cost savings through efficiency).

• Tailor to Turner & Townsend: Research Turner & Townsend's projects and values. If possible, subtly tailor your presentation to resonate with their industry and mission.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential case study or design challenge that may require you to outline a strategic approach to a hypothetical design problem relevant to Turner & Townsend's business. This could involve developing a new brand identity for a project, proposing a design system for client reporting, or outlining a strategy to enhance user experience for a digital platform.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, focusing on strategy, collaboration, and measurable outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process described is typical for senior leadership roles, involving multiple stages and stakeholder groups. The emphasis on portfolio presentation and case studies is crucial for design leadership positions, requiring candidates to not only showcase their work but also articulate the strategic thinking and business impact behind it.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, illustration, photo editing, and video production (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro).

• Figma: A leading collaborative interface design tool for UI/UX design, prototyping, and design system management.

• Prototyping Tools: Potentially InVision, Axure, or similar for creating interactive prototypes.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Microsoft Project for managing design workflows, tasks, and timelines.

• Presentation Software: Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides for creating compelling client and executive presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (if user experience for digital platforms is in scope) to understand user behavior.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards and reporting on design project metrics and ROI.

• Survey Tools: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, or similar for gathering user feedback.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics (understanding how design outputs integrate with CRM for client engagement).

• Marketing Automation Platforms: HubSpot, Marketo (understanding how design supports marketing campaigns).

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack for team communication and file sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is explicitly mentioned in the requirements. The inclusion of project management and presentation software is standard for leadership roles. An understanding of how design integrates with broader business systems like CRM and marketing automation is also beneficial for a strategic role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Making a Difference: A core value at Turner & Townsend, emphasizing the impact of their work on clients, people, and society. Design leaders should demonstrate how their work contributes to positive outcomes.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards and delivering services with expertise and reliability.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively across diverse teams and disciplines to achieve shared goals. Design leaders should foster an inclusive and supportive team environment.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Embracing new ideas, technologies, and methodologies to enhance service delivery and client value.

• Client Focus: Deeply understanding client needs and delivering solutions that exceed expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Design is expected to work seamlessly with project management, marketing, business development, and technical teams. The Head of Design should champion this collaborative approach.

• Feedback-Driven Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in design quality and process.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in sharing best practices, insights, and learnings within the design team and across the wider organization.

• Agile Methodologies: Potentially adopting agile principles for design processes to ensure flexibility and responsiveness to changing project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values ("making the difference," "realizing potential," "prosperous society") should be reflected in how the Head of Design approaches their role and leads their team. The emphasis on collaboration is key for a senior role in a large, multi-disciplinary firm.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Standards with Local Needs: Ensuring design consistency across Turner & Townsend's global operations while adapting to specific regional market requirements and cultural nuances in Egypt.

• Driving Design Adoption in a Traditional Industry: Influencing stakeholders in the typically conservative real estate and construction sectors to embrace innovative design thinking and user-centric approaches.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating the varied needs and priorities of different departments, clients, and leadership levels to deliver cohesive design solutions.

• Resource Allocation and Prioritization: Effectively managing a design team's workload and resources across numerous high-profile projects with competing demands.

• Measuring Design ROI: Demonstrating the tangible business value and return on investment of design initiatives in a quantifiable manner.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Training: Access to executive leadership development programs and workshops to enhance strategic planning and business acumen.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Opportunities to attend leading design, real estate, or construction industry events for networking and staying current with trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in or provision of mentorship for emerging design talent within the organization.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into project management, cost management, and business development through close collaboration.

• Specialization in Built Environment Design: Deepening expertise in design principles and applications specific to architecture, urban planning, and infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexities of a senior design role within a global professional services firm operating in specific industries. The growth opportunities are tailored to developing leadership skills and expanding expertise within the company's domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your philosophy on design leadership and how you foster innovation within a team." (Prepare by outlining your leadership style, methods for encouraging creativity, and how you align design with business goals.)

• "How would you approach developing and implementing a design system for a global organization like Turner & Townsend, considering diverse project types and regional variations?" (Prepare by detailing your process for design system creation, governance, and adoption.)

• "Walk us through a time you had to influence senior stakeholders or clients who were resistant to a design recommendation. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a specific STAR method example focusing on stakeholder management and persuasive communication.)

• "How do you measure the success and business impact of design initiatives, particularly in an industry like real estate or construction?" (Prepare by discussing key metrics, ROI calculation methods, and how you communicate design value.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Turner & Townsend, and why are you interested in leading design for our company, specifically in the North Coast region?" (Research the company's recent projects, values, and market position in Egypt.)

• "How do you ensure your design team embodies the company's core values, such as 'making a difference'?" (Connect your leadership approach to Turner & Townsend's mission and values.)

• "Describe your experience working in a global, matrixed organization. How do you navigate different corporate cultures and reporting structures?" (Share examples of successful collaboration and adaptation in complex environments.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame your portfolio presentation as a narrative journey, showcasing your evolution as a leader and the impact of your strategic decisions.

• Focus on Strategy and Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the strategic problem, your approach to solving it through design, and the tangible business outcomes achieved. Quantify results wherever possible.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight your role in team management, mentoring, and driving consensus among stakeholders.

• Showcase Process: Briefly explain your design process, including research, ideation, iteration, and implementation, emphasizing efficiency and collaboration.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions and facilitate a discussion, making the presentation interactive rather than a monologue.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strategy questions are designed to assess a candidate's leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and understanding of design's role in business. The portfolio presentation advice emphasizes translating visual work into strategic business impact, which is crucial for a senior leadership role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful design leadership projects. Focus on those that demonstrate strategic thinking, team management, and quantifiable business results, ideally with relevance to real estate, infrastructure, or professional services. Ensure your portfolio clearly outlines your role and the outcomes achieved.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 20+ years of experience, specifically focusing on design leadership, strategy development, team management, and stakeholder engagement. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation Narrative: Rehearse your portfolio presentation. Practice articulating the strategic challenges, your design solutions, the impact of your leadership, and the measurable results for each selected project. Be ready to discuss your design philosophy and approach to team leadership.

• Research Turner & Townsend: Thoroughly investigate Turner & Townsend's services, global presence, recent projects (especially in the Middle East/Egypt region if possible), and company values. Understand their market position and how design contributes to their success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.