Assistant Design Manager - Civil Infrastructure

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Design Manager - Civil Infrastructure Company: AECOM Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Job Type: Contract Category: Engineering & Design Operations Date Posted: October 20, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Mid-Senior Level) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in ensuring the seamless integration of multi-disciplinary design inputs for complex civil infrastructure projects, directly impacting project delivery timelines and client satisfaction.
• The Assistant Design Manager will act as a key liaison, facilitating clear communication and collaboration between various engineering disciplines and stakeholders to achieve unified design outcomes.
• A strong focus will be placed on managing the design lifecycle, from initial concept through to Issued for Construction (IFC) stages, ensuring adherence to stringent design standards and regulatory requirements.
• The position requires meticulous tracking of design submissions, comments, and RFIs, utilizing information management platforms to maintain comprehensive documentation and drive timely resolutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Assistant Design Manager," the responsibilities described, particularly around managing design processes, coordinating multiple disciplines, and ensuring compliance with client requirements and timelines, suggest a role with significant autonomy and impact, aligning with a mid-to-senior level individual contributor or a lead within a specific project segment. The emphasis on the Middle East market and authority requirements indicates a need for localized expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Multi-Disciplinary Design Coordination: Facilitate and manage the coordination between diverse design disciplines, including Civil, Structural, MEP, Landscape, and others, to ensure holistic and integrated design delivery.
• Design Process Management: Support the Design Manager in overseeing the entire design process, from conceptualization and schematic design through to detailed design and the issuance of drawings for construction (IFC).
• Submission and Review Tracking: Diligently track all design submissions from consultants and contractors, manage the review processes, and ensure timely delivery against program timelines and specific deliverable requirements.
• Stakeholder Comment Resolution: Assist in managing, logging, and addressing comments and feedback received from clients, relevant government authorities (e.g., municipalities, environmental agencies), and other project stakeholders, ensuring all issues are resolved promptly and effectively.
• Meeting Facilitation & Documentation: Organize, schedule, and lead design coordination meetings, technical workshops, and design review sessions, ensuring clear agendas, accurate minutes, and actionable follow-ups.
• RFI and Clarification Management: Support the issuance and management of Requests for Information (RFIs) and design clarifications, ensuring prompt responses from design teams and clear communication to relevant parties.
• BIM Collaboration Oversight: Work closely with Building Information Modeling (BIM) teams to ensure cross-disciplinary coordination, assist in clash detection and resolution, and maintain model integrity throughout the design phases.
• Regulatory Compliance Assurance: Verify that all design outputs adhere to applicable local and international regulatory requirements, codes, standards, and client-specific mandates.
• Documentation and Information Management: Maintain and organize all critical design documentation, including drawings, specifications, design registers, correspondence, and reports, utilizing designated information management platforms for version control and accessibility.
• Technical Input: Provide essential input and understanding of engineering principles across various disciplines involved in civil infrastructure design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a role focused on the operational execution of the design phase within a project management framework. This goes beyond simple coordination and involves proactive management of design deliverables, adherence to standards, and stakeholder communication, which are core to effective GTM and project operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in a relevant Engineering discipline (e.g., Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering).

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience specifically in infrastructure design, with a significant portion of that experience gained within the Middle East region.
• Demonstrated experience in managing or coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams on significant civil infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record of working with and understanding local authority requirements and approval processes in the UAE.

Required Skills:

• Design Coordination: Proven ability to coordinate complex, multi-disciplinary design efforts across various engineering specializations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for liaising with internal teams, external consultants, contractors, and clients.
• Infrastructure Design Knowledge: Solid understanding of civil infrastructure design principles, standards, and best practices relevant to sectors like transportation, utilities, and land development.
• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with and ability to navigate regulatory frameworks and authority requirements specific to the UAE and the broader Middle East.
• BIM Collaboration: Experience working with BIM environments and understanding its role in design coordination and clash detection.
• Technical Document Management: Proficiency in managing and organizing technical drawings, specifications, and project documentation.
• Meeting Organization & Facilitation: Ability to plan, conduct, and document technical meetings effectively.
• RFI & Variation Management: Experience in managing the RFI process and design clarification requests.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address design challenges and conflicts efficiently.

Preferred Skills:

• Project Management Fundamentals: Basic understanding of project management principles, including scheduling, budgeting, and risk management as they pertain to the design phase.
• Contract Administration: Familiarity with different types of design contracts and their implications.
• Digital Tools Proficiency: Experience with project management software and digital collaboration platforms beyond standard BIM tools.
• Client Relationship Management: Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with clients and key stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5 years experience in infrastructure design in Middle East" and "Familiar with authority requirements" are critical differentiators. The role requires not just technical engineering acumen but also a deep understanding of the regional operating environment, which is a key factor in successful GTM and project execution in international markets. The "BIM Collaboration" and "Regulatory Compliance" points are highly relevant for modern operations roles in engineering and construction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant civil infrastructure projects managed or coordinated, detailing your specific role, the project's scope, and key design challenges overcome.
• Coordination Process Examples: Provide examples of how you have effectively managed multi-disciplinary design coordination, perhaps through process diagrams or descriptions of implemented workflows.
• Authority Requirement Navigation: Illustrate instances where you successfully navigated complex authority requirements or secured necessary approvals, highlighting your understanding of the process.
• Documentation Management Demonstration: Be prepared to discuss your approach to maintaining organized and accessible design documentation, potentially showing examples of registers or filing systems.

Process Documentation:

• Design Integration Workflows: Be ready to explain your methodology for integrating diverse design inputs into a cohesive project design, emphasizing efficiency and compliance.
• RFI & Comment Resolution Protocols: Detail your systematic approach to managing RFIs, design clarifications, and stakeholder comments to ensure timely and thorough resolution.
• Coordination Meeting Structure: Outline your preferred structure and agenda for design coordination meetings, including how you ensure effective communication and action item tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Assistant Design Manager role, a portfolio should demonstrate practical application of coordination, documentation, and stakeholder management skills within the context of complex infrastructure projects. The focus should be on process efficiency and problem-solving within the design lifecycle, aligning with operational excellence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the contract nature, the location (Abu Dhabi, UAE), the experience level (5-10 years), and the specialized regional expertise required, a competitive salary range for an Assistant Design Manager in Abu Dhabi would typically fall between AED 18,000 to AED 28,000 per month, depending on the specific contract duration, scope of work, and candidate's proven experience. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for engineering and project management roles in the UAE's infrastructure sector.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Life and Accident Coverage: Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefits.
• Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO) and various Leaves of Absences.
• Retirement & Savings: Retirement Savings Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Additional Perks: Voluntary Benefits, general Perks, Well-being Resources, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Work-Related Support: Business Travel Insurance and Service Recognition Awards.
• Flexibility: Flexible Work Options may be available depending on project needs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, often structured as 5 days a week, Monday to Friday. However, project demands may occasionally require flexibility, including extended hours or weekend work, which is common in the construction and infrastructure sector, particularly in the Middle East.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for Abu Dhabi, UAE, for a contract role with the specified experience. This estimation considers the cost of living, typical compensation for specialized engineering roles in the region, and the contract employment type. The listed benefits are directly drawn from the provided "Additional Information" section, interpreted as standard offerings for AECOM employees, including contract staff where applicable.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Consulting Services, with a strong focus on Infrastructure development (Water, Environment, Energy, Transportation, Buildings). AECOM operates globally, serving both public and private sector clients. Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 50,000 employees globally). This scale offers diverse opportunities and a structured corporate environment. Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910 (as Leigh & Cunningham) and has grown through numerous mergers and acquisitions into the global entity it is today. This long history signifies stability and extensive industry experience.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role is embedded within the project delivery or design management arm of AECOM, likely reporting into a Project Director or Senior Design Manager.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with various engineering disciplines (Civil, Structural, MEP, Geotechnical, Environmental, etc.), BIM specialists, project managers, procurement teams, and potentially client representatives and regulatory bodies.
• Matrixed Organization: As a large global firm, AECOM likely operates with a matrixed structure where individuals report both functionally and to project teams, fostering diverse working relationships.

Methodology:

• Integrated Project Delivery: AECOM emphasizes collaborative approaches to solve complex infrastructure challenges, often utilizing digital tools and data analytics to inform decision-making.
• Sustainability & Resilience: A core part of AECOM's mission is to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions, influencing design and construction methodologies.
• Client-Centric Approach: The firm focuses on understanding and meeting client requirements, delivering tangible impacts through their projects.

Company Website: https://www.aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's description highlights a "better world" mission and a global team. For an operations role like this, it means working within a structured, process-driven environment that values technical expertise, collaboration, and delivering impactful infrastructure projects. The scale of the company suggests a need for adaptability within a larger organizational framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position, "Assistant Design Manager," sits at a crucial mid-career juncture. It's a role for an experienced engineer or designer looking to move into a management and coordination capacity without necessarily leading the entire design function. It's a stepping stone towards Senior Design Manager, Project Manager, or specialized technical lead roles. Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Design Manager or Project Manager, who oversees the overall project delivery. The Assistant Design Manager then manages the day-to-day coordination and integration of design disciplines. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts project success by ensuring designs are coordinated, compliant, and delivered on time. This operational efficiency in the design phase is critical for controlling project costs, minimizing rework, and meeting client expectations, thereby contributing to AECOM's reputation and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific civil infrastructure areas or advanced design technologies like BIM and digital twins.
• Project Management Progression: Transition into full Project Management roles, taking responsibility for broader project delivery aspects beyond design.
• Leadership Development: Progress to Senior Design Manager, leading larger design teams and more complex projects, potentially managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• International Mobility: Leverage experience in the UAE to explore opportunities within AECOM's global network in other regions.
• Continuous Learning: Access to AECOM's extensive training and development programs to enhance technical skills, leadership capabilities, and industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Assistant" title implies a developmental path. For operations professionals, this role offers a chance to hone project coordination, stakeholder management, and process adherence skills, which are transferable to broader project management and GTM operations roles within the engineering and construction sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates primarily within a professional office environment. This role is on-site, implying a physical workspace within AECOM's Abu Dhabi office or potentially a project site office. Office Location(s): Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This location is a major hub for infrastructure development in the region. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment will likely include open-plan areas for team collaboration, as well as meeting rooms and private offices for focused work and confidential discussions.
• Technology Rich: Expect access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and specialized design and project management software.
• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with a diverse team of engineers, designers, project managers, and administrative staff, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the dynamic nature of infrastructure projects in the UAE can lead to periods of intense activity requiring flexibility beyond standard hours. This schedule needs to accommodate design deadlines and coordination meetings, which may occur at different times across disciplines and time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in Abu Dhabi for a global firm like AECOM means operating within a structured, professional, and technologically equipped office setting. The context suggests a fast-paced environment typical of major infrastructure projects, requiring adaptability and strong on-site collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will likely conduct a preliminary review of your CV to assess basic qualifications and experience.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the direct hiring manager (likely a Design Manager or Project Director) focusing on your technical experience, coordination skills, understanding of Middle East authority requirements, and suitability for the role.
• Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to present a portfolio showcasing relevant projects, discuss your approach to design coordination challenges, or solve a hypothetical design integration problem.
• Team/Panel Interview: Potential interviews with other members of the design or project team to assess cultural fit, collaborative style, and ability to work within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Final Offer: Following successful interviews and reference checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Regional Experience: Emphasize projects completed in the Middle East and specifically in the UAE, detailing your familiarity with local regulations and authority processes.
• Showcase Coordination Expertise: Use visual aids (diagrams, flowcharts) to illustrate your process for managing multi-disciplinary design integration. Quantify outcomes where possible (e.g., reduction in clashes, improved on-time delivery).
• Focus on Problem-Solving: Prepare specific examples of how you identified and resolved design conflicts or challenges, demonstrating your analytical and proactive approach.
• Document Management: Be ready to discuss your systems for organizing and managing large volumes of technical documentation, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.
• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your portfolio in a clear, structured manner, focusing on your direct contributions and the impact of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coordination Scenario: Be prepared for questions asking how you would resolve a conflict between structural and MEP designs, or how you would ensure compliance with a newly introduced authority requirement.
• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would manage difficult stakeholders or communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Process Improvement: Think about how you would improve the current design coordination process within a project context, focusing on efficiency and risk reduction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this will heavily scrutinize practical experience and problem-solving capabilities, especially concerning regional specifics. A well-prepared portfolio demonstrating these attributes is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD software like AutoCAD is essential for reviewing and understanding drawings.
• BIM Software: Experience with BIM platforms such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or similar for coordination, clash detection, and model review.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or AECOM's internal project management systems for tracking schedules and deliverables.
• Document Management Systems (DMS): Experience with platforms like Aconex, Procore, or SharePoint for organizing and managing project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• DMS Reporting Features: Utilizing built-in reporting functions within DMS or PM software to track submission status, RFI logs, and comment resolution progress.
• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced use of Microsoft Excel for data analysis, tracking registers, and creating custom reports.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how client requirements are managed and tracked is key.
• Workflow Automation (Basic): Understanding how to leverage tools for automating repetitive tasks in documentation or communication processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design and project management software is non-negotiable. The ability to leverage these tools for efficient coordination, documentation, and reporting is a hallmark of successful operations professionals in this field. Aconex and Procore are particularly common in large infrastructure projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Excellence: Upholding high ethical standards and striving for technical excellence in all design and coordination efforts.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together towards common project goals.
• Innovation & Sustainability: Encouraging creative solutions that are both technically sound and environmentally responsible, aligning with AECOM's global mission.
• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations through diligent project execution and effective communication.
• Safety & Quality: Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality in all project deliverables.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open and frequent communication channels between all design disciplines, project management, and stakeholders.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing project data and analytics from design and documentation systems to inform coordination efforts and resolve issues.
• Constructive Feedback: Maintaining a culture where feedback is welcomed and used for continuous improvement of design processes and team performance.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively seeking opportunities to integrate different functional areas (design, construction, environmental) early in the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values ("Work with Us. Change the World.") suggest a culture that values impactful work, global collaboration, and professional growth. For an operations role, this translates to a disciplined yet collaborative environment focused on delivering complex projects efficiently and responsibly.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Multi-Disciplinary Complexity: Effectively managing conflicting design requirements or priorities from various engineering disciplines.
• Regulatory Landscape: Navigating evolving and complex authority requirements in the UAE, which can impact design timelines.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders (client, consultants, authorities, contractors) are aligned and responsive.
• Information Overload: Managing vast amounts of technical documentation and communications efficiently.
• Remote Coordination (if applicable): If some design teams are remote, maintaining effective communication and coordination can be a challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & BIM Technologies: Exposure to cutting-edge design tools and methodologies used in large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Project Management Skills: Opportunities to develop formal project management competencies through AECOM's extensive training programs.
• Regional Expertise: Deepening knowledge of Middle Eastern construction markets, regulatory bodies, and best practices.
• Leadership Training: Access to programs designed to build leadership, negotiation, and team management skills.
• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, specific engineering licenses).

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges for this role revolve around managing complexity, ensuring compliance, and fostering effective communication in a high-stakes project environment. Growth opportunities are tied to advancing technical, managerial, and regional expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to coordinate between two conflicting design disciplines. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your structured problem-solving and communication approach.)
• "How do you ensure that all design submissions meet the client's requirements and relevant authority standards in the UAE?" (Highlight your understanding of compliance and documentation processes.)
• "Walk us through your process for managing RFIs and design clarifications on a complex infrastructure project." (Demonstrate your systematic approach to information flow and issue resolution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM and this specific role in Abu Dhabi?" (Research AECOM's recent projects in the UAE and align your career goals with their mission.)
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially when working with diverse international teams?" (Emphasize your communication and interpersonal skills.)
• "How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple design streams and stakeholder requests simultaneously?" (Showcase your organizational and time management skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that best demonstrate your coordination, problem-solving, and regional experience.
• Role Clarity: Clearly define your specific contributions and responsibilities within each project.
• Process Focus: Explain the methodologies and tools you used for coordination, documentation, and communication.
• Impact & Results: Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., reduced design iterations, faster RFI turnaround times, successful authority approvals).
• Conciseness: Keep your presentation focused and to the point, ready to elaborate on specific areas as requested.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize practical examples of coordination, problem-solving, and compliance within the Middle East infrastructure context. A well-curated portfolio is your primary tool to demonstrate these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal or the provided SmartRecruiters link.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of infrastructure design experience in the Middle East, specifically mentioning your familiarity with UAE authority requirements and your coordination/BIM skills. Use keywords from the job description.
• Portfolio Assembly: Prepare a concise portfolio (digital or presentation-ready) showcasing 2-3 relevant projects where you managed design coordination, navigated authority requirements, and ensured compliance. Focus on your specific role and achievements.
• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common behavioral and technical questions, focusing on providing STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses. Practice articulating your process for design coordination and issue resolution.
• Company Research: Understand AECOM's global presence, their key infrastructure projects in the UAE, and their commitment to sustainability and innovation. This will help you tailor your responses to their values and objectives.

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