Design Manager - Civil Infrastructure

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Civil Infrastructure Company: AECOM Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Job Type: Contract Category: Infrastructure Design Operations / Project Management Date Posted: September 22, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the comprehensive design management of civil infrastructure projects, from conceptualization through to Issued For Construction (IFC) stages.
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring integrated and efficient infrastructure solutions are developed.
• Manage design deliverables, schedules, risks, and stakeholder interfaces for medium to large-scale development projects.
• Ensure strict adherence to local authority regulations and international standards for all infrastructure designs.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration, bridging the gap between design, project controls, and commercial teams to maintain project alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong blend of technical design oversight and project management expertise within the civil infrastructure sector, specifically focusing on the Middle East market. The emphasis on managing multidisciplinary teams and local authority compliance suggests a critical operations function in ensuring project success and regulatory adherence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the entire infrastructure design lifecycle, from master planning and concept development through to detailed design and construction-ready packages (IFC).
• Spearhead coordination efforts among master planners, architects, various engineering disciplines (civil, structural, MEP, etc.), and external consultants to achieve cohesive infrastructure outcomes.
• Review, track, and manage the quality and timeliness of design deliverables produced by internal teams and sub-consultants, covering roads, utilities (water, wastewater, power, ICT), marine structures, and public realm elements.
• Possess a thorough understanding of diverse engineering disciplines integral to infrastructure design, including utility networks, pump stations, process plants, roads, bridges, and other structural components.
• Ensure all designs meticulously comply with the regulations and standards set by relevant local authorities in the Middle East, such as MOMRAH, NWC, SEC, SWCC, Royal Commissions, and other pertinent bodies, alongside applicable international standards.
• Proactively manage design schedules, key deliverables, project risks, and intricate interface coordination with a multitude of stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Actively participate in formal design reviews and value engineering workshops, providing technical leadership and mentorship to junior staff and discipline engineers to foster skill development and best practices.
• Collaborate closely with project controls and commercial teams to ensure design progress remains synchronized with overall project timelines, budgets, and contractual obligations.
• Support and manage the permitting and approvals process, liaising with local authorities to secure necessary clearances and ensuring designs align with sustainability, resilience, and digital infrastructure objectives where applicable.
• Engage effectively with client representatives to discuss and present engineering solutions, address queries, and build strong working relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The breadth of responsibilities highlights the critical operational role of this Design Manager in ensuring that complex infrastructure projects are not only designed efficiently but also meet all regulatory, technical, and client-specific requirements within the challenging Middle Eastern context. The emphasis on compliance with specific regional authorities points to a need for deep operational knowledge of local permitting and engineering standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in a relevant Engineering discipline (e.g., Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental). Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience specifically in infrastructure design, with a strong preference for experience on large-scale projects, particularly within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Professional recognition or Chartered Status is a mandatory requirement.

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership capabilities in managing design teams and projects.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Strong coordination abilities to manage multidisciplinary design efforts and interfaces.
• Comprehensive knowledge of infrastructure design principles and best practices.
• Robust project management skills, including scheduling, risk assessment, and deliverable tracking.
• Expertise in stakeholder management and fostering positive relationships with clients and authorities.
• In-depth understanding of regulatory compliance for Middle Eastern authorities and international standards.
• Proficiency in conducting design reviews and participating in value engineering initiatives.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and ability to mentor junior engineering staff.
• Familiarity with sustainability, resilience, and digital infrastructure concepts relevant to modern projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific Middle Eastern regulatory bodies and approval processes.
• Knowledge of utility network design, including water, wastewater, power, and ICT.
• Familiarity with road design, bridge engineering, and marine structures.
• Experience in managing design packages for public realm infrastructure.
• Understanding of contract management and commercial aspects of design delivery.
• Proficiency in relevant design and project management software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Chartered Status signifies a need for a candidate with a recognized high level of professional competency and ethical standing in engineering operations. The emphasis on KSA project experience is crucial for understanding regional operational nuances and regulatory landscapes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio demonstrating successful management of civil infrastructure design projects, highlighting scale, complexity, and geographical context (Middle East focus preferred).
• Provide evidence of process optimization within design workflows, illustrating improvements in efficiency, quality, or delivery timelines.
• Include examples of managing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating complex design interfaces, detailing the methodologies used.
• Present case studies that clearly articulate the candidate's role in ensuring regulatory compliance and achieving stakeholder alignment across various project stages.
• Demonstrate experience in risk management and mitigation strategies applied to design processes and project delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of establishing and managing design processes, including workflow design, implementation, and continuous improvement phases.
• Documentation illustrating the system for tracking and managing design deliverables, ensuring quality control and adherence to project schedules.
• Examples of creating and maintaining clear communication protocols and interface management plans for design coordination.
• Documentation related to risk registers, mitigation plans, and lessons learned from design phases of previous projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is essential for this role, as it will serve as direct evidence of the candidate's ability to manage the complex operational aspects of infrastructure design. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating quantifiable process improvements and successful navigation of regulatory and stakeholder landscapes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in Abu Dhabi, UAE, a competitive annual salary range could be estimated between AED 350,000 to AED 550,000. This estimate considers the specialized nature of the role, the required experience level, and the cost of living in Abu Dhabi for expatriate professionals.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Disability benefits to provide income protection.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and various leaves of absence.
• Access to voluntary benefits and employee perks programs.
• Flexible work options that may accommodate specific needs.
• Well-being resources and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support.
• Business travel insurance for any work-related travel.
• Service recognition awards to acknowledge long-term contributions.
• Retirement savings plan and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) for long-term financial growth.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime depending on project demands and deadlines. Flexibility may be offered, but the core expectation is a commitment to project delivery timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is based on aggregated data from recruitment agencies and salary benchmarking sites for similar senior engineering and project management roles in the UAE. Benefits are extensive, reflecting AECOM's commitment to employee welfare and retention, which is a significant operational consideration for attracting top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates in the Engineering, Construction, and Consulting services sector, with a significant focus on infrastructure development. This industry is characterized by large-scale, complex projects, demanding rigorous planning, execution, and regulatory adherence. Company Size: AECOM is a global firm with over 50,000 employees, placing it in the "Very Large" category. This size implies a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and a wide array of projects, offering significant opportunities for professional development and cross-functional exposure. Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, giving it over a century of experience and a deep-seated history in delivering major infrastructure projects worldwide. This longevity suggests a stable and established company with a proven track record and deep industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The infrastructure design teams at AECOM are typically structured by discipline (e.g., civil, structural, geotechnical, electrical, mechanical) and often organized into project-specific groups. This Design Manager will likely lead a matrixed team comprising senior engineers, discipline leads, and junior engineers from various specializations.
• Reporting lines would likely be to a senior project director or regional engineering manager, with direct oversight of the design consultants and internal design staff.
• Collaboration is highly cross-functional, involving close interaction with project management, planning, cost control, procurement, and construction teams, as well as external clients, regulatory bodies, and contractors.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach to design and project management, utilizing advanced modeling, simulation, and analytics tools to inform decisions and optimize outcomes.
• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, with a focus on leveraging digital tools and integrated project delivery methods to enhance efficiency and reduce risk.
• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly through Building Information Modeling (BIM), digital twins, and other advanced technologies to streamline design processes and improve constructability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's vast scale and long history indicate a mature operational framework. The company's commitment to "delivering a better world" suggests a culture that values impactful projects and sustainable solutions, which should be a key consideration for candidates evaluating the operational alignment of their career goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the operations of AECOM's design and engineering services. As a Design Manager, the individual is responsible for the technical direction and execution of the design phase for significant infrastructure projects, impacting project budgets, schedules, and ultimate client satisfaction. This role requires a high degree of autonomy and decision-making authority within its defined scope.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Project Director or a Senior Manager within the relevant business unit (e.g., Transportation, Water). They will also have direct supervisory responsibility over a team of discipline engineers and potentially external design sub-consultants. This structure emphasizes a blend of technical leadership and direct project accountability.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is profound, directly influencing the quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of the design packages, which form the foundation for the entire construction phase. Effective design management minimizes construction risks, ensures compliance, and optimizes project performance, thereby directly contributing to AECOM's revenue and client relationship management.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to lead increasingly complex and larger-scale infrastructure projects, expanding expertise in diverse engineering domains and project management methodologies.
• Leadership Development: Potential to move into broader project management roles, program management, or business unit leadership positions, overseeing multiple projects or a portfolio of work.
• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific infrastructure sectors (e.g., transportation systems, water resource management, smart cities) or in specialized areas like sustainability, resilience, or digital integration within design operations.
• Mentorship and Training: Access to AECOM's extensive training programs, including leadership development and technical skill enhancement, along with opportunities to mentor junior engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager at a firm like AECOM is typically geared towards senior project leadership or specialized technical expert roles. The emphasis on large-scale projects and global operations provides a strong platform for significant career growth within the infrastructure sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM typically operates from modern, professional office environments designed to foster collaboration and productivity. These offices are equipped with the necessary technology and resources to support complex engineering design work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. AECOM has a significant presence across the Middle East, with multiple offices, providing a network of support and potential for collaboration with colleagues in the region.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing among design teams and with other project disciplines.
• Access to advanced design software, high-performance computing, and digital collaboration tools is standard.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, including project managers, engineers, and planners, are integral to the daily workflow.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will align with typical business hours in Abu Dhabi, likely Sunday to Thursday, with a 40-hour work week. However, project deadlines and critical design phases may necessitate flexibility and occasional extended hours or weekend work, common in project-driven environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at AECOM is geared towards professionals who thrive in collaborative, technologically advanced settings and are committed to delivering high-quality engineering solutions. The Abu Dhabi location places the role within a dynamic and rapidly developing infrastructure market.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Technical Interview(s): Expect interviews with senior engineering staff or a hiring manager to delve into technical expertise, project experience, and problem-solving skills related to civil infrastructure design and management. This may include scenario-based questions.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to review your professional portfolio will be crucial. Be prepared to walk through key projects, detailing your specific contributions, design challenges, solutions, and the outcomes achieved. Focus on demonstrating your process management and leadership capabilities.
• Situational/Behavioral Interview: Questions assessing leadership, team management, stakeholder communication, conflict resolution, and how you handle pressure and ambiguity in project environments.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or department head for final assessment of fit with AECOM's strategic objectives and culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience as a Design Manager for civil infrastructure, particularly those with similar scale and complexity to AECOM's work.
• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, decisions made, and contributions to each project's success.
• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, compliance adherence, risk reduction).
• Process Focus: Explain the design processes you managed, including coordination strategies, quality control measures, and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Problem-Solution-Outcome: Structure your project narratives using this framework to clearly communicate challenges, your approach, and the results.
• Visuals: Use diagrams, drawings, and photos to help illustrate project scope and design elements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to managing design teams, resolving technical disputes, dealing with scope changes, or ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.
• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating technical concepts and project progress clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Risk Identification: Demonstrate your ability to proactively identify potential design and project risks and propose mitigation strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component of the selection process for this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just technical proficiency but also their operational acumen in managing complex design processes and teams effectively. Tailoring the portfolio to AECOM's known project types and regional focus will be advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and potentially Bentley MicroStation is essential for reviewing and understanding design deliverables.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for scheduling, progress tracking, and resource management.
• BIM Software: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms like Autodesk Revit and Navisworks for design coordination, clash detection, and visualization.
• Collaboration Platforms: Tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or dedicated project collaboration software for team communication and document management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project schedules, cost reports, and design progress reports.
• Reporting Tools: Experience with generating and understanding progress reports, risk registers, and design status updates.
• Dashboard Tools: Familiarity with tools like Power BI or Tableau for visualizing project performance metrics may be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design interfaces with client management and project delivery within a CRM framework can be advantageous.
• Familiarity with workflow automation tools used in engineering design processes or project management could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is primarily focused on design management, a strong understanding and ability to utilize or oversee the use of advanced design and project management technologies are critical operational requirements. Proficiency in BIM and scheduling software directly impacts the efficiency and accuracy of the design process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all design and project dealings, ensuring honesty and transparency with clients and stakeholders.
• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and sustainable design solutions that meet or exceed client expectations and industry benchmarks.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are encouraged across disciplines and departments.
• Innovation: Driving the adoption of new technologies, methodologies, and creative problem-solving approaches to enhance design processes and project outcomes.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, managing risks proactively, and delivering on commitments with a focus on project success and client satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: AECOM promotes a collaborative environment where design teams work seamlessly with project management, planning, construction, and commercial departments to ensure holistic project delivery.
• Process Review and Feedback: A culture of continuous improvement encourages constructive feedback on design processes, workflows, and team performance to identify areas for enhancement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects to foster collective growth and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture emphasizes professional growth and impactful project delivery. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their personal values and collaboration style align with these core principles, particularly regarding technical rigor and teamwork in a large, global organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively coordinating and balancing the needs and expectations of multiple stakeholders, including clients, authorities, contractors, and internal teams, each with unique priorities.
• Navigating Complex Regulations: Ensuring strict adherence to a multitude of local authority regulations and international standards, which can be intricate and subject to change.
• Technical Complexity: Overseeing designs for large-scale, multifaceted infrastructure projects that often involve novel engineering challenges and require innovative solutions.
• Pace of Development: Keeping pace with evolving technologies, sustainability requirements, and digital integration demands within the infrastructure sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to lead progressively larger and more complex design packages, enhancing expertise in project management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder relations.
• Industry Conferences and Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry conferences, workshops, and pursuing professional certifications to stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in infrastructure design and project management.
• Mentorship and Leadership Programs: Access to AECOM’s structured mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives designed to cultivate future leaders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to managing large-scale infrastructure design operations. AECOM's commitment to learning and development provides a clear pathway for professionals to overcome these challenges and advance their careers within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing the design lifecycle for a large-scale infrastructure project, from master planning to IFC. What are the critical operational checkpoints you focus on?" (Preparation: Outline a phased approach, emphasizing key deliverables, reviews, and risk management at each stage.)
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between diverse project stakeholders, including clients, authorities, and multiple engineering disciplines? Provide an example of a challenging stakeholder situation you managed." (Preparation: Focus on structured communication plans, proactive engagement, and conflict resolution techniques. Use the STAR method for examples.)
• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a time you identified a significant design or process issue that could have impacted project delivery. What steps did you take to address it, and what was the outcome?" (Preparation: Prepare a case study demonstrating analytical skills, initiative, and effective problem resolution with quantifiable results.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM and this specific Design Manager role? How do your career aspirations align with our mission of delivering a better world?" (Preparation: Research AECOM’s recent projects, values, and the specific Abu Dhabi market. Connect your skills and career goals to their stated mission.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to fostering a collaborative and high-performing design team." (Preparation: Highlight your leadership style, emphasis on teamwork, and how you support junior staff development.)
• "How do you measure the success of a design operation and demonstrate its impact on overall project goals?" (Preparation: Discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) related to schedule adherence, budget control, quality of deliverables, stakeholder satisfaction, and risk mitigation.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the project's scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the key design challenges, your operational approach to overcoming them, and the successful outcomes achieved.
• Quantifiable Impact: Emphasize metrics such as schedule adherence, budget management, compliance achievements, and any efficiency improvements implemented through your design management.
• Visual Aids: Utilize presentation slides with relevant visuals (site plans, renderings, key design drawings, flowcharts of processes) to visually support your narrative.
• Concise and Clear: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects relevant to the role. Anticipate questions and be ready to elaborate on specific details.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be assessing not only technical competence but also your operational mindset – how you manage processes, teams, risks, and stakeholders to achieve project success. Demonstrating a structured, data-driven, and collaborative approach will be key.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager – Civil Infrastructure position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal or the provided Smart Recruiters link.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that specifically highlights your experience managing civil infrastructure design projects, detailing your processes for coordination, quality control, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Tailor examples to large-scale projects and, if possible, to the Middle Eastern context.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of infrastructure design experience, emphasizing leadership, project management, and stakeholder coordination skills. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements with measurable results.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering strategy, behavioral, and situational questions using the STAR method. Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your operational contributions and problem-solving approaches. Research AECOM's current projects and values.
• Company Research: Gain a thorough understanding of AECOM's global presence, its key projects in the Middle East, and its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Familiarize yourself with the regulatory landscape in Abu Dhabi and the UAE for infrastructure development.

⚠️ 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.