Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: AECOM Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Job Type: Contract Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-19 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Executes a wide range of creative and graphic design tasks, utilizing various software and technologies to produce high-impact visual communications for diverse audiences.
• Acts as a brand ambassador, ensuring strict adherence to AECOM's brand guidelines and standards across all design outputs, from digital layouts to print collateral.
• Supports marketing and business development efforts by creating compelling visual designs for proposals, web graphics, video, UX, and other marketing materials.
• Collaborates effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing specialists, copywriters, and developers, to achieve project objectives and meet client needs.
• Manages multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks efficiently to meet deadlines and maintain high-quality deliverables within a collaborative workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Creative & Design with a strong overlap into Marketing Operations, given the emphasis on brand ambassadorship, proposal collateral, and cross-functional support for marketing and business development. The mid-level experience suggests a need for demonstrated proficiency in core design principles and project execution, with potential for mentorship of junior staff.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute compelling visual designs and layouts for a variety of media, including digital platforms, print materials, proposals, and presentations, ensuring alignment with AECOM's brand identity.
• Create engaging online and offline designs, encompassing digital layouts, web graphics, video assets, UX interfaces, and 3D visualizations, to effectively communicate AECOM's services and impact.
• Serve as a key contributor to the Work Winning teams, providing expert guidance and high-quality digital and printed media to support business development opportunities.
• Manage the full lifecycle of design projects, from concept development and execution to final delivery, ensuring adherence to brand compliance, quality expectations, and project deadlines.
• Proactively manage time and workload in a collaborative environment, effectively coordinating with copywriters, marketers, developers, and other stakeholders to achieve project goals.
• Offer guidance and support to less experienced team members on creative concepts, design execution, and brand compliance, contributing to overall team development.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging design technologies, continuously seeking opportunities to expand skill sets and enhance the quality and effectiveness of design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic support for business development, particularly in proposal development. The mention of "Work winning teams" and "advice to meet project goals and client needs" indicates a significant contribution to client-facing materials and commercial success. The expectation to "Provide guidance to entry level designers" points towards a role with some supervisory or mentorship aspects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of creating diverse visual assets for both digital and print media.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), and familiarity with video editing and UX/UI design tools.
• Strong understanding of visual design principles, typography, color theory, and layout composition.
• Demonstrated ability to create compelling digital layouts and web graphics.
• Experience in developing visual assets for proposals and marketing collateral.
• Excellent project management and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and provide constructive feedback.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining brand consistency and quality standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects).
• Familiarity with UX/UI design principles and tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch).
• Experience in 3D modeling or rendering software.
• Knowledge of web design principles and basic HTML/CSS.
• Experience working within a large, global organization or in the infrastructure/engineering sector.
• Ability to provide guidance and mentorship to junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills list is extensive, covering both technical proficiency in design software and crucial soft skills like project management and collaboration. The preference for video, UX/UI, and 3D skills suggests AECOM leverages a broad spectrum of design applications. Experience in the infrastructure sector is a plus, indicating industry knowledge is valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, demonstrating proficiency across various media (digital, print, video).
• Case studies illustrating the design process, from initial concept development and client brief interpretation to final execution and impact.
• Examples of brand guideline adherence and creative problem-solving within project constraints.
• Visuals of proposal collateral or marketing materials that effectively communicate complex information and meet specific project objectives.
• Demonstrations of skills in digital layouts, web graphics, and ideally, video or UX/UI elements.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process, including research, ideation, iteration, and feedback incorporation.
• Understanding of workflow management for design projects, including file organization, version control, and collaboration tools.
• Experience in documenting design decisions and rationale, particularly in relation to brand compliance and project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it serves as the primary demonstration of the candidate's design capabilities and process. The emphasis on proposal collateral and brand compliance suggests that the portfolio should highlight practical applications of design skills in a business context, rather than purely artistic endeavors.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Dubai, UAE, the estimated salary range is AED 8,000 - AED 14,000 per month. This estimate accounts for the cost of living in Dubai, the demand for skilled designers, and AECOM's position as a global infrastructure firm.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for employees and potentially dependents.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: Financial protection in case of death or accidental dismemberment.
• Disability Benefits: Income protection in case of inability to work due to illness or injury.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Leaves of Absences: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and other approved leaves.
• Voluntary Benefits and Perks: Additional benefits and discounts tailored to employee needs and lifestyle.
• Flexible Work Options: Potential for flexible scheduling or hybrid arrangements, though the role is primarily on-site.
• Well-being Resources and Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support for physical, mental, and emotional health.
• Business Travel Insurance: Coverage during company-related travel.
• Service Recognition Awards: Formal acknowledgment of long-term commitment and contributions.
• Retirement Savings Plan: A plan to help employees save for retirement.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP): Opportunity to purchase AECOM stock at a discounted rate.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, aligning with standard business operations in Dubai. Flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site, requiring consistent presence during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on market data for experienced graphic designers in Dubai. AECOM's comprehensive benefits package, as listed, is a significant component of the total compensation, offering robust support for employee well-being and financial security. The "Contract" employment type might influence the specific benefits package compared to permanent roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates in the global infrastructure consulting sector, encompassing areas like transportation, buildings, water, environment, and energy. This industry context means design work often supports large-scale, complex projects with long-term impact. Company Size: AECOM is a large, global organization with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This scale offers extensive resources, diverse project opportunities, and a broad network for professional development. Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, giving it a long history and deep expertise in the infrastructure sector. This longevity suggests a stable and established corporate environment.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer likely operates within a marketing, communications, or dedicated creative services team, which may be centralized or regionalized within AECOM's structure.
• The role involves collaboration with various departments, including project management, business development, engineering, and digital teams.
• Reporting structure is likely to a Creative Director, Marketing Manager, or a Senior Designer, with direct interaction with project leads and work-winning teams.

Methodology:

• Design processes at AECOM are expected to be structured and efficient, aligning with project management methodologies like Agile or Waterfall where applicable.
• Emphasis on data-driven insights might influence design choices, particularly for digital assets, requiring an understanding of user engagement metrics.
• Workflow optimization and automation are likely key considerations to manage the volume of design requests efficiently across a global organization.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global presence and focus on large-scale infrastructure projects mean that design work will often be in support of significant, impactful initiatives. The company culture likely emphasizes professionalism, technical excellence, and collaboration, with a strong commitment to brand consistency and quality.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is positioned at a mid-level, typically requiring 2-5 years of experience. It involves executing designs with some autonomy but also receiving guidance from senior staff and providing support to less experienced designers. The role contributes to the broader marketing and business development operations. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Senior Graphic Designer, Creative Lead, or Marketing Manager. They will collaborate closely with project managers, proposal managers, and client-facing teams, providing design support for various business needs. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts AECOM's brand perception, the effectiveness of marketing collateral, and the success of proposal submissions by creating visually compelling and persuasive materials. High-quality design enhances client engagement and supports business growth objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop advanced expertise in specific design areas such as motion graphics, UX/UI design, 3D visualization, or proposal design.
• Leadership Development: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer role, taking on more complex projects, leading design initiatives, and mentoring junior designers.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into related fields like marketing coordination, digital content creation, or proposal management, leveraging design expertise.
• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or transfer to AECOM offices in other regions.
• Training Programs: Access to AECOM's extensive training and development programs to enhance technical and soft skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is multi-faceted, allowing for specialization within design disciplines or a move into broader marketing and project management functions. The emphasis on mentorship suggests a pathway towards leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment where collaboration and access to company resources are prioritized. Office Location(s): The primary office location is Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Specific office details regarding amenities, layout, and collaborative spaces would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely to be a professional office setting equipped with standard design workstations and software.
• Opportunities for collaboration will be abundant, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and regular team interactions.
• Access to AECOM's internal network, design libraries, and brand assets will be integral to the role.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, with typical business hours (approximately 8 AM to 5 PM or 9 AM to 6 PM), aligning with the 40 hours per week expectation. Flexibility might exist for specific project needs or personal circumstances, but consistent on-site presence is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for direct team collaboration and immediate access to creative resources. The Dubai location places the designer within a dynamic, international business hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely review applications and conduct a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio, which will be reviewed by the hiring manager and potentially senior design team members to evaluate design skills, creativity, and relevance to AECOM's work.
• Technical Interview: This stage may involve a practical design test or a discussion about specific design challenges and problem-solving approaches.
• Behavioral/Team Interview: Interviews with the hiring manager and team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration skills, communication style, and alignment with AECOM's values.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or stakeholder to discuss strategic fit and overall contribution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a variety of skills and highlight your impact.
• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, your design process, the tools used, and the outcomes or impact achieved.
• Quantify Results: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, successful proposal win rates).
• Brand Alignment: Include examples that demonstrate your understanding and application of brand guidelines, particularly if you have experience with corporate branding.
• Tailor to AECOM: Highlight projects that relate to infrastructure, engineering, or large-scale projects if you have them, demonstrating an understanding of AECOM’s sector.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Test: Be prepared for a task that might involve creating a visual concept for a given scenario, refining an existing design, or developing a graphic for a proposal element. Focus on speed, creativity, and brand adherence.
• Process Discussion: Be ready to talk through your design process, how you handle feedback, manage multiple projects, and collaborate with non-designers.
• AECOM Context: Research AECOM's recent projects and marketing campaigns to understand their visual style and communication priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the candidate's portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process and demonstrate how their work aligns with AECOM's brand and business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating a wide range of visual assets.
• Video Editing Software: Experience with tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects is preferred for creating motion graphics and video content.
• UX/UI Design Tools: Familiarity with platforms such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is a plus for interface design elements.
• 3D Software: Knowledge of 3D modeling or rendering tools would be beneficial for specific project requirements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an analytics role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., web traffic, click-through rates) is valuable. Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) from a user perspective is a bonus.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) for understanding how design assets are deployed and tracked within marketing campaigns is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Proficiency in video and UX/UI tools will significantly enhance a candidate's profile for this role, reflecting the diverse needs of a global infrastructure firm.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design and execution that reflects AECOM's professional standards.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication to achieve shared project goals and foster innovation.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and brand consistency in all creative endeavors.
• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to visual communication and problem-solving.
• Client Focus: Understanding client needs and delivering design solutions that meet or exceed expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: AECOM's structure necessitates strong collaboration with marketing, business development, engineering, and project management teams.
• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the exchange of ideas and best practices within the design team and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture likely promotes a professional, collaborative, and results-oriented environment. The values emphasize quality, integrity, and a client-centric approach, which are crucial for a role supporting business development and brand representation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing High Volume of Requests: As a large global firm, AECOM likely receives numerous design requests, requiring strong prioritization and time management skills.
• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Expression: Effectively adhering to strict brand guidelines while still producing innovative and engaging designs.
• Adapting to Diverse Project Needs: Designing for a wide range of projects, from technical proposals to marketing campaigns, each with unique requirements and audiences.
• Staying Current with Design Trends and Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new software, techniques, and design best practices in a fast-evolving digital landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Access to specialized training for mastering Adobe Creative Suite and other design tools.
• Industry Best Practices: Learning from experienced designers and participating in workshops focused on branding, proposal design, and digital media creation.
• Project Exposure: Gaining experience across AECOM's diverse portfolio of global infrastructure projects, broadening design perspective.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior designers and to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around managing workload and maintaining quality and brand consistency across diverse projects. Growth opportunities are strong, with a clear path for skill development and career progression within a large, international organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Presentation: "Walk me through a project in your portfolio that best demonstrates your ability to translate a complex technical subject into a visually appealing and understandable graphic." Focus on process, tools, and outcomes.
• Brand Adherence: "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple design projects for different stakeholders, while still maintaining creative integrity?" Be ready to discuss your approach to brand guidelines.
• Project Management: "Describe a time you managed multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize your work and communicate with stakeholders?" Highlight your organizational and communication strategies.
• Problem-Solving: "Tell me about a challenging design problem you faced and how you overcame it. What was the outcome?" Showcase your critical thinking and creative solutions.

Company & Culture Questions:

• AECOM's Work: "What do you know about AECOM's projects, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our mission of delivering a better world?" Show you've researched the company and understand its impact.
• Team Collaboration: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with non-designers to achieve project goals." Align your response with AECOM's collaborative culture.
• Design Impact: "How do you measure the success of your design work?" Discuss how design contributes to business objectives, brand perception, or proposal wins.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the challenge, your approach, your solutions, and the results.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality images and clear descriptions.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a specified timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.
• Engagement: Be enthusiastic and ready to answer questions about your design choices and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to not only showcase their design skills but also their understanding of AECOM's business, their ability to collaborate, and their approach to managing projects and adhering to brand standards.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.
• Portfolio Preparation: Carefully curate your portfolio to highlight your strongest and most relevant work, focusing on projects that demonstrate your skills in digital layouts, proposals, and brand compliance. Ensure it is easily accessible online.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize experience with Adobe Creative Suite, project management, and collaboration, using keywords from the job description such as "digital layouts," "web graphics," "proposals," and "brand compliance."
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's global projects, services, and recent marketing campaigns to understand their visual identity and communication strategies.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design process, how you handle feedback, your experience with different design software, and how you contribute to team success, particularly in a business development context.

⚠️ 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.