Graphic Designer - Transport Planning

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Transport Planning
Company: AtkinsRéalis
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Engineering Operations
Date Posted: October 31, 2025
Experience Level: 5+ Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for producing high-quality visual assets that support complex transport planning projects, ensuring clear and impactful communication with clients and stakeholders.
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating technical information into visually appealing reports, maps, plans, and presentations using a suite of industry-standard design software.
• This position requires a blend of artistic creativity and technical proficiency, with a strong emphasis on meeting deadlines and adhering to company standards within a multidisciplinary consultancy environment.
• Success in this role contributes directly to the professional presentation and overall success of AtkinsRéalis's transport planning proposals and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the context of "Transport Planning" and the required software (AutoCAD, Illustrator, Photoshop) indicates a specialized role focused on technical illustration and documentation for engineering projects, rather than general marketing graphics. This role likely supports operational delivery and client-facing output within the engineering and infrastructure sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and produce comprehensive, high-quality reports, presentations, and other project documentation suitable for external publication and client submission.
• Create detailed and visually engaging graphics, including maps, plans, and illustrations, leveraging expertise in Adobe Illustrator and similar design software.
• Utilize Photoshop and AutoCAD to generate and refine visual assets that integrate seamlessly into bid documents and formal project proposals.
• Manage multiple individual projects concurrently, effectively prioritizing tasks to ensure all deadlines are met without compromising the quality of deliverables.
• Ensure strict adherence to AtkinsRéalis's Business Management System (BMS) and established operational procedures for all design outputs.
• Collaborate effectively within an integrated, multidisciplinary building design team, coordinating visual aspects with other engineering and planning disciplines.
• Maintain brand consistency and quality standards across all visual communication materials produced for transport planning projects.
• Proactively seek opportunities to enhance the visual presentation of project data and technical information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize creating outputs for "external use and publication," highlighting the client-facing and proposal-support nature of this design role within an engineering consultancy. The integration into a "multidisciplinary building design team" suggests a need for strong collaboration and understanding of technical project requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Diploma or Degree in a relevant field such as Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Multimedia Arts, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience, ideally within a multidisciplinary consultancy or engineering firm, with a focus on technical illustration and documentation.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality, creative, and visually attractive reports and presentations.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency:
  • Expert-level skills in Adobe InDesign for report layout and publication design.
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation and graphic creation.
  • Strong command of Adobe Illustrator for creating maps, plans, and technical illustrations.
  • High-standard proficiency in AutoCAD for technical drawing and plan generation.
• Presentation Development: Ability to create impactful and visually appealing presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Technical Graphics: Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality graphics, maps, plans, and illustrations suitable for technical and client-facing documentation.
• Quality Assurance: Strong capability for self-checking and effective correction of work to ensure accuracy and polish.
• Interdisciplinary Awareness: Appreciation for the work of other design and engineering disciplines to facilitate effective collaboration.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Learning Agility: Ability to quickly learn and retain new skills and software from various training sources.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with SketchUp for 3D modeling and visualization.
• Exposure to Revit for BIM integration and architectural visualization.
• Experience with other related software packages relevant to design and visualization.
• Prior experience within the GCC region, particularly on transport-related projects within a multidisciplinary consultancy.
• Ability to travel without restriction throughout the GCC region.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software like InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and AutoCAD, coupled with the requirement for 5+ years of experience in a consultancy, points to a role that demands specialized technical graphics skills rather than general marketing design. The preference for GCC region experience suggests a need for understanding local project contexts.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design work, with a strong emphasis on technical graphics for engineering or infrastructure projects.
• Specific examples of high-quality reports, presentations, maps, plans, and illustrations produced using InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and AutoCAD.
• Case studies demonstrating the ability to translate complex technical information into clear and compelling visual formats.
• Evidence of creative problem-solving in design challenges and the ability to meet demanding project deadlines.
• Documentation of workflow processes, including how designs are developed, reviewed, and integrated into larger project deliverables.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase understanding of design workflow processes from concept to final output, including client feedback integration.
• Demonstrate experience in adhering to brand guidelines and project-specific style guides.
• Illustrate methods for ensuring accuracy and consistency in technical graphics and documentation.
• Provide examples of how design assets were utilized to support bid submissions, project proposals, or client communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond aesthetic appeal to demonstrate technical proficiency with the specified software and the ability to create outputs directly relevant to engineering consultancy work, particularly in transport planning. The emphasis should be on clarity, accuracy, and impact in conveying technical information.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• While a specific range is not provided, based on industry benchmarks for experienced Graphic Designers (5+ years) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, within the engineering consultancy sector, a competitive tax-free salary is expected. A typical range for such a role could be AED 180,000 - AED 280,000 annually, depending on specific experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Tax-free salary.
• Comprehensive life insurance coverage.
• Premium medical insurance coverage for the employee and dependents.
• Generous annual leave balance.
• Remote work opportunities (outside of the country, specific conditions apply).
• Flexible/hybrid work solutions to support work-life balance.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
• Transportation and housing allowances (available for remote work locations).
• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition consulting.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility. The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests a balance between on-site and remote work, allowing for effective project collaboration and individual focused work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are extensive and highly attractive, particularly the tax-free salary, comprehensive insurance, and employee wellbeing program. The salary estimate is based on general market data for Abu Dhabi and the specified experience level in a specialized design role within a large international consultancy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Nuclear, Infrastructure, Transport Planning. AtkinsRéalis operates globally across critical sectors, providing end-to-end engineering solutions from consulting and design to operations and maintenance. Company Size: Large Enterprise (typically 10,000+ employees globally), indicating a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for diverse career paths. Founded: 1911 (as part of historical integrations), signifying a long-standing legacy and deep expertise in engineering and project delivery.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader project delivery team, potentially within a dedicated design or technical support group, or embedded within transport planning project teams.
• Reporting structure will likely be to a Design Lead, Project Manager, or a specialist Operations Manager overseeing technical services.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with Transport Planners, Engineers, Project Managers, and Bid Managers to ensure visual outputs align with technical requirements and strategic objectives.

Methodology:

• Data Visualization: Focus on transforming complex transport data, network plans, and technical specifications into understandable and impactful graphics.
• Workflow Optimization: Streamlining the design process to ensure efficient production of high-quality deliverables within project timelines.
• Quality Assurance: Implementing rigorous checks to maintain design integrity, accuracy, and adherence to client and company standards.
• Client Focus: Ensuring all visual communications effectively meet client expectations and contribute positively to project success and future business opportunities.

Company Website: www.atkinsrealis.com

📝 Enhancement Note: AtkinsRéalis's global presence and long history suggest a company with robust processes and a commitment to technical excellence. The "multidisciplinary" aspect is key, meaning the Graphic Designer must be comfortable working within diverse teams and understanding technical project nuances.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor within the creative and technical support functions of operations. It requires specialized skills and a proven ability to deliver high-quality outputs independently. Reporting Structure: Typically, this role would report to a Design Manager, Operations Manager, or a senior member of the Transport Planning team who oversees technical documentation and client-facing deliverables. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the professional impression and clarity of AtkinsRéalis's transport planning proposals and project documentation. High-quality visuals enhance client understanding, strengthen bid competitiveness, and contribute to the overall successful delivery and perception of projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in transport-specific visualization, BIM integration, or advanced data visualization techniques.
• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer role, mentoring junior designers, or leading design aspects of major projects.
• Cross-Disciplinary Roles: Transition into roles involving technical documentation management, bid management support, or project coordination where design oversight is crucial.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn new software (e.g., advanced 3D rendering, GIS visualization tools) and gain exposure to new project types within the transport sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely to be focused on deepening technical design expertise within the transport sector and potentially moving into leadership or more integrated project support roles, rather than a traditional management track.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, combining office-based collaboration with remote work flexibility. This suggests a modern approach to work, balancing team interaction with individual productivity. Office Location(s): The primary location is Abu Dhabi, UAE, specifically at the Trade Centre Building. AtkinsRéalis has a global presence, so this role may involve interaction with teams in other regions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and multidisciplinary team structure encourage collaboration, requiring effective communication and teamwork.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, potentially SketchUp/Revit) and IT infrastructure necessary for producing high-quality digital assets.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with a diverse group of engineers, planners, and project managers, fostering a rich learning environment and exposure to various project challenges.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement, offering some flexibility in managing work hours and location, conducive to focused design work and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role in a major international consultancy points to a professional, organized work environment with a focus on both individual contribution and team-based project delivery.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications and resumes for basic qualifications and experience.
• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates will be asked to submit or present their design portfolio. This will focus on relevant technical graphics, reports, and presentations for engineering/transport projects.
• Technical Interview: Discussion with a hiring manager or senior designer to assess proficiency in required software (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, AutoCAD), understanding of design principles for technical documentation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Behavioral Interview: Assessment of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, initiative, time management, and attention to detail, often through situational questions.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or project director to discuss fit with company culture and overall project contribution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on your BEST work, specifically highlighting projects relevant to transport planning, infrastructure, or technical reporting. Avoid purely marketing or unrelated design pieces unless they demonstrate a transferable skill.
• Showcase Software Proficiency: Clearly indicate which software was used for each piece. Include examples demonstrating advanced techniques in Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and AutoCAD.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, describe the project context, your role, and the impact of your design. For example, "Created a series of maps that improved client comprehension of proposed network changes by X%," or "Designed bid presentation graphics that contributed to winning project Y."
• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. Consider sections for reports, maps/plans, presentations, and illustrations. Ensure easy navigation.
• Demonstrate Process: Include examples that show your thought process, from initial concept or data to final polished output. This might include sketches, wireframes, or early drafts.
• Technical Accuracy: Ensure all technical details in your graphics (e.g., map scales, road layouts) are accurate and professionally represented.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge, which might involve creating a graphic or presentation slide based on a provided scenario within a time limit.
• Practice articulating your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely.
• Understand how to manage your time effectively during a timed exercise.
• Be ready to discuss how your design approach aligns with the needs of transport planning projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most crucial element for this role. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing a portfolio that directly addresses the requirements for technical graphics and documentation in the transport planning sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • InDesign: Essential for professional report layout, document creation, and publication design. Expect to demonstrate advanced typography, page management, and pre-press knowledge.
  • Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, retouching, compositing, and creating complex graphic elements.
  • Illustrator: The primary tool for creating vector-based graphics, including maps, plans, diagrams, and intricate illustrations. Proficiency in layers, paths, and vector manipulation is key.
• AutoCAD: Essential for working with and producing technical drawings, plans, and site layouts. Ability to interpret and create CAD files is critical.
• SketchUp (Desirable): Useful for 3D modeling and visualization, adding another dimension to project representations.
• Revit (Desirable): Knowledge of BIM software can be beneficial for integration with architectural and engineering design models.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct analytics tools might not be the primary focus, the ability to visualize data effectively from reports and spreadsheets is key. This includes transforming numerical data into charts, graphs, and infographics for reports and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core function of this role, but understanding how design assets integrate into CRM-related proposals or project management workflows could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is heavily weighted towards graphic design and CAD software. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and AutoCAD is non-negotiable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate, and visually compelling design outputs that meet or exceed client expectations.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams, valuing input from engineers and planners, and contributing to a cohesive project environment.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in design, ensuring accuracy in all presented information, and adhering to company policies and procedures.
• Innovation: Employing creativity and imagination to find effective visual solutions that enhance communication and problem-solving within transport planning projects.
• Efficiency: Managing workload effectively, optimizing design processes, and meeting deadlines consistently.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Engaging actively with project teams to understand technical requirements and design needs.
• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from technical experts and project managers to refine designs.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design best practices and insights with team members to elevate the overall quality of project outputs.
• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on how design can solve communication challenges and contribute to project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes technical rigor, collaborative problem-solving, and delivering professional outputs that support the broader engineering and infrastructure goals of AtkinsRéalis.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: The primary challenge will be to effectively visualize and simplify complex transport planning data, engineering concepts, and technical specifications for diverse audiences.
• Balancing Creativity with Technical Accuracy: Ensuring that creative design choices do not compromise the factual accuracy or technical integrity of the information presented.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Demands: Juggling the design requirements and feedback from various project team members and clients, each with potentially different priorities.
• Adhering to Strict Deadlines: Working under pressure to deliver high-quality graphics and documentation within tight project timelines, common in consultancy environments.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new design software and visualization techniques to maintain a cutting-edge skillset.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in existing tools or learn new specialized design and visualization software relevant to infrastructure and transport.
• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Gaining a better understanding of transport planning principles, engineering standards, and project lifecycles.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Working on high-profile projects that allow for the creation of impressive case studies for future career advancement.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning from engineers, planners, and project managers, which can broaden understanding of the broader project delivery ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a specialized technical design role within a fast-paced consultancy. Growth opportunities are tied to deepening domain knowledge and technical skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for creating a complex map or technical illustration for a transport project, from initial brief to final delivery." (Focus on your methodology, software use, and quality checks.)
• Software Proficiency: "Describe a time you had to use [specific software, e.g., Illustrator] to solve a complex visualization problem. What techniques did you employ?" (Be ready to detail specific features and workflows.)
• Collaboration & Feedback: "How do you handle conflicting feedback from different stakeholders on a design project?" (Emphasize your approach to communication, negotiation, and finding optimal solutions.)
• Technical Accuracy: "How do you ensure the technical accuracy of the graphics you produce for engineering projects?" (Highlight your self-checking procedures and collaboration with subject matter experts.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for AtkinsRéalis, particularly within our transport planning division?" (Research AtkinsRéalis's transport projects and values.)
• "How do you see your design skills contributing to the success of our transport planning projects and client engagements?" (Link your skills directly to the company's objectives.)
• "Describe your experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment." (Provide examples of successful collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each piece, briefly explain the project's objective, your specific role, the challenges faced, the design solutions you implemented, and the outcome.
• Technical Focus: Clearly articulate how you used specific software features to achieve the desired results, especially for complex graphics like maps and plans.
• Relevance: Prioritize showcasing work that is most relevant to transport planning, engineering documentation, and technical reporting.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful examples.
• Engagement: Be ready to answer questions about your design choices and be open to discussing alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily scrutinize your technical design skills and your ability to apply them to the specific context of transport planning within a large engineering consultancy.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer - Transport Planning position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the AtkinsRéalis careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest work in technical graphics, map creation, report layout, and presentation design, specifically for engineering or infrastructure projects. Ensure it demonstrates proficiency with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and AutoCAD.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight your 5+ years of relevant experience, focusing on achievements in graphic design for technical documentation and consultancy environments. Use keywords such as "Transport Planning," "Technical Graphics," "Report Production," "Presentation Design," and list your proficiency in the required software.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, software expertise, and collaborative approach. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to translate complex technical information into clear, impactful visuals. Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AtkinsRéalis's transport planning projects, values, and company culture. Understand their approach to engineering and infrastructure development in the GCC region.

⚠️ 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.

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