Director – Design Planning & Services

Director – Design Planning & Services Job Overview

This Director – Design Planning & Services opportunity is presented for job seekers looking for Director – Design Planning & Services Jobs. The role is associated with Abu Dhabi and the stated employer is Aldar Properties. The information below has been reorganized into a practical format so candidates can review the position, responsibilities and stated requirements more easily.

Key Responsibilities

• JOB PURPOSE Lead the Group Design Planning & Services function as the integrated backbone of the Group Design Studio, connecting master planning, infrastructure planning and engineering, public realm, architecture, interior design, design management and design innovation.
• Establish governance, programme, data and performance frameworks that enable coordinated design delivery, design excellence, efficiency and scalability across a multi-project portfolio.
• KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Design Governance and Integration Establish end-to-end design frameworks integrating all disciplines, with common standards, interfaces, decision pathways and accountabilities.Establish unified design governance, procedures and quality frameworks across disciplines.Act as central integrator across design teams, resolving interface risks and ensuring coherent end-to-end design outcomes.
• Programme, Resources and Consultants Lead design programme planning, resource orchestration and milestone governance across all design disciplines.Proactively manage interdependencies across planning, infrastructure, buildings and interiors, optimising resource deployment across concurrent developments.Develop and manage the integrated design procurement strategy, coordinating consultant scopes, interfaces, performance expectations and commercial compliance.Maintain consistency of design intent and accountability across the consultant ecosystem.
• Performance and Studio Operations Deliver portfolio insights to the Group Chief Design Officer and Governance Committees on progress, quality, dependencies, resources and delivery risk.Lead Studio operational support, setting team objectives, developing capability and ensuring scalable, agile and responsive delivery across multiple concurrent developments.
• KEY MEASURES OF SUCCESS Critical design milestones delivered in line with approved portfolio programmes.Identified cross-disciplinary interface risks resolved within agreed timeframes.Compliance with Group design governance and quality standards.
• EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 14+ years of relevant experience in design planning, design management, design operations or a related built-environment discipline.6+ years in managerial leadership roles.

Qualifications and Skills

• Establish governance, programme, data and performance frameworks that enable coordinated design delivery, design excellence, efficiency and scalability across a multi-project portfolio.
• Programme, Resources and Consultants Lead design programme planning, resource orchestration and milestone governance across all design disciplines.Proactively manage interdependencies across planning, infrastructure, buildings and interiors, optimising resource deployment across concurrent developments.Develop and manage the integrated design procurement strategy, coordinating consultant scopes, interfaces, performance expectations and commercial compliance.Maintain consistency of design intent and accountability across the consultant ecosystem.
• Performance and Studio Operations Deliver portfolio insights to the Group Chief Design Officer and Governance Committees on progress, quality, dependencies, resources and delivery risk.Lead Studio operational support, setting team objectives, developing capability and ensuring scalable, agile and responsive delivery across multiple concurrent developments.
• EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 14+ years of relevant experience in design planning, design management, design operations or a related built-environment discipline.6+ years in managerial leadership roles.
• TECHNICAL AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS Design planning and programme governanceCross-disciplinary design integrationConsultant and procurement managementData, digital and AI-enabled workflow optimisationStakeholder managementStrategic planning and problem solvingMicrosoft Office, PowerPoint and ExcelProject and portfolio management platformsDesign, common data environment (CDE) and collaboration platformsAnalytics, AI and large language model tools; workflow automation tools QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning, Design Management or a related discipline (required)Master's degree (preferred)Relevant professional certification or membership (preferred) We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information.

What Job Seekers Should Know

Applicants should compare their experience and skills with the requirements stated for this Director – Design Planning & Services position. Important details such as salary, benefits, working arrangements and eligibility are included only when they are provided in the available job information. Candidates should verify any changing employment details before applying.

Application Information

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