I'm currently working with an international multidisciplinary consultancy in Dubai looking to appoint a Head of Urban Design & Masterplanning to lead and grow its team across the Middle East.
This is a senior leadership role focused on developing the business, growing the team and strengthening client relationships, whilst overseeing the delivery of major masterplanning and urban design projects across mixed-use, residential, hospitality and large-scale developments.
The successful individual will lead and mentor an established team, drive recruitment, improve capability and processes, support business development and play a key role in shaping the future direction of the department alongside the executive leadership team.
This opportunity would suit somebody currently operating at Associate Director, Director or Head of Urban Design/Masterplanning level within an international consultancy who is looking to take ownership of a business unit and significantly influence its growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Urban Design & Masterplanning department across the region.
- Build, mentor and grow a high-performing team of urban designers and masterplanners.
- Define the strategic direction and future growth of the business unit.
- Oversee the delivery and design quality of multiple large-scale masterplanning and urban design projects.
- Develop and strengthen relationships with developers, government authorities and key stakeholders.
- Drive business development activities, identify new opportunities and help secure major commissions.
- Improve operational performance, team capability and project delivery processes.
- Work closely with the executive leadership team on business planning, resource growth and regional expansion.
- Champion design excellence whilst ensuring commercial and operational objectives are achieved.
Requirements
- Extensive experience leading Urban Design and/or Masterplanning teams within a recognised international consultancy.
- Strong leadership credentials with experience managing, mentoring and growing multidisciplinary teams.
- Proven track record of building, expanding or developing a successful Urban Design or Masterplanning business unit.
- Excellent client-facing, commercial and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to develop long-term client relationships.
- Strong experience delivering large-scale masterplanned communities, mixed-use developments, new cities, waterfronts or regeneration projects.
- Experience presenting to clients, government authorities and executive stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of the Middle East development market and planning environment is preferred.
- Experience contributing to business development, strategic planning and winning new work.
This represents an excellent opportunity to take ownership of an established Urban Design & Masterplanning business unit within a respected international consultancy, with the autonomy to grow the team, influence the strategic direction of the business and play a key role in its continued expansion across the Middle East.
