--- title: 'Director – Design Planning & Services at Aldar Properties PJSC' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/director-design-planning-services-aldar-properties-pjsc-abu-dhabi-q2d0k8gk2dxb' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-13' --- # Director – Design Planning & Services at Aldar Properties PJSC - **Company:** Aldar Properties PJSC - **Location:** Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-08-20 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-13 - **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/aldar/20982669-6eb3-41ea-b3ac-8895d0989533 ## Job description ## 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. Data, Digital and AI - Own the Studio's integrated data and systems architecture, providing visibility of progress, dependencies, resources, risks and decisions. - Embed AI-enabled tools, including large language models and agents, to improve scenario planning, tracking, risk detection, reporting and cross-discipline coordination. 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. ## TECHNICAL AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS - Design planning and programme governance - Cross-disciplinary design integration - Consultant and procurement management - Data, digital and AI-enabled workflow optimisation - Stakeholder management - Strategic planning and problem solving - Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and Excel - Project and portfolio management platforms - Design, common data environment (CDE) and collaboration platforms - Analytics, 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) ## About Aldar Properties PJSC ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Aldar Properties PJSC is the leading real estate developer, manager, and investor in the UAE, master‑planning communities and managing a diversified portfolio across residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and education. - **Entity Type**: Public (ticker: ALDAR on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange) - **Headquarters**: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - **Founded**: 2005 (IPO year; exact founding date not publicly available) - **Founders**: Not publicly available ## Core Business - **Primary industry/industries**: Real estate development, investment, property management, education, hospitality, and retail. - **Target customers**: B2B (corporate tenants, government entities, institutional investors), B2C (residential buyers and tenants), and B2G (government housing projects). - **Mission or purpose statement**: Not explicitly stated in the provided sources, but the company emphasizes creating integrated, sustainable communities and delivering long‑term value to stakeholders while supporting the UAE’s Net Zero Strategic Initiative. ## Products & Services - **Aldar Development** – Master developer of large‑scale residential communities (e.g., Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Raha, Reem Island) and commercial projects. Also manages a ~65 million sqm land bank and delivers government housing and infrastructure projects (AED 45 billion backlog). - **Aldar Investment** – Platform that owns and manages recurring‑income assets: - **Investment Properties** – Grade‑A offices (HQ, ADGM Square), retail malls (Yas Mall, Al Jimi Mall), logistics, and residential for lease. - **Hospitality & Leisure** – Hotels and resorts (e.g., Nurai Island, DoubleTree by Hilton, Rixos Bab Al Bahr) and golf clubs. - **Aldar Education** – Leading private education provider in Abu Dhabi, operating schools and academies (e.g., Cranleigh Bahrain). - **Aldar Estates** – The region’s largest integrated property and facilities management platform (merged with Eltizam Asset Management). - **Aldar Ventures** – Incubates new business opportunities and innovation in areas like sustainability and digital. - **Aldar Egypt** – Development platform focused on mixed‑use communities in Egypt (via SODIC). - **International** – London Square (UK) and other overseas ventures. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed in the provided sources. - **Key Metric**: Annual revenue of AED 33.8 billion (latest fiscal year). - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Government of Abu Dhabi (major shareholder), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB – via acquisition of FAB Properties), Dubai Holding (strategic partnership for Dubai market), Abu Dhabi Housing Authority. - **Growth Signals**: - Headcount grew 21.1% year‑over‑year to 1,680 employees (LinkedIn data). - Group development sales reached AED 27.9 billion, with AED 16 billion from overseas and expat buyers. - Expanded into Dubai (launched Haven), Ras Al Khaimah (Nikki Beach Residences), Bahrain (Cranleigh Bahrain), and the UK (London Square). - Launched The Sustainable City on Yas Island and a Net Zero decarbonisation plan. - Increased investments in Aldar Education (AED 350 million) and mall redevelopment (AED 500 million). - Achieved a 21% improvement in Net Promoter Score (NPS) compared to 2022. ## Competitive Advantages - **Scale and diversification**: One of the largest real estate players in the region with a balanced portfolio of development, investment, education, hospitality, and property management. - **Government backing**: Strong ties to the Abu Dhabi government provide access to prime land, capital, and major infrastructure mandates. - **Integrated operating model**: The merger of development and asset management under one roof allows end‑to‑end value creation from master‑planning to property management. - **Geographic expansion**: Successfully entered Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Egypt, and the UK, reducing reliance on a single market. - **Sustainability leadership**: Early adoption of net‑zero commitments and a real estate climate pledge differentiate the brand. ## Strategic Focus - **Geographic diversification**: Further penetration of the Dubai market, continued growth in Egypt and the UK. - **Sustainability**: Implementing the Net Zero comprehensive plan, investing in retrofits, and launching new sustainable communities. - **Digital transformation**: Using AI for risk management, customer journey, and data analytics; piloting sustainability‑focused start‑ups. - **Customer experience**: Enhancing CRM, digital SPAs, and loyalty programmes to improve NPS. - **Talent and Emiratisation**: Onboarding 661 Emiratis through the NAFIS programme and maintaining a “Great Place to Work” certification. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Aldar is recognised as a “Great Place to Work” and actively invests in employee development and well‑being. - **Growth trajectory**: Rapid expansion across multiple geographies and sectors offers opportunities for internal mobility and career advancement. - **Diverse workforce**: Staff from 43 countries, with a strong push for local talent (NAFIS programme). - **Work location**: On‑site roles in Abu Dhabi (with some positions in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah); the company’s presence in Egypt and the UK may offer international assignments. - **Notable perks**: Not explicitly listed, but the company’s scale and government affiliation suggest competitive compensation and benefits common in UAE real estate. - **Engineering/tech culture**: Investment in AI, data projects, and digital ventures indicates a growing tech focus within the organisation. ## Sources 1. [Aldar Careers Page](https://jobs.lever.co/aldar) 2. [Aldar Investor Relations](https://ir.aldar.com/) 3. [Aldar LinkedIn Profile](https://linkedin.com/company/aldar_properties) 4. [Aldar Corporate Website](https://www.aldar.com/en/explore-aldar/about-aldar/story) ## Other roles at Aldar Properties PJSC - [Vice President - Commercials](https://feeny.ai/job/vice-president-commercials-aldar-properties-pjsc-abu-dhabi-w489v0zzgyeb) — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - [Sales Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/sales-manager-aldar-properties-pjsc-dubai-mcbk8beag4vf) — Dubai, United Arab Emirates - [Vice President - International Sales](https://feeny.ai/job/vice-president-international-sales-aldar-properties-pjsc-dubai-fyjf0qbmj9fn) — Dubai, United Arab Emirates - [Executive Assistant - Investment Management (Emirati Talent only)](https://feeny.ai/job/executive-assistant-investment-management-emirati-talent-only-aldar-properties-gtf7441y4m1z) — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - [Associate – Asset Management (Residential/Commercial)](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-asset-management-residential-commercial-aldar-properties-pjsc-abu-6csgw1ecakh5) — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - [Assistant Vice President – Financial Planning & Analysis](https://feeny.ai/job/assistant-vice-president-financial-planning-analysis-aldar-properties-pjsc-abu-hzw26s8wctk4) — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - [Assistant Vice President - Wealth Management](https://feeny.ai/job/assistant-vice-president-wealth-management-aldar-properties-pjsc-dubai-wpnftfe6naq4) — Dubai, United Arab Emirates - [Senior Accountant - Financial Reporting](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-accountant-financial-reporting-aldar-properties-pjsc-abu-dhabi-ykszwvmhcnk9) — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - [Associate Director – Commercial Assurance](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-commercial-assurance-aldar-properties-pjsc-abu-dhabi-0td1t2009y80) — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - [Associate Director - D Sell Portfolio Management](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-d-sell-portfolio-management-aldar-properties-pjsc-abu-dhabi-xwsb5p2yayj4) — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates