Landscape Principal - Abu Dhabi
About this role
An international, award winning Landscape, Urban and Planning practice, placed within a tier-one multi-disciplinary Engineering and design consultancy, are seeking an industry leading Landscape Architect to join their executive team in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
The position is suited to a Principal/ Associate Director Landscape Architect to come in as a 2iC to the Managing Director within a 200 person design practice. A Landscape Architect with all-around experience and the ability to lead and influence people. In this role, you will be working closely with the Managing Director and other Principals to foster design innovation and environmental intelligence across the Landscape and Planning teams. You will play a vital role in managing project health and collaborating with financial teams, ensuring effective communication and project execution from conception to completion.
If you are an ambitious high-achiever who wants to work on some of the most ambitious projects in the EMEA, with a focus on design, competitions, bids and new work, this may be the role for you.
A highly attractive salary with generous travel, relocation and family allowances (healthcare, schooling etc.)
- Collaborate with the Managing Director to develop and implement best practices in design, environmental management, and operations
- Organize design charrettes and regular project review meetings for active projects
- Lead the design and client contact for bids, competitions and emerging market exploration
- Provide mentorship and guidance in design across the practice
- Monitor project performance indicators and produce regular reports for management review
- Represent the practice at conferences and contribute to thought leadership publications
- Work with studio leads to identify and resolve project performance issues proactively
- Enhance operational systems and processes to support strategic development, including employee development and financial management
- Participate in fiscal planning meetings with executive leadership
- Manage the overall budget and forecasting in collaboration with the Managing Director and Director of Operations
- Develop and implement management procedures, including quality management systems aimed at achieving ISO 9001 certification
- Ensure adherence to corporate QA/QC standards
- Perform additional tasks as directed by the Managing Director or executives
Skills and Experience:
- Qualifications in Landscape Architecture preferred, Urban Planning, or a related field considered, professional registration is required
- History of design excellence and a successful record in design competitions and competitive tenders
- Working at a level equivalent to 15+ years of experience in landscape architecture, urban or planning consultancy, with a demonstrated ability to manage complex projects
- Strong knowledge of design processes and production, with the ability to prioritize resources effectively
- Proven track record in managing commercial and contractual aspects of projects, including contract negotiation and administration
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to lead and motivate teams
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
- Familiarity with sustainability certifications such as LEED, BREAM, or WELL is a plus
Benefits and Culture:
- Highly competitive salary and performance bonuses
- Generous relocation, travel and family allowances (including schooling)
- Professional development programs and mentorship opportunities
- Succession planning framework with option to join top level management
- A culture that values diversity, innovation, creativity, and work-life balance
