Associate Director - Urban Advisory (Infrastructure + Masterplanning)

Company Description Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We're looking for an experienced Associate Director, to join our Urban Advisory team in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In this strategic role, you will drive the development and delivery of high-impact Infrastructure projects while building and mentoring a talented team. You will work closely with clients, stakeholders, and internal leadership to shape the future of urban developments across the region.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the conception, development, and execution of urban advisory projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives and organizational standards
• Conduct comprehensive market analysis, feasibility studies, and strategic assessments to inform urban development recommendations
• Develop and present strategic recommendations to senior leadership, clients, and key stakeholders, translating complex data into actionable insights
• Manage client relationships throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring satisfaction, clear communication, and successful project outcomes
• Oversee project teams, providing direction, mentorship, and performance feedback to ensure delivery excellence and professional development
• Analyze urban trends, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics to identify opportunities and risks within the built environment sector
• Contribute to business development initiatives, including proposal development, pitch preparation, and new market opportunities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate sustainability, innovation, and best practices into advisory solutions
• Monitor project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation to ensure efficient delivery and profitability
• Stay current with industry developments, emerging technologies, and evolving best practices in urban planning and advisory

Qualifications

• Degree in economics, urban planning, public policy, or a related field.
• 14+ years in urban advisory, economic development, and infrastructure
• Proven track record directing complex, multi‑stakeholder advisory projects from inception to delivery.
• Advanced competency in economic appraisal, feasibility, and financial modeling for urban and infrastructure projects.
• Experience with major transport and mobility programs, infrastructure corridors, urban regeneration programs and economic and industrial cities.
• Strong commercial acumen: scope definition, budgeting and risk management.

Additional Information At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of abs