Talent Pool - Design Director - PMC

Company Introduction:

Hill International provides program, project, and construction management services for clients in a range of sectors undertaking major construction projects across the world. Our services include cost engineering and estimating, quality assurance, inspection, scheduling, risk management, and claims avoidance. For more information on Hill, please visit our website at www.hillintl.com

Position Summary:

Hill International is seeking an accomplished Design Director to lead and manage all aspects of design development for major infrastructure, building, and mixed-use projects under a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) model. The role is responsible for overseeing multidisciplinary design teams and consultants, ensuring alignment with client objectives, regulatory requirements, and international quality and sustainability standards across all project phases. The Design Director will drive design excellence, manage risk and change, and collaborate closely with clients, authorities, and delivery teams to ensure timely, buildable, and fully coordinated design outcomes.

General Description of Role and Responsibilities:

• Lead the overall design strategy, ensuring design integrity, functionality, and compliance with project objectives.

• Manage and coordinate all architectural, structural, MEP, and specialist design consultants throughout the design lifecycle.

• Review and approve design submissions, specifications, and detailed drawings at various project stages.

• Ensure timely delivery of design packages in accordance with project schedule and milestones.

• Collaborate with planning, commercial, and construction teams to ensure design feasibility and constructability.

• Monitor and resolve design issues during pre-construction and construction phases.

• Liaise with client representatives, authorities, and stakeholders to obtain approvals and manage expectations.

• Oversee design change management, value engineering, and design risk mitigation.

• Ensure designs meet local codes, international standards, and sustainability targets.

• Prepare and present design reports, design review outcomes, and technical evaluations.

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 20 years of experience in design management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

• Proven experience managing large-scale projects in a PMC or consultancy environment, preferably in the Middle East.

• Deep understanding of multidisciplinary design processes and integration.

• Strong leadership and coordination capabilities

• Excellent communication and client-facing skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of design software and BIM tools

• High attention to detail and quality standards

• Ability to manage multiple design interfaces and fast-track programs