Project Design Leader - Rail

About Woods Bagot – Architecture for Worlds Ahead

We design places that meet the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world. Our commitment to exploration, impact and community creates enduring, forward‑thinking outcomes, unlocking humanity’s highest potential. With a global design culture devoted to creativity, resilience, and purpose – we ensure every project contributes to our client’s vision, inspiring future generations.

Woods Bagot is part of the 7C Network. The 7C Network is an integrated network of design and architecture companies that provides “Total Place Design,” a holistic approach to creating transformative environments. It combines capabilities from its constituent brands – including Woods Bagot, ERA-co, Impact Futures, and Customs Bureau – to offer services in placemaking, sustainability, architecture and interior design, and luxury concepts.

We are seeking an experienced Project Leader to join our Dubai Studio and play a key role in the successful design and delivery of major projects across the Middle East and Europe. The successful candidate will initially lead a significant rail infrastructure project before transitioning to support and lead other key projects across our diverse portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Architect who enjoys working across complex, multidisciplinary environments and is motivated by designing and delivering high-profile projects that shape cities and communities.

• Lead the delivery of major projects from planning and design through to construction and completion.
• Initially provide leadership on a significant rail infrastructure project, ensuring successful delivery against programme, budget, and design objectives.
• Manage project resources, budgets, and risk throughout the project lifecycle.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, stakeholders, authorities, and project partners.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including architecture, engineering, planning, urban design, and specialist consultants.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement, design coordination, and project review meetings.
• Ensure compliance with client requirements, local regulations, and project governance processes.
• Monitor project performance and proactively identify and resolve project challenges.
• Support business development activities and contribute to the pursuit of new project opportunities.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing project environment.

You are an experienced Architectural Project Leader with a proven ability to lead the design and delivery of complex, large-scale projects. Combining strong design sensibility with effective project leadership, you are skilled at managing clients, consultants, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality architectural outcomes across all stages of a project's lifecycle.

• 15+ years' experience designing and delivering complex architectural projects.
• Previous experience working on rail projects.
• Demonstrated experience delivering large-scale, design-led projects with multiple stakeholders and complex coordination requirements.
• Experience working on transportation, rail, aviation, civic, mixed-use, commercial, or other major development projects would be highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of architectural project delivery, including design management, consultant coordination, project planning, and contract administration.
• Excellent design leadership, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree qualification in Architecture; professional registration or chartership is desirable.
• Experience working within the UAE or broader Middle East region, with an understanding of local project delivery processes and regulatory requirements.
• A collaborative leadership style with a passion for mentoring, developing, and inspiring team members.
• Strong appreciation of design quality, technical excellence, and the delivery of innovative architectural solutions.

Applicants are required to submit a resume and portfolio via our Project Leader - Rail Linked In Job…