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.

About the Role

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

About You

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.

Qualifications and Experience:

• 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.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit a resume and portfolio via our Project Leader – Rail LinkedIn Job Post. Due to file upload restrictions we recommend providing a link to your portfolio within your resume. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or names from agencies. All personal data collected by us will be kept confidential and only used for recruitment purposes.

Mandatory Requirement: It is an essential requirement that at the time of applying for this position, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UAE.

7C – Total Place Design Network

7C is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status. At 7C, we are committed to creating an environment where difference is celebrated, valued and respected, practices are equitable, and our people feel like they belong. We accept that none of us is smarter than all of us. We believe building a diverse workforce is the foundation to creativity and innovative design – it is only by working together that we can realise the potential of our people, clients and communities around us. Through our inclusive leadership and our truly global studio network, you will find your voice and have the support and flexibility required to bring your whole self to work and build an exceptional career.