Head of Design and Approvals

About Business:

Adani Group: Adani Group is a diversified organisation in India comprising 10 publicly traded companies. It has created a world class logistics and utility infrastructure portfolio that has a pan-India presence. Adani Group is headquartered in Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat, India. Over the years, Adani Group has positioned itself to be the market leader in its logistics and energy businesses focusing on large scale infrastructure development in India with O & M practices benchmarked to global standards. With four IG rated businesses, it is the only Infrastructure Investment Grade issuer in India.

Adani Airports Holding Limited: Adani Airports Holding Limited is reshaping the aviation landscape, transforming airports into dynamic hubs of connectivity, innovation, and service excellence. By prioritizing passenger experience, leveraging state-of-the-art technology, and enhancing operational efficiency, we are redefining airport infrastructure across India. Our vision is to create world-class airports that serve as gateways to regional development and global connectivity, positioning Adani Airports as a leader in the aviation sector with a focus on sustainable growth and community impact.

Job Purpose: Head - Design is responsible for leading and overseeing the development of innovative and sustainable design concepts that enhance airport infrastructure and passenger experiences. This role involves strategic planning, team leadership, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to ensure design excellence and alignment with business goals. By leveraging industry best practices and advanced technologies, the Head of Design aims to create flexible, future-ready environments that optimize operational efficiency and support the airport's growth and sustainability objectives.

Education Qualification:

A Master’s degree in Urban Design, Architecture, or a related field is preferred.

Certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) are advantageous. Certifications available in India include NICMAR’s Project Management Certification and IGBC’s Accredited Professional Certification.

Work Experience:

18+ years of experience in architectural design and urban planning

Experience in Greenfield project development.

Experience in planning & design management of mixed use development, hotels, retail mall, offices, convention centres, terminals and ATC.

Strategic Leadership:

Continuously assess industry best practices and emerging trends to develop innovative design concepts for both greenfield and brownfield projects that enhance airport flexibility and future readiness.

Analyze key business drivers for design and create strategic plans that positively impact the airport's operational and financial performance.

Consultant Management:

Identify, select, and engage with local and global design consultants or consortia to ensure comprehensive coverage of the design scope.

Collaborate with senior leadership and consultants to prepare and deliver impactful design presentations to stakeholders.

Operational Excellence:

Develop and oversee effective design delivery strategies, continuously assessing and improving team strengths and weaknesses.

Establish systems for ongoing reviews of design consultants’ drawings in coordination with the in-house MEP design team, ensuring adherence to specifications.

Drive the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) that define turnaround times (TATs) for design activities to ensure consistency and timely deliverables.

Interdepartmental Collaboration:

Foster close collaboration with internal stakeholders to align departmental goals and objectives, facilitating timely project delivery.

Develop proactive strategies to anticipate challenges and course corrections necessary for efficient departmental operations.

Project Management and Oversight:

Manage the entire lifecycle of Design projects from initiation through to launch and successful operations. Ensure that all design-related deliveries are timely, accurate, and aligned with stakeholder requirements, managing dependencies effectively.

Conduct frequent mission meetings to monitor progress, identify potential delays, and implement corrective actions as needed.

Address and resolve design-related queries and concerns from stakeholders promptly and effectively.

Sourcing and Product Development:

Work closely with the sourcing team to explore new products and technologies, maintaining a real-time database for continuous improvement in design.

Track project progress through design review meetings, internal reviews, and monthly progress assessments, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Reporting and Communication:

Ensure preparations of comprehensive reports and presentations for various departments and the CEO’s office, highlighting design delivery performance and project updates.

Ensure that design outputs align with stakeholder expectations, providing detailed lifecycle estimates and cost impacts for alternative proposals and new technologies.

Budget Management:

Monitor and ensure that design activities align with project budgets and estimates, maintaining strict oversight of financial performance.

Maintain vigilance over design changes, facilitating timely discussions to prevent budget overruns and ensure adherence to approved financial plans.

Oversee the profit and loss (P&L) of the design department, ensuring financial accountability and sustainability.

Team Leadership and Development:

Lead and mentor an in-house design management team, fostering a culture of high-quality design delivery and collaboration.

Encourage participation in external training programs, conferences, and industry events to keep the team updated on best practices and emerging trends.

Digital Mindset:

Advocate for the adoption of advanced digital tools and technologies (e.g., BIM, GIS, VR) to enhance design processes and improve efficiency.

Promote a culture of data-driven decision-making within the design team, encouraging the use of analytics to inform design choices and project strategies.