Director Design Project Management (Urban Core)

About the Role

Qiddiya | القدية is seeking a Director - Design Project Management (Urban Core) to lead the planning, management, coordination, and delivery of design across a portfolio of mixed-use precinct developments. This full-time position is based in Riyadh, Riyadh Province, and focuses on the Urban Core business segment.

Role Purpose and Project Scope

The Director will oversee the end-to-end design management process for a diverse range of assets, including public realm, public spaces, retail, food & beverage, commercial office, and destination-led mixed-use developments. Operating on the client side, this role serves as the primary interface between development, asset management, project delivery, design consultants, authorities, operators, and various stakeholders. The core objective is to ensure that the design vision is translated into high-quality, commercially viable, and operationally effective built environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Design Leadership for all assigned projects within the Urban Core portfolio.
• Manage Project & Programme Management activities, ensuring adherence to timelines and objectives.
• Facilitate Mixed-Use Development Integration across various disciplines and project phases.
• Perform comprehensive Stakeholder Management, fostering effective communication and collaboration.
• Offer Commercial & Development Support to ensure project viability and alignment with business goals.
• Ensure Quality & Compliance standards are met throughout the design and delivery process.
• Provide Team Leadership, guiding and developing design management professionals.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in design management and project management.
• At least 7 years in a leadership role managing large-scale mixed-use developments.
• Proven client-side experience on complex mixed-use, urban regeneration, masterplan, or destination development projects.
• Strong experience overseeing public realm and placemaking-focused developments.
• Demonstrated success in managing international multidisciplinary consultant teams.
• Experience delivering projects throughout the full development lifecycle, from concept design through construction and handover.
• Experience within large-scale masterplanned communities, giga-projects, mixed-use districts, or city-scale developments is highly desirable.
• Middle East experience is strongly preferred.

Desired Attributes

The ideal candidate will be a strategic leader capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously. This role requires a professional who can drive design excellence, maintain programme commitments, and ensure seamless integration across architectural, landscape, infrastructure, public realm, placemaking, and commercial development disciplines.

Work Location

This is a full-time position located in Riyadh, Riyadh Province.