Senior Design Compliance Manager Architect📣 إعلان

About the Role

Mace is seeking a Senior Design Compliance Manager – Architecture to join its team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role involves providing independent architectural design assurance and compliance oversight for a major programme. The successful candidate will ensure all architectural works align with approved designs, Employer’s Requirements, and applicable codes. This position is critical for protecting design intent, maintaining quality standards, and resolving design-related challenges during the construction phase of complex, high-profile developments.

Project Context

This role supports one of the largest programmes in Saudi Arabia, a unique mixed-use development encompassing sports facilities, entertainment, arts, and associated infrastructure. Mace operates as one of the delivery partners, acting in the capacity of the Engineer during the construction phase, requiring experienced professionals to lead integrated teams throughout each project phase.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as part of the Engineer’s team, providing independent review, verification, and approval of architectural design and construction deliverables.
• Lead architectural design compliance during construction, ensuring all works align with approved IFC drawings, specifications, and Employer’s Requirements.
• Review and approve shop drawings, material submittals, mock-ups, RFIs, and finishing schedules.
• Provide site-based assurance of architectural installations, including façades, internal finishes, public realm works, and specialist elements.
• Ensure adherence to design intent, aesthetics, and quality standards, particularly for high-end, design-led environments.
• Identify and manage design deviations, non-compliance, and technical risks, driving resolution with contractors and design consultants.
• Oversee coordination between architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines, ensuring successful integration across constrained and complex interfaces.
• Review and verify façade systems, envelope performance, and finishing details, ensuring compliance with performance and durability requirements.
• Support the issuance of Engineer’s Instructions, approvals, and design compliance certifications, in line with contractual requirements.
• Interface with contractors, supervision teams, and consultants to ensure clear interpretation and execution of design requirements on site.
• Support authority inspections, approvals, and statutory compliance processes.
• Participate in mock-ups, sample approvals, inspections, snagging, and handover, ensuring delivery meets required quality and operational standards.
• Provide reporting on design compliance status, risks, and construction progress to senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition and share responsibility for proactive identification and management of associated carbon emissions and reductions during work delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree qualified in Architecture or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in architectural design compliance, design management, or engineering assurance during construction.
• Strong experience acting for or alongside the Engineer on major projects under FIDIC or similar contracts.
• Demonstrable experience reviewing and approving architectural submittals, shop drawings, and site installations.
• Strong background in high-end finishes, façades, and design-led environments (*, hospitality, mixed-use, public realm).
• Experience delivering large-scale, complex, or high-profile developments.
• Strong understanding of materials, detailing, façade systems, and construction methodologies.
• Experience within the Middle East, with knowledge of authority and regulatory requirements (KSA preferred).
• Professional accreditation (RIBA, AIA, or equivalent) is preferred.
• Strong stakeholder management and technical communication skills.
• Ability to meet necessary visa criteria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and possess relevant work experience on high-valued projects/programmes for a project management consultancy business, as required for immigration and client approval.

Mace Values

Mace's values guide its operations and define its team members. These include a commitment to Safety first, ensuring a safe, diverse, and inclusive working environment with a focus on wellbeing. The company maintains a Client focus by delivering on promises and building long-term relationships. Integrity is upheld by influencing positive outcomes and aligning with compliance obligations. Mace also aims to Create opportunity for its people to excel through a continuous improvement culture.

Work Environment

Mace is an inclusive employer that welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. The company is open to discussing part-time, flexible, and hybrid working options where suitable for the role.