Design Manager Infrastructure

About the Role

WSP in the Middle East is seeking an experienced Design Manager Infrastructure to lead complex multidisciplinary infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on land development and master-planned communities. This full-time position is based in the Makkah region, specifically covering projects in Jeddah and Makkah.

Role Overview

The Design Manager will be responsible for leading and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams across major infrastructure and land development projects. This role serves as the primary interface between clients, internal technical teams, authorities, and external stakeholders, ensuring projects meet high standards of quality, schedule, and commercial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary design teams for infrastructure and land development projects.
• Manage the entire design process from concept through detailed design and construction support, ensuring quality at all stages.
• Develop and implement design management plans, programmes, and delivery strategies.
• Ensure coordination among various disciplines including roads, utilities, drainage, public realm, transportation, and structures.
• Monitor project progress against scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives.
• Serve as the primary client contact for design delivery matters and maintain relationships with KSA government entities, developers, and stakeholders.
• Provide strategic technical leadership and review design submissions for compliance with project requirements, local regulations, and industry standards.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies throughout the design process.
• Support project directors and managers in planning, resource management, and monitoring design budgets and profitability.
• Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary design teams, fostering collaboration and technical excellence.

Qualifications and Experience

• A strong background working within leading engineering consultancies.
• Substantial experience (+10 years) managing infrastructure design for large-scale master-planned developments, major highways, complex interchanges, urban expansions, mixed-use communities, and public sector projects in Saudi Arabia.

Technical Oversight and Commercial Acumen

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, monitor resource allocation for efficient design, and ensure design solutions align with project objectives for functionality, sustainability, constructability, and cost efficiency. This role also involves supporting proposal preparation, technical methodologies, and fee submissions, alongside managing design change processes and scope control.

Team Leadership and Development

This position requires the ability to lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. The Design Manager will contribute to talent development, succession planning, and enhancing technical capabilities within the business.