Sr. Leading Architect

About Assystem and the Role

Assystem is an international engineering company focused on accelerating the global energy transition. With 6,500 professionals across 12 countries, Assystem provides engineering, project management, and digital services for complex infrastructure projects, particularly in highly regulated sectors. The company is a leader in nuclear engineering, committed to developing viable, efficient, and reliable energy solutions. This Sr. Leading Architect role is a full-time position based in Al Khobar, Eastern Region, requiring 5-10 years of experience.

Architectural Discipline Leadership

The Sr. Leading Architect will lead the architectural team across assigned projects, providing technical direction, mentoring, and support. This includes allocating activities, monitoring design productivity, and ensuring consistent design standards and engineering practices. The role also involves supporting recruitment, professional development, and maintaining high standards of architectural design quality and documentation.

Key Responsibilities in Design Management and Development

• Lead and oversee architectural design development for buildings, infrastructure, and master planning projects, from concept and feasibility studies through detailed architectural design.
• Manage space planning, functional planning, schematic design, and design development.
• Coordinate interior architectural elements, building envelope, façade design, and external works.
• Ensure appropriate development and technical review of architectural plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and specifications.
• Lead the preparation and review of design deliverables, including Design Basis Reports, concept and detailed design packages, and tender documentation.

Regulatory Compliance and Coordination

• Ensure architectural designs comply with the Saudi Building Code, Saudi Civil Defense requirements, accessibility regulations, and local authority requirements.
• Apply international standards (IBC, NFPA, ICC, ISO, BS/BS EN, ASTM) where consistent with project and Saudi requirements, identifying and resolving any conflicts.
• Lead technical coordination with relevant Saudi authorities and municipalities, managing submissions, responding to comments, and monitoring approval status.
• Coordinate architectural requirements with multidisciplinary engineering teams (Structural, Civil, MEP, Fire & Life Safety, Telecom, Landscape, Interior Design, etc.) to ensure integrated designs.

BIM, Technical Assurance, and Stakeholder Interface

• Lead BIM implementation within the architectural discipline, coordinating with BIM Managers and participating in clash-detection reviews.
• Perform technical reviews, interdisciplinary design reviews, and participate in technical assurance and project gateway reviews.
• Represent the architectural discipline in client meetings, presenting design concepts and responding to technical comments.
• Provide support during tender and construction phases, including reviewing technical submissions, contractor proposals, and resolving site issues.

Value Engineering and Sustainability

The role involves identifying opportunities to optimize architectural design solutions, evaluating alternatives based on CAPEX, OPEX, functionality, constructability, durability, and maintainability. The Sr. Leading Architect will promote sustainable and energy-efficient architectural solutions, support low-carbon objectives, and encourage innovative approaches while maintaining technical and commercial feasibility.