Associate Director Design Management (Stadiums)

About Mace Group

Mace Group combines construction expertise with consultancy services to enhance projects and capabilities. The company is providing strategic project management consultancy for significant new stadium constructions, multiple stadium redevelopments, and broader precinct transformations in Riyadh. This scope includes increasing existing stadium capacities, delivering major mixed-use amenities, and implementing knowledge-transfer initiatives for operational excellence and long-term sustainability.

Associate Director – Design Management (Stadiums)

Mace Group is seeking an Associate Director for Design Management specializing in stadiums. This part-time role, based in Riyadh, requires over 10 years of experience and is scheduled to commence in January 2027, subject to approval. The position involves leading design management and coordination for complex projects within the sports and stadium development sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage post-contract design management and coordination across multiple disciplines and asset types.
• Oversee the contractor-led design process, including detailed design completion, specialist subcontractor design, shop drawings, material submittals, samples, and method-related design inputs.
• Lead the review and resolution of RFIs, technical queries, site instructions, design clarifications, and field-change requests within agreed response periods.
• Establish and maintain design governance processes, design review procedures, and approval workflows.
• Oversee design assurance and compliance reviews against employer requirements, authority conditions, relevant codes, international standards, and venue operational requirements.
• Lead technical reviews and design assurance activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate closely with project management, commercial, procurement, construction, and stakeholder teams.
• Manage design-related risks, opportunities, and change management processes.
• Oversee value engineering initiatives while maintaining design intent and quality standards.
• Manage design interfaces with contractors, specialist subcontractors, and suppliers, ensuring technical submittals and design information are coordinated with procurement and construction requirements.
• Provide senior-level reporting and presentations to executive stakeholders.
• Drive innovation, best practice, and continuous improvement across the design management function.
• Work closely with site teams to resolve buildability, sequencing, installation, and multidisciplinary interface issues affecting construction progress.
• Oversee the review and close-out of as-built drawings, design changes, technical documentation, and handover requirements.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, urban design, construction management, or a related discipline.
• Professional membership with a recognized institution (RIBA, RICS, ICE, CIOB, PMI, or equivalent).
• Typically 15+ years of experience in design management, project delivery, or program management.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary design teams on major complex developments.
• Experience working on large-scale sports and stadium developments, including venues designed to meet FIFA standards.
• Strong knowledge of design management processes, design governance, and stage-gate reviews.
• Proven experience managing international design consultants and stakeholder groups.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies and the relationship between design and delivery.
• Experience working within complex client-side, PMC, or program environments.

Key Competencies

• Leadership
• Technical Excellence
• Program Delivery
• Stakeholder Management

Application Process

Mace Group is an inclusive employer and encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates. If you wish to be considered for this position, please apply. Even if you do not meet all criteria, you may still be suitable for this or another role within the organization.