Senior Design Compliance Manager Architect (Saudi national)📣 Job Ad

About Mace and the Project

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to deliver projects and unlock potential. The company is a delivery partner for a major mixed-use development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which includes sports facilities, entertainment, arts, and associated infrastructure. This full-time role is for a Senior Design Compliance Manager Architect, a Saudi national, to support this significant program currently in its construction phase.

Role Overview

The Senior Design Compliance Manager Architect acts in the capacity of the Engineer, providing independent architectural design assurance and compliance oversight. This position ensures that all architectural works are delivered in accordance with approved designs, Employer’s Requirements, and applicable codes. The role is critical for protecting design intent, maintaining quality standards, and resolving design-related challenges during construction, particularly across complex, high-profile developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide independent review, verification, and approval of architectural design and construction deliverables as part of the Engineer’s team.
• Lead architectural design compliance during construction, ensuring alignment 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, especially 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 for successful integration across complex interfaces.
• Review and verify façade systems, envelope performance, and finishing details to ensure 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.
• Contribute to the common goal of net zero carbon transition, including proactive identification and management of associated carbon emissions and reductions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree qualification 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.
• Professional accreditation (RIBA, AIA, or equivalent) is preferred.

Required Skills and Knowledge

• Strong understanding of materials, detailing, façade systems, and construction methodologies.
• Experience within the Middle East, with knowledge of authority and regulatory requirements (KSA preferred).
• Strong stakeholder management and technical communication skills.

Additional Requirements

Candidates must be a Saudi national and meet the necessary visa criteria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Relevant work experience on high-valued projects/programs for a project management consultancy business is required for immigration and client approval.