Senior Design Manager Arch/ID📣 Job Ad

About the Role

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Senior Design Manager with expertise in Architecture and Interior Design to lead the development and delivery of significant leisure and hospitality projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This role will involve managing multi-disciplinary design teams, ensuring design excellence, alignment with brand standards, and fostering collaboration with all project stakeholders. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in delivering innovative, high-quality design solutions that meet stringent project schedules, budgets, and regulatory requirements.

This opportunity allows for shaping the future of prominent leisure and hospitality destinations in the Kingdom, contributing to transformative projects that enhance the regional landscape and visitor experiences. You will be instrumental in leading the architectural and interior design vision from conceptual stages through to detailed design and construction completion, ensuring design integrity is meticulously maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural and interior design vision from concept to detailed design and construction stages.
• Ensure design integrity is maintained throughout all project lifecycle phases.
• Drive innovation and creative excellence, aligning designs with current hospitality trends and exceptional guest experience expectations.
• Review and approve all design deliverables, including concept presentations, drawings, specifications, and material selections.
• Manage external consultants, design firms, and contractors to ensure timely and high-quality project delivery.
• Develop and monitor comprehensive design schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
• Proactively identify and mitigate design risks, ensuring issues are resolved efficiently throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee value engineering initiatives while strictly maintaining design integrity and brand standard adherence.
• Act as a key liaison between internal teams (Development, Operations, Marketing) and external consultants.
• Collaborate closely with brand operators (hotels, F&B, entertainment partners) to ensure strict adherence to brand guidelines.
• Present design concepts and progress updates effectively to stakeholders and senior clients.
• Coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure full compliance with local laws and regulations in Saudi Arabia.
• Ensure all designs meet local building codes, sustainability standards, and international best practices.
• Oversee BIM coordination and design integration across all disciplines, including architecture, interior design, MEP systems, and landscaping.
• Review shop drawings, mock-ups, and material samples to ensure quality and compliance.
• Support construction teams by providing essential technical guidance and resolving design-related issues promptly.
• Establish and enforce rigorous design quality standards across all project phases.
• Ensure strict adherence to project brand identities, guest experience objectives, and operational requirements.
• Monitor construction progress to ensure alignment with approved designs.
• Conduct site visits and inspections to ensure quality and design consistency.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field.
• Minimum of 20 years of experience in Architecture/Interior Design.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a design leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale hospitality or leisure projects, such as hotels, resorts, or entertainment venues.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality design execution and innovative solutions.
• Exceptional design creativity and a keen aesthetic sense.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• In-depth knowledge of hospitality design standards and guest experience principles.
• Proficiency in design and documentation tools, including AutoCAD, Revit/BIM, and Adobe Suite.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive and perform effectively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Previous experience working in Saudi Arabia or the GCC region is essential.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and approval processes in Saudi Arabia.

Required Skills

• Architecture
• Interior Design
• Project Management
• Organizational Skills
• Hospitality Design Standards
• Guest Experience Principles
• AutoCAD
• Revit/BIM
• Adobe Suite
• Communication
• Stakeholder Management
• Problem Solving
• Value Engineering
• BIM Coordination

Work Environment and Location

This role is based in Riyadh, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia. It is a full-time position.