Senior Design Manager📣 Job Ad

About the Role

People Group Arabia is seeking a Senior Design Manager to join a leading contractor on a major full-time program based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This position is central to leading the design delivery of Operations Compound and back-of-house operational facilities, which are functional assets supporting day-to-day operations.

Project Context and Focus

The role focuses on delivering essential infrastructure rather than iconic or luxury developments, requiring a highly delivery-focused and commercially aware individual who can add value from day one. This is an opportunity to contribute to a flagship program in Riyadh, where speed of delivery, collaboration, and technical excellence are key to success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design management process across multiple Operations Compound assets.
• Manage multidisciplinary consultants and ensure design deliverables are issued in line with program requirements.
• Coordinate with construction, commercial, planning, procurement, and client teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Review technical submissions, resolve design clashes, and drive buildable design solutions.
• Ensure compliance with project standards, statutory requirements, and quality expectations.
• Support the project team in achieving program milestones through proactive design leadership.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager working for a main contractor, with 5-10 years of relevant experience.
• Strong Design & Build (D&B) experience is essential.
• Experience delivering operational compounds, logistics facilities, industrial buildings, maintenance depots, infrastructure support buildings, or similar back-of-house assets.
• Demonstrable experience managing the design process from concept through construction and handover.

Essential Skills and Attributes

• Strong technical coordination skills with the ability to manage consultants, subcontractors, and internal delivery teams.
• Excellent understanding of buildability, program management, and design coordination.
• Ability to work at pace, manage competing priorities, and resolve technical challenges quickly.
• A proactive individual who can integrate quickly and thrive in a fast-moving project environment.

Work Environment

This position is part of a flagship program in Riyadh, operating within a high-profile development. The successful candidate will be expected to hit the ground running and contribute effectively to a project environment where speed of delivery, collaboration, and technical excellence are paramount.