Senior Design Manager📣 Job Ad

About the Role

People Group Arabia is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager for a significant new building project within a prestigious masterplanned development in Riyadh. This role is central to managing and coordinating the delivery of main fit-out works, ensuring the successful realization of design intent into a high-quality built asset. The project contributes to the Kingdom's evolving built environment as part of a major mixed-use destination focused on setting new standards in quality and innovation.

The design for this project has reached the Issued for Construction (IFC) stage. The Senior Design Manager will lead design-related activities throughout the fit-out delivery phase, collaborating with the client, consultants, contractors, and specialist suppliers. The position requires a strong focus on design quality, technical compliance, coordination, and programme performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the fit-out design management process from the Issued for Construction (IFC) stage through to construction, commissioning, and final handover.
• Manage and facilitate design coordination among consultants, main contractors, specialist subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure seamless integration of all design elements.
• Review and manage critical design documentation, including shop drawings, material submittals, Requests for Information (RFIs), technical submissions, and proposed design changes.
• Ensure strict compliance with all project requirements, relevant statutory regulations, building codes, and established quality standards.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary interfaces, encompassing architectural, interior design, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP), Audio-Visual (AV), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), security systems, and other specialist systems.
• Drive the timely resolution of technical issues and design clashes to support construction progress.
• Monitor the delivery of design packages against established programme milestones and overall project objectives.
• Support value engineering initiatives while maintaining design integrity and high project quality standards.
• Participate in client and stakeholder meetings, presenting design solutions, progress updates, and strategic recommendations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of risk management and mitigation strategies related to design and technical delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree qualification in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in design management, with substantial exposure to large-scale building projects.
• Proven track record in managing complex fit-out and interiors packages for high-end commercial, hospitality, mixed-use, cultural, or public sector developments.
• Strong understanding of construction delivery processes and effective design coordination practices during project execution.
• Prior experience working collaboratively with international consultants and diverse multidisciplinary project teams.
• Ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced, high-profile project environment.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Design Management
• Construction Delivery Processes
• Design Coordination
• Shop Drawings Management
• Material Submittals Review
• RFI Management
• Technical Submissions Handling
• Design Change Management
• Understanding of Statutory Regulations and Codes
• Adherence to Quality Standards
• Multidisciplinary Interface Coordination (Architectural, Interior Design, MEP, AV, ICT, Security, Specialist Systems)
• Technical Issue Resolution
• Design Clash Resolution
• Programme Milestone Tracking
• Project Objective Alignment
• Value Engineering Principles
• Maintaining Design Integrity
• Stakeholder Meeting Participation
• Presentation of Design Solutions
• Risk Management
• Mitigation Strategies Development
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Effective Stakeholder Management
• Strong Leadership Capabilities

Project Context and Location

This Senior Design Manager role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project is a significant addition to the Kingdom's built environment, forming part of a major mixed-use destination. The work type is Full-time.

Opportunity Overview

This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in delivering one of Riyadh's significant developments. The role involves collaboration with industry professionals on a project that aims to shape the future landscape of the Kingdom. Applications are welcomed from technically accomplished design management professionals seeking a challenging opportunity on a landmark project.