Associate Director - Design Management

Key Responsibilities Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for design management across all project stages, from master planning and concept design through detailed design and IFC. Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams and consultants , ensuring effective collaboration, clear responsibilities, and coordinated delivery of design packages. Establish and maintain robust design management processes, governance, and controls , ensuring design activities are aligned with project objectives, programme, budget, quality, and client requirements. Lead the coordination between master planners, architects, engineers, specialist consultants, contractors, and other project stakeholders , proactively identifying and resolving design interfaces and technical issues. Review, monitor, and manage the quality and progress of design deliverables from internal teams and/or subconsultants across infrastructure and associated disciplines, including: • Roads and highways • Water and wastewater networks • Stormwater and drainage • Power and electrical infrastructure • ICT and telecommunications • Pump stations and utility facilities • Bridges and structures • Marine infrastructure • Public realm and associated infrastructure Provide strong technical oversight and demonstrate a broad understanding of multidisciplinary infrastructure engineering , including utility networks, pump stations, process facilities, roads, bridges, structures, and associated civil infrastructure. Ensure design solutions comply with Saudi Arabian authority requirements, applicable codes, regulations, and international standards , including requirements of MOMRAH, NWC, SEC, SWCC, Royal Commissions, and other relevant authorities. Manage the design programme, deliverables, risks, interfaces, and key milestones , ensuring timely resolution of issues and maintaining alignment with the overall project delivery strategy. Lead and participate in design reviews, technical assurance, constructability reviews, value engineering, and design optimisation exercises , ensuring solutions are technically robust, commercially viable, and fit for purpose. Act as a senior point of contact for the client and key project stakeholders , providing clear advice on design strategy, technical matters, risks, interfaces, and delivery priorities. Build and maintain effective relationships with client representatives, government authorities, consultants, contractors, and other external stakeholders , facilitating timely decision-making and approvals. Work closely with project controls, commercial, procurement, and construction teams to ensure design delivery remains aligned with programme, cost, procurement strategy, and construction requirements. Provide leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to design managers, discipline leads, engineers, and junior staff, promoting a collaborative and high-performing design environment. Support the management of statutory approvals, permits, and authority interfaces , ensuring submissions are coordinated effectively and approvals are obtained in line with project requirements. Ensure design strategies incorporate appropriate considerations for sustainability, resilience, constructability, operational requirements, and digital infrastructure , where applicable. Proactively identify and manage design risks, technical challenges, scope gaps, and interface issues , developing effective mitigation strategies and driving issues through to resolution. Contribute to the development and implementation of design standards, procedures, quality systems, and best practices , supporting continuous improvement across project delivery. Desirable Experience Experience delivering major master-planned developments, mixed-use developments, urban developments, infrastructure programmes, or other complex large-scale projects . Experience working on significant Saudi Arabian development programmes , particularly within Riyadh. Experience with government, semi-government, or major private-sector clients. Strong understanding of BIM, digital engineering, smart infrastructure, sustainability, and resilient design principles . Experience operating within large multidisciplinary engineering and consultancy organisations. Minimum Requirements Bachelor s and/or Master s Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related discipline . 15+ years of relevant professional experience , with significant experience in design management and multidisciplinary project delivery. Proven experience managing design across large-scale, complex development and infrastructure projects . Significant experience in the Middle East, preferably with substantial experience in Saudi Arabia . Strong understanding of design management principles, multidisciplinary coordination, design governance, technical assurance, and project delivery . Experience working with Saudi Arabian authorities, approval processes, regulations, and infrastructure standards . Chartered Engineer, Professional Engineer, or equivalent internationally recognised professional qualification is highly desirable. Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams, design consultants, and complex stakeholder interfaces . Strong understanding of infrastructure engineering disciplines and their interfaces, including civil, utilities, roads, structures, electrical, ICT, and associated infrastructure. Demonstrated ability to operate at a senior client-facing level , providing strategic advice and technical leadership. Strong commercial and programme awareness, with the ability to manage competing priorities across complex projects. Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills . Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.