General Manager Architecture & Design

We are seeking an accomplished General Manager Architecture & Design to lead and drive the overall operations of a growing architecture and design consultancy. This leadership role requires an experienced architect with a strong business mindset who can oversee design excellence, project delivery, business development, client relationships, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience delivering hospitality, F&B, retail, commercial, and mixed-use projects , while successfully managing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring the highest standards of quality, innovation, and operational performance. Key Responsibilities • Lead the overall operations, strategic direction, and business performance of the Architecture & Design division. • Develop and execute the company's business growth strategy, identifying new opportunities and expanding the client portfolio. • Oversee the planning, design, coordination, and successful delivery of multiple architectural and interior design projects. • Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with client expectations and quality standards. • Lead multidisciplinary teams including Architects, Interior Designers, BIM Managers, BIM Architects, BIM Modelers, and Project Coordinators. • Establish and maintain design standards, technical excellence, and best practices across all projects. • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and key stakeholders. • Participate in client presentations, project negotiations, and executive-level meetings. • Review and approve concept designs, design development packages, construction documentation, and technical submissions. • Monitor project profitability, resource planning, budgets, and overall business performance. • Drive innovation by implementing new technologies, BIM methodologies, and sustainable design practices. • Mentor and develop department leaders while fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. • Ensure compliance with local regulations, international design standards, health & safety requirements, and company policies. Qualifications & Experience • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture. • Professional registration or architectural license is preferred. • 15+ years of progressive experience in Architecture & Design, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role . • Proven experience leading architecture and design firms or large multidisciplinary design departments. • Strong portfolio of hospitality, F&B, restaurants, caf s, retail, commercial, and mixed-use developments . • Extensive knowledge of architectural design, interior design coordination, BIM workflows, and project management. • Demonstrated success in business development, client acquisition, contract negotiations, and strategic planning. • Strong commercial acumen with experience managing P&L, project budgets, and operational performance. • Proficiency in industry-standard software including Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, BIM 360, and Microsoft Office . • Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills. • Experience working in the GCC, particularly Saudi Arabia, is highly preferred. Key Competencies • Executive Leadership • Strategic Planning & Business Growth • Architectural Design Excellence • Retail & Hospitality Design • F&B & Restaurant Development • BIM Management & Digital Delivery • Project & Portfolio Management • Client Relationship Management • Financial & Commercial Management • Team Leadership & Talent Development • Contract Negotiation • Quality Assurance & Risk Management Ideal Candidate Background Candidates with leadership experience from internationally recognized architecture and design consultancies are highly preferred, particularly those specializing in hospitality, F&B, retail, mixed-use, and commercial developments . Experience working with premium brands, multi-site rollout projects, and large-scale design programs will be a significant advantage.