Airport Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Airport Design Manager

Company: Hill International

Location: Dammam Region, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Project Management / Design Management (Aviation Sector)

Date Posted: 2026-05-19T12:21:30

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage all design activities for a significant airport project, operating under the umbrella of a Project Management Consultant (PMC).

• Ensure comprehensive coordination across all design disciplines, guaranteeing compliance with project objectives, budget constraints, and stringent international aviation standards.

• Drive the timely delivery of design documentation, encompassing concept, preliminary, and detailed construction drawings for all project phases.

• Oversee and integrate the work of various engineering and architectural teams, ensuring a cohesive and efficient design process from inception to execution.

• Maintain a strong focus on optimizing space utilization and operational efficiency within the airport's design framework, aligning with passenger terminal and landside operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the successful design phase of a major airport infrastructure project. The "Airport Design Manager" title, coupled with the PMC context and specific regulatory mentions (GACA, IATA ADRM, NFPA, IBC), clearly indicates a senior position focused on the technical and managerial oversight of all design elements for aviation facilities. The emphasis on coordination and compliance highlights the operational complexity of airport development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Leadership & Strategy: Spearhead the development and execution of the overall airport design strategy, ensuring alignment with the client's vision, business case, and operational requirements.

• Discipline Coordination: Facilitate seamless integration and communication among all design disciplines (e.g., architectural, structural, MEP, aviation systems, IT, security, landscape), resolving conflicts and ensuring a unified design output.

• Compliance & Standards Management: Ensure all design submissions adhere strictly to relevant international aviation regulations (e.g., GACA, IATA ADRM, NFPA, IBC) and local Saudi Codes, as well as project-specific technical specifications.

• Design Review & Approval: Manage the comprehensive review process for all design deliverables at various stages (concept, preliminary, detailed), ensuring quality, constructability, and adherence to scope.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary point of contact for design-related matters, engaging effectively with the client, regulatory bodies, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders to secure approvals and feedback.

• Budget & Schedule Oversight: Monitor design progress against established timelines and budgets, identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery of design phases.

• Technical Documentation: Oversee the preparation and management of all necessary design documentation, including drawings, specifications, reports, and site inventories, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

• Risk Management: Proactively identify design-related risks and challenges throughout the project lifecycle and develop robust mitigation plans.

• Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of design professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to reflect a senior management role within a PMC environment. The emphasis on "discipline coordination," "compliance & standards management," and "stakeholder engagement" are core to successful large-scale infrastructure projects like airports. The inclusion of specific regulatory bodies (GACA, IATA ADRM, NFPA, IBC) and operational aspects (passenger terminal, landside) signifies a deep dive into the technical requirements of aviation design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace) or Architecture from an accredited institution.

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the design and management of aviation projects, with a significant portion dedicated to airport infrastructure.

• Proven track record of successfully managing the design lifecycle of large-scale, complex airport projects, preferably within a PMC framework.

Required Skills:

• Airport Design Expertise: Deep understanding of airport master planning, terminal design, airside/landside operations, space utilization, and aviation systems.

• Project Management: Strong proficiency in project management methodologies, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and quality control for design phases.

• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of GACA 139, IATA Airport Development Reference Manual (ADRM), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, International Building Code (IBC), and relevant Saudi Codes.

• Leadership & Team Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and manage multidisciplinary design teams effectively.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with clients, consultants, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

• Technical Writing & Documentation: Proficiency in creating and reviewing technical documentation, construction drawings, and specifications.

• English Proficiency: Fluent in written and spoken English; knowledge of Arabic is a plus.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific airport design software and BIM (Building Information Modeling) technologies.

• Familiarity with airport operational planning and airport economics.

• Experience in the Middle East construction market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 15+ years, with a specific focus on aviation projects and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Architecture, aligns with the senior and specialized nature of this role. The mention of specific regulations (GACA, IATA ADRM, NFPA, IBC) is crucial and indicates the need for highly specialized knowledge within the aviation sector. The "preferred skills" add value by suggesting areas for candidates to highlight if they possess them.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: A curated selection of major airport or aviation infrastructure projects managed, clearly detailing your role, responsibilities, and contributions to the design phase.

• Process Optimization Examples: Demonstrations of how you have improved design processes, enhanced coordination, or resolved complex design challenges on past projects.

• Compliance Management Case Studies: Evidence of successfully navigating and ensuring compliance with aviation-specific regulations (e.g., GACA, IATA ADRM, NFPA, IBC) and international standards.

• System Integration Examples: Case studies illustrating your ability to integrate various design disciplines and systems (e.g., IT, security, MEP) into a cohesive airport design.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of how you have designed, documented, and optimized design workflows, from concept development through to detailed construction documentation.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Documentation showcasing your methods for ensuring seamless collaboration and information flow between different engineering and architectural teams.

• Quality Assurance & Control: Evidence of implemented QA/QC processes specifically for design deliverables within large-scale infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is essential. The requirements are tailored to showcase direct experience in airport design, regulatory compliance, and managing complex multi-disciplinary projects. The emphasis on "process optimization" and "system integration" reflects the operational efficiency expected from a senior design manager.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for senior Project Management/Design Management roles in the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia, for a candidate with 15+ years of experience and specialized expertise, the estimated annual salary range is SAR 450,000 - SAR 700,000 (approximately USD 120,000 - USD 186,000). This range is an estimate and can vary based on the specific project scope, complexity, candidate's exact experience, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and eligible dependents.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for expatriate employees relocating to Saudi Arabia, potentially including housing allowance, travel, and shipping.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave allowance, public holidays, and sick leave.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to project milestones and company profitability.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, certifications, and participation in industry conferences.

• Retirement/Pension Contributions: As per Saudi labor law and company policy.

• Transportation Allowance: May be provided, depending on company policy and location.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, including potential overtime or weekend work, especially during critical design phases or site visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations for senior roles in Saudi Arabia require careful consideration of the cost of living, demand for specialized skills (aviation infrastructure), and typical PMC compensation packages. Benefits are also structured to reflect common offerings for international hires in the region, including relocation support. The working hours note acknowledges the potential for extended hours common in large-scale project management.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, Program Management, Consulting (Aviation Sector)

Company Size: Hill International is a large global organization with over 4,300 professionals in over 100 offices worldwide. This indicates a robust corporate structure, established processes, and access to extensive resources.

Founded: Hill International was founded in 1976, signifying decades of experience and a well-established presence in the global project management landscape.

Team Structure:

• PMC Environment: The role operates within a Project Management Consultant (PMC) structure, meaning the team is dedicated to representing the client's interests and overseeing project execution. This often involves a hierarchical structure with clear reporting lines.

• Cross-Functional Teams: The Airport Design Manager will lead and collaborate with teams comprising various specialists: architectural designers, civil engineers, MEP engineers, aviation systems specialists, structural engineers, and potentially client representatives and regulatory liaisons.

• Reporting: Typically, the Airport Design Manager would report to a Project Director or a Senior Program Manager within Hill International's PMC team for the airport project.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: Hill International emphasizes protecting client interests, suggesting a culture focused on delivering value, managing risks, and achieving client objectives with integrity.

• Process-Driven: As a large consulting firm, operations likely rely on established methodologies for project management, quality assurance, and risk management.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated for this role, complex infrastructure projects necessitate data analysis for design validation, cost control, and schedule adherence.

Company Website: www.hillintl.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Hill International's role as a PMC is crucial. It means the focus is on client advocacy and rigorous oversight. The company's size and founding date suggest stability and extensive experience. The team structure will be inherently cross-functional, demanding strong collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, requiring extensive experience and specialized knowledge. It sits at the strategic and execution interface, bridging client requirements with technical design delivery. The role demands leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships.

Reporting Structure: The Airport Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or Program Manager, acting as the lead for all design-related aspects of the airport project. They will, in turn, manage and guide a team of design consultants and engineers.

Operations Impact: This role has a profound impact on the project's success. Effective design management ensures that the airport is built to be safe, efficient, compliant, cost-effective, and meets the operational needs of airlines and passengers. Poor design management can lead to significant cost overruns, delays, safety issues, and operational inefficiencies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Director/Program Manager: Progression to overseeing larger, more complex projects or multiple projects simultaneously.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of airport design or aviation infrastructure.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects within Hill International's extensive global network.

• Leadership Development: Further development in strategic planning, executive stakeholder management, and business development within the aviation sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the role within a typical career path for senior project management professionals in the infrastructure and aviation sectors. The emphasis is on the strategic impact and the clear progression routes available within a large, global firm like Hill International.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based on-site in the Dammam Region, Saudi Arabia, within a project office environment. This will likely involve working within the PMC's offices and potentially frequent site visits to the airport project location.

Office Location(s): Dammam Region, Saudi Arabia. This is a major administrative center and hub in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, known for its industrial and infrastructure development.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace will be a hub for intensive collaboration with other PMC team members, client representatives, and potentially visiting design consultants. Expect an environment that requires active participation in meetings, workshops, and design reviews.

• Technology-Rich: Access to necessary project management software, communication tools, and potentially BIM platforms will be standard.

• Dynamic and Demanding: The airport development environment is fast-paced and demanding, requiring adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While typically a 40-hour work week, the demands of major infrastructure projects often necessitate flexibility. Expect periods where extended hours or weekend work might be required to meet critical design milestones or address urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in a specific region is highlighted. The "workspace context" emphasizes the collaborative and demanding nature of working within a PMC on a large infrastructure project, which is typical for such roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct a preliminary review of your application, focusing on experience relevance, qualifications, and alignment with basic requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Project Director or Senior Manager) to assess technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and fit with the PMC's operational style. Expect questions about your experience with airport design, project management, and regulatory compliance.

• Technical/Peer Interview: You may be interviewed by other senior members of the design or project management team to evaluate your technical depth, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary environment.

• Case Study/Presentation (Potential): Candidates might be asked to present a case study from their portfolio showcasing a complex design challenge they managed, their approach, and the outcome. This will be a key part of assessing your practical application of skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership within Hill International for final approval, focusing on strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful airport design projects. Prioritize those that demonstrate your leadership, regulatory compliance experience, and complex problem-solving skills.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, the scale of the project (budget, area, passenger capacity), key challenges, your solutions, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, efficiency improvements).

• Highlight Process: Explain your design management methodology, how you ensured coordination across disciplines, and how you managed compliance with standards like GACA, IATA ADRM, NFPA, and IBC.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional visual aids (drawings, charts, timelines) to support your presentation. Ensure any proprietary information is anonymized or generalized.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your decision-making processes, conflict resolution strategies, and technical judgments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Regulatory Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would handle a situation where a design element faces a critical compliance issue with GACA or NFPA regulations.

• Interdisciplinary Conflict: Prepare to explain how you would mediate a dispute between architectural and MEP design teams regarding space allocation or technical requirements.

• Scope Creep Management: Articulate your strategy for managing scope changes requested by the client during the design phase while maintaining budget and schedule integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides practical advice for navigating the interview process, with a strong emphasis on portfolio preparation, which is critical for senior design and project management roles. The "challenge preparation" targets specific scenarios relevant to airport design and PMC environments.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard platforms such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools and workflows (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) is increasingly important for integrated design and clash detection in complex projects.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or specialized project collaboration portals for communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project schedules, budgets, and design reports. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and basic analysis.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating and interpreting project status reports and dashboards to communicate progress, risks, and key performance indicators to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with robust document control systems common in large construction projects for managing design revisions, submittals, and approvals.

• ERP/Project Financials: Understanding how design management integrates with broader project financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for budget control and invoicing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role will focus on project management, design coordination, and communication tools essential for large-scale infrastructure projects. BIM proficiency is a key differentiator in modern construction and design management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Client Focus: Upholding the client's interests above all, operating with transparency and ethical conduct. This is paramount in a PMC role.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions that meet or exceed international standards and client expectations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams work together effectively to achieve common project goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging creative problem-solving and seeking opportunities to optimize processes and design outcomes.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, decisions, and project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Engaged: A collaborative style that actively seeks input, facilitates discussions, and resolves issues promptly across disciplines and with stakeholders.

• Structured Communication: Utilizing formal channels for design reviews, submittals, and official communications, supplemented by informal discussions to expedite problem-solving.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across the project team to enhance collective understanding and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Hill International's stated value of protecting client interests is central to the PMC culture. The values and collaboration style described are typical for a professional services firm managing complex, high-stakes projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Regulatory Complexity: Navigating the intricate and evolving regulatory landscape of aviation in Saudi Arabia (GACA) and international standards can be demanding.

• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Effectively managing and integrating the needs and outputs of numerous specialized design disciplines presents a constant challenge.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements of the client, airlines, airport operators, and regulatory bodies requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Pace of Project Delivery: Major airport projects operate under tight deadlines, demanding efficient decision-making and rapid problem-solving to maintain schedule momentum.

• Cultural Nuances: Working in a cross-cultural environment requires sensitivity and adaptability to local customs and business practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Aviation Standards Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge of specific aviation design standards and emerging technologies.

• Leadership & Management Programs: Access to Hill International's internal development programs for senior leaders.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Participation in global aviation infrastructure and airport design conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior executives within Hill International's global aviation practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges identified are specific to large-scale airport projects and PMC roles. The growth opportunities are framed to align with career progression in specialized infrastructure management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a major design conflict between two critical engineering disciplines on an aviation project. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving process, negotiation skills, and technical judgment.)

• "How do you ensure compliance with stringent aviation regulations like GACA 139 and NFPA codes throughout the entire design lifecycle?" (Highlight your systematic approach to compliance, review processes, and knowledge of standards.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Hill International's core value is protecting client interests. How would you embody this value in your role as Airport Design Manager?" (Relate your personal work ethic and decision-making to client advocacy.)

• "Describe your approach to leading and motivating a diverse, multi-disciplinary design team, especially in a challenging project environment." (Showcase your leadership style, communication skills, and ability to foster collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, follow a clear story: Problem/Objective -> Your Role & Strategy -> Actions Taken -> Results/Outcome.

• Quantify Your Contributions: Use numbers and data to demonstrate the scale of projects and the impact of your work (e.g., "Managed a design team of 25 engineers," "Ensured compliance that prevented a potential SAR 10M delay").

• Emphasize Process and Compliance: Clearly articulate your methodologies for design coordination, risk management, and adherence to aviation-specific regulations (GACA, NFPA, IBC, IATA ADRM).

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss specific technical aspects of airport design, such as terminal layouts, gate operations, baggage handling systems, or airside pavement design, if applicable to your portfolio projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview questions are crafted to probe essential competencies for an Airport Design Manager within a PMC context, including technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, leadership, and stakeholder management. The portfolio presentation strategy emphasizes clarity, quantification, and demonstrating process/compliance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Airport Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Oracle Cloud portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and any accompanying documents clearly highlight your experience with airport design, PMC roles, and specific aviation regulations (GACA, IATA ADRM, NFPA, IBC). Tailor your CV to match the keywords and responsibilities outlined in this description.

• Resume Optimization: Quantify your achievements with numbers and specific project details. Use strong action verbs and focus on leadership, project management, and design coordination accomplishments in aviation projects.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare specific examples for your portfolio presentation, focusing on complex challenges and successful resolutions in airport design.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Hill International's project portfolio, particularly in the aviation sector, and understand the role of a PMC in large infrastructure projects. Research current trends in airport design and operations in Saudi Arabia.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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