Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: KEO International Consultants

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Project Management (Operations Focus)

Date Posted: 2026-06-08

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role involves acting as a central technical coordination lead, driving project readiness for multiple fast-track infrastructure and vertical construction projects.

• Key responsibilities include identifying and resolving design and engineering constraints that impede project commencement and delivery.

• The position requires meticulous review of Issued For Construction (IFC) packages to ensure completeness, constructability, and coordination, effectively unlocking design bottlenecks.

• A critical aspect is managing and tracking RFIs, technical queries, and unresolved engineering issues to expedite timely resolutions across all stakeholders.

• This position demands proactive interface management and fostering collaborative problem-solving to ensure alignment between design intent and construction execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Director," the responsibilities and qualifications strongly align with a senior Design Project Manager role focused on operational efficiency and rapid project mobilization within a large-scale development context. The emphasis on resolving technical constraints, managing RFIs, and ensuring constructability points towards a crucial operational function within the design and construction lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical liaison and coordination lead for multiple concurrent mega-projects, ensuring seamless integration of design and construction activities.

• Proactively identify, assess, and drive the resolution of design and engineering challenges that pose risks to project timelines, budget, or quality.

• Conduct rigorous reviews of IFC packages, identifying potential constructability issues, coordination conflicts, missing critical details, and interface gaps.

• Manage the end-to-end RFI (Request for Information) and technical query process, ensuring timely responses and documentation for all design-related inquiries.

• Facilitate and lead multidisciplinary technical workshops, coordination meetings, and design reviews to ensure swift decision-making and issue resolution.

• Support field engineering teams by providing timely technical solutions for site conditions, utility conflicts, temporary works coordination, and unforeseen engineering challenges.

• Monitor the progress and completeness of design deliverables, technical approvals, and engineering dependencies that directly impact procurement and construction schedules.

• Ensure strict alignment between the original design intent, construction sequencing, site logistics, and overarching project delivery priorities.

• Collaborate closely with KEO's internal engineering disciplines (civil, structural, utilities, infrastructure, architecture, specialist systems) to ensure cohesive design solutions.

• Identify and mitigate technical risks, incomplete information, and coordination gaps that could negatively impact project schedule, safety, quality, or overall construction progress.

• Support rapid mobilization strategies by engaging early with technical aspects and proactively managing interdisciplinary interfaces.

• Assist project leadership with technical reporting, providing clear design status updates, developing mitigation plans, and preparing executive-level summaries.

• Coordinate with contractors and consultants to ensure the timely and effective closure of all outstanding design comments and technical actions.

• Champion a collaborative problem-solving approach and maintain robust working relationships with all project stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and contractors.

• Support the implementation and utilization of digital engineering tools, design tracking systems, and project coordination platforms to enhance efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed responsibilities highlight a heavy operational focus on de-risking and accelerating project delivery through proactive design management and problem-solving, rather than pure conceptual design leadership. This role is about ensuring the operability of the design for construction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related engineering field is required.

• A Master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.

• Professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) are highly desirable.

• Membership in a Professional Engineering or Construction Management Society is considered an advantage. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive professional experience is required.

• Significant experience in Project Management Consultancy (PMC) is mandatory.

• Proven track record of working on large-scale, complex developments, particularly within the GCC region, is essential.

• Experience with mega-projects, mixed-use developments, infrastructure, entertainment, hospitality, or similar giga-projects is a strong prerequisite. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Ability to oversee and coordinate the design process across multiple disciplines and projects.

• Technical Coordination: Expertise in facilitating multidisciplinary design integration and resolving technical clashes.

• Project Mobilization: Proven experience in accelerating project readiness and supporting rapid construction commencement.

• IFC Package Review: Strong capability in assessing Issued For Construction (IFC) documents for completeness, constructability, and coordination.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent skills in building and maintaining relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.

• RFI & Technical Query Management: Proficient in managing the RFI lifecycle and resolving technical queries efficiently.

• Construction Interfaces: Deep understanding of how design integrates with construction sequencing, site logistics, and temporary works.

• Risk Identification & Mitigation: Ability to proactively identify technical risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Experience coordinating complex engineering and architectural disciplines.

• Field Engineering Support: Capacity to provide technical solutions and support for site-based challenges.

• Technical Reporting: Skill in preparing clear, concise, and impactful technical reports for various audiences.

• Interface Management: Proven ability to manage complex technical interfaces between different project components and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Digital Engineering Tools: Familiarity with implementing and utilizing BIM, design tracking software, and project coordination platforms.

• GCC Project Experience: In-depth knowledge of regional building codes, authority requirements, and construction practices within the GCC.

• Contract Administration: Understanding of contract terms related to design services and construction execution.

• Value Engineering: Ability to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising design integrity or functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on PMC experience and GCC mega-project background strongly suggests this role is critical for operationalizing design delivery in a high-pressure, large-scale environment, rather than a traditional design leadership role. The "Director" title likely reflects seniority and responsibility rather than pure design creative direction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Coordination Case Studies: Demonstrating successful resolution of complex design clashes and interface challenges across multiple disciplines.

• RFI Management Examples: Showcasing effective processes for tracking, managing, and expediting RFI responses to minimize delays.

• IFC Package Review Documentation: Evidence of thorough review processes for IFC packages, highlighting identified issues and their resolutions.

• Project Mobilization Strategies: Examples of how you've contributed to accelerating project readiness and supporting early works commencement.

• Technical Workshop Facilitation: Documentation or descriptions of leading successful technical coordination meetings and driving consensus.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to map existing design coordination workflows, identify bottlenecks, and propose optimized processes for efficiency.

• Implementation & Automation: Experience in implementing new processes or utilizing technology (e.g., digital tools, tracking systems) to streamline design coordination and RFI management.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: How you measure the effectiveness of design coordination efforts, track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to issue resolution time, and report on performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on operationalizing design for construction, a portfolio demonstrating structured problem-solving, process adherence, and tangible results in expediting design delivery will be crucial. Candidates should be prepared to detail their systematic approach.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director/Senior Design Project Manager role with 10+ years of experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, overseeing mega-projects, the estimated annual salary range is $100,000 - $150,000 USD.

• This estimate considers the significant responsibilities, the demanding project environment, and the cost of living in Riyadh. Benefits:

• Comprehensive professional development programs.

• Opportunities for internal global mobility within KEO's international network.

• Access to on-demand counselling services for employee well-being.

• Regular workplace health clinics.

• Participation in community events such as sports days, fun-runs, and beach clean-ups.

• Hybrid working arrangements to balance on-site and remote work.

• Individual athletic sponsorship opportunities.

• Study assistance sponsorship for further education and certifications.

• Employee referral rewards program. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.

• The role may require flexibility and extended hours depending on project demands and critical deadlines, especially given the fast-track nature of the projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for senior-level project management and design coordination roles in major construction consultancies operating in the GCC, specifically for high-profile mega-projects. Actual compensation may vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The provided benefits are directly sourced from the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) / Project Management Consultancy (PMC)

Company Size: KEO International Consultants is a large, established firm, recognized as one of the Top 225 International Design Firms and Top 20 International PM/CM Firms by ENR. They are also ranked among the largest global architecture firms. This indicates a significant organizational structure with extensive resources and a broad project portfolio.

Founded: Over 60 years ago, KEO has a long-standing history and a well-established reputation in delivering complex and ambitious projects worldwide. This longevity suggests stability, extensive experience, and a deep understanding of the industry.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role is embedded within a "Swift Mobilization Team" supporting multiple fast-track projects, indicating a highly agile and delivery-focused operational unit.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Design Director will act as a central coordination interface, working extensively with KEO's internal design and engineering teams (civil, structural, utilities, infrastructure, architecture, specialist systems), external consultants, client design and delivery teams (QIC Design and Delivery), contractors, and CSC supervision personnel.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, this senior role likely reports to senior project leadership or program management, with direct responsibility for managing design-related project streams.

Methodology:

• Integrated Service Delivery: KEO operates as a highly integrated and agile AEP/PMCM firm, offering end-to-end services from conceptualization to realization.

• Data-Driven Problem Solving: The role emphasizes resolving technical issues, identifying risks, and ensuring constructability, implying a data-driven approach to design validation and problem-solving.

• Agile Project Delivery: The "Swift Mobilization Team" context suggests an agile methodology focused on rapid progress, iterative problem-solving, and efficient workflow management.

Company Website: https://careers.keo.com

📝 Enhancement Note: KEO's positioning as a top-tier international design and project management firm suggests a professional, results-oriented environment. The specific team structure for this role points to a high-pressure, fast-paced operational unit focused on accelerating large-scale project delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the operations and project delivery functions of a major international consultancy. It's a critical juncture for professionals with extensive technical design understanding combined with strong project management and problem-solving capabilities. The "Director" title signifies a high level of responsibility and influence over design-related project execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a Program Director or Senior Project Director overseeing the mega-projects in Riyadh. They will manage a team or function focused on design coordination and technical issue resolution, and will collaborate extensively with various internal and external project stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's primary impact is on accelerating project readiness, de-risking the design for construction, and ensuring efficient technical issue resolution. This directly contributes to meeting aggressive project schedules, maintaining quality standards, and facilitating smooth construction progress on some of the region's most ambitious developments. Their role is crucial in preventing costly delays and rework by proactively addressing design and coordination challenges.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into higher-level Project Director or Program Director roles, managing larger scopes of work or entire project portfolios.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific types of mega-projects (e.g., infrastructure, entertainment, hospitality) or in specialized areas like digital engineering implementation.

• Strategic Contributions: Involvement in shaping KEO's operational strategies for design management and project delivery on future large-scale projects.

• Professional Development: Access to KEO's internal training, mentorship, and potential for certifications (e.g., advanced PMP, specific engineering credentials) to enhance career trajectory.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for operations-focused professionals in the AEC sector, offering substantial impact and clear pathways for advancement within a leading international firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, likely within KEO's project offices or a dedicated client site office, supporting multiple fast-track projects. The description mentions "hybrid working arrangements," suggesting a blend of on-site presence at project locations or offices and remote work capabilities.

Office Location(s): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is a major metropolitan area with extensive ongoing development, particularly large-scale giga-projects.

Workspace Context:

• High-Paced & Collaborative: The work environment is described as "high-pressure delivery environment" and requires operating across "multiple concurrent projects." This implies a dynamic, fast-paced setting demanding quick decision-making and intense collaboration.

• Technology Enabled: The role supports the "implementation of digital engineering, design tracking, and project coordination tools," indicating access to and utilization of modern project management and design technology.

• Stakeholder Interaction: Significant interaction with diverse teams including internal KEO engineers, external consultants, contractors, and client representatives, fostering a highly collaborative, though demanding, work culture.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are the baseline.

• However, the "fast-track" and "high-pressure" nature of the projects will necessitate flexibility, with potential for extended hours and weekend work during critical phases or to meet urgent deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by intensity, rapid problem-solving, and a high degree of collaboration, typical of large-scale, time-sensitive construction projects in the region.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of CV, focusing on PMC experience, mega-project background, and technical coordination skills.

• Technical Interview: Expect in-depth discussions about design management processes, RFI handling, IFC package review experience, and problem-solving approaches for technical constraints. Case studies or hypothetical scenarios related to resolving design bottlenecks on fast-track projects will be common.

• Stakeholder/Cultural Fit Interview: Interviews with project leadership or client representatives to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and ability to thrive in a high-pressure, multidisciplinary environment.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a selection of their work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate their operational approach to design coordination, issue resolution, and project acceleration.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process & Impact: Highlight your systematic approach to design coordination, RFI management, and problem-solving. Quantify the impact of your contributions (e.g., time saved, delays mitigated, issues resolved).

• Case Study Structure: For each case study, clearly outline the challenge, your role and actions, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Showcase your understanding of various engineering disciplines and how they interface, illustrating your ability to bridge technical gaps.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively facilitated communication and collaboration among diverse stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

• GCC Project Relevance: If possible, use examples from similar large-scale projects in the GCC region.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions like: "How would you resolve a critical design conflict between structural and MEP systems impacting a critical path activity?" or "What steps would you take if a contractor submits a non-compliant design proposal that delays procurement?"

• Process Design: You might be asked to outline your process for managing RFIs on a multiple-project portfolio or for reviewing an IFC package for a complex building.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle disagreements between consultants or address a client request for significant design changes late in the process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Swift Mobilization" and resolving "technical and design-related constraints" suggests interviewers will heavily probe for practical, process-oriented solutions and demonstrated ability to drive results in a demanding environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in platforms like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for schedule management and tracking project dependencies.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and coordination.

• Document Management Systems (DMS): Familiarity with systems such as Aconex, Procore, or internal KEO/client systems for managing project documentation, drawings, and correspondence.

• BIM/3D Modeling Software: While not a primary designer, understanding and ability to navigate or interpret models from software like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or Bentley Systems for coordination purposes is highly beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating reports from project management software and potentially using tools like Microsoft Excel for data analysis and customized reporting.

• Dashboarding Tools: Familiarity with creating or interpreting dashboards in tools like Power BI or Tableau for visualizing project progress, issue status, and key performance indicators.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: While not a sales role, understanding how client relationship management principles apply to stakeholder engagement is relevant.

• Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can be applied to design review processes, RFI tracking, or document workflows would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are common in large-scale AEC project management. The ability to leverage technology for efficiency in coordination and communication is a key expectation for this operational role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Results-Oriented: A strong emphasis on achieving project milestones, meeting deadlines, and delivering tangible outcomes in a fast-paced environment.

• Integrity: Upholding professional standards, ethical conduct, and transparency in all dealings with stakeholders.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies or methodologies to improve efficiency and delivery.

• Safety: Prioritizing safety in all design considerations and coordination efforts, ensuring constructability aligns with safe site practices.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented approach where open communication and mutual support are key to overcoming challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Engaged: The role demands an active, engaged approach to collaboration, anticipating needs and initiating discussions to resolve issues before they escalate.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly integrated working style, bridging the gap between design teams, project management, and construction execution, requiring strong interpersonal skills.

• Process-Driven Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on processes and workflows to continuously improve efficiency and outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of lessons learned and best practices across projects and teams to build organizational knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: KEO's stated values (integrity, results, innovation, safety, people) are foundational. For this specific role, the "results" and "innovation" aspects, combined with the collaborative nature of resolving technical issues, will be paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Concurrent Projects: The complexity of overseeing design coordination and issue resolution across several fast-track mega-projects simultaneously.

• Resolving Design Bottlenecks: Tackling intricate technical issues and coordination conflicts that can significantly impact project schedules and budgets.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating diverse interests and perspectives among clients, consultants, and contractors to achieve consensus on technical solutions.

• Fast-Paced Delivery Environment: Operating effectively under tight deadlines and high-pressure conditions inherent to mega-project development.

• Adapting to Evolving Project Demands: Responding quickly to changes in scope, site conditions, or client requirements while maintaining design integrity and project momentum.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Skills: Deepening expertise in managing complex project lifecycles, risk management, and stakeholder engagement on mega-projects.

• Technical Specialization: Gaining in-depth knowledge of specific project types (e.g., infrastructure, entertainment districts) and their unique design and construction challenges.

• Digital Engineering Implementation: Opportunity to contribute to and learn about the integration of BIM, digital twins, and advanced project coordination technologies in large-scale projects.

• Leadership Development: Potential for formal leadership training and mentorship through KEO's programs, preparing for broader management roles.

• Industry Exposure: Working on iconic projects that shape urban landscapes and contribute to significant regional development initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to high-stakes mega-project delivery. Successfully navigating these will provide immense growth and learning opportunities within the AEC industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for identifying and resolving design conflicts between architectural and MEP systems on a fast-track project." (Focus on systematic approach, collaboration, and speed.)

• "How would you manage a situation where a key consultant is consistently late in responding to RFIs, impacting construction progress?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, escalation strategy, and stakeholder management.)

• "Walk me through a challenging technical issue you encountered on a previous project and how you facilitated its resolution. What was the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed STAR method case study emphasizing your operational role.)

• "How do you ensure alignment between design intent, site conditions, and construction sequencing in a dynamic project environment?" (Highlight your understanding of constructability and practical application.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in KEO International Consultants and this specific role in Riyadh?" (Research KEO's projects, values, and market position. Connect your experience to their work.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with diverse teams, including clients, contractors, and internal engineering disciplines?" (Emphasize your communication style, conflict resolution skills, and ability to build rapport.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders to adopt a particular technical solution." (Showcase your persuasive skills and ability to articulate technical rationale.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Select Examples: Choose 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your experience in design coordination, problem-solving, and project acceleration.

• Focus on Process: For each case study, clearly detail your methodology, the steps you took, and how you managed the process from identification to resolution.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the positive outcomes of your work (e.g., "reduced RFI response time by 20%", "prevented a 2-week delay").

• Visual Aids: Use simple diagrams, flowcharts, or redacted documents (if permissible) to illustrate complex issues or processes.

• Concise Storytelling: Be prepared to present your case studies concisely and engage the interviewer with your narrative.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a robust operational mindset, a structured approach to problem-solving, and proven experience in driving project delivery within complex, fast-paced environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the KEO International Consultants careers portal at https://careers.keo.com/jobs/12297.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your PMC experience, specific mega-project involvement (especially in the GCC), and key skills such as Design Management, Technical Coordination, and RFI Management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate case studies that showcase your operational approach to resolving design bottlenecks, managing technical coordination, and accelerating project mobilization. Focus on demonstrable results and process.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method, focusing on scenarios related to design challenges, stakeholder management, and fast-track project delivery.

• Research KEO: Understand KEO's recent projects, company values, and their role in major developments like those in Riyadh to articulate your interest and fit.

⚠️ 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.