Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: RETAL

Location: Khobar, Ash Sharqiyah, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design Leadership / Architecture / Urban Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-20T09:40:06

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the strategic vision and execution of all residential design initiatives within RETAL Urban Development Company, ensuring alignment with market demands and company objectives.

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of residential designers and architects, fostering an environment of innovation and excellence in architectural and interior design.

• Oversee the entire design lifecycle, from conceptualization and development to ensuring regulatory compliance and quality control for all residential projects in the Saudi Arabian market.

• Drive the integration of sustainable design principles and culturally sensitive aesthetics into all residential developments, enhancing RETAL's brand reputation and market appeal.

• Manage design budgets, vendor relationships, and cross-departmental collaboration to ensure the successful and timely delivery of high-quality residential projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Director," the responsibilities heavily lean into the operational aspects of design management, project execution, and strategic alignment within an urban development context. This role requires not just creative leadership but also robust project and team operational oversight, making it a critical function within RETAL's GTM and development strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive residential design strategy that aligns with RETAL's overall development goals and emerging market trends in Saudi Arabia.

• Lead the conceptual design process for new residential projects, creating innovative and compelling design solutions tailored to target demographics.

• Oversee the design development process, ensuring seamless translation of design concepts into detailed construction documents that meet all applicable codes and regulations.

• Manage and mentor a team of residential designers and architects, providing guidance, constructive feedback, and professional development opportunities to enhance team capabilities.

• Develop and meticulously manage design budgets for residential projects, ensuring all projects are completed on time and within allocated financial resources.

• Select, negotiate with, and manage external design consultants and vendors, ensuring they consistently meet RETAL's high standards for quality and performance.

• Implement and maintain stringent quality control procedures to ensure all residential designs and executed projects meet the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

• Conduct thorough market research to identify emerging trends in residential design and evolving consumer preferences within the Saudi Arabian market.

• Integrate sustainable design principles and practices into all residential projects, ensuring environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.

• Foster strong collaboration with other departments, including development, marketing, sales, and construction, to ensure holistic project success and cohesive Go-To-Market strategies.

• Ensure all residential designs strictly comply with all applicable building codes, regulations, and zoning ordinances specific to Saudi Arabia.

• Prepare and deliver impactful presentations to senior management, investors, and other stakeholders, effectively communicating design concepts and critical project updates.

• Ensure all residential designs are culturally sensitive and appropriate for the Saudi Arabian market, respecting local traditions and preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic design leadership and operational execution. The role requires proficiency in managing resources (budget, vendors, team), ensuring compliance, and driving market-relevant innovation. This operational focus is crucial for translating design vision into tangible, successful residential developments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in residential design.

• At least 5 years of this experience must be in a dedicated leadership or management role, demonstrating a proven ability to guide teams and projects.

• Proven track record of successfully designing and delivering high-quality residential projects from inception to completion.

Required Skills:

• Residential Design Expertise: Deep understanding of residential architectural and interior design principles, styles, and trends.

• Conceptual Design: Ability to generate and articulate innovative, forward-thinking design concepts.

• Space Planning: Mastery in optimizing spatial layouts for functionality, flow, and aesthetic appeal in residential settings.

• Building Codes & Regulations (Saudi Arabia): Comprehensive knowledge of local building codes, zoning ordinances, and regulatory frameworks.

• Construction Practices: Familiarity with construction methodologies, materials, and project execution phases.

• Team Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, motivate, and develop a team of design professionals.

• Budget Management: Skill in developing, monitoring, and controlling design project budgets effectively.

• Vendor Management: Experience in selecting, negotiating with, and managing external consultants and suppliers.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly to diverse stakeholders.

• AutoCAD: Proficiency in utilizing AutoCAD for detailed architectural drafting and design.

• Revit: Expertise in using Revit for Building Information Modeling (BIM), facilitating integrated design and documentation.

• SketchUp: Competency in SketchUp for 3D modeling, visualization, and conceptual design exploration.

Preferred Skills:

• Arabic Fluency: Written and spoken fluency in Arabic is highly preferred for effective communication with local stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and team members.

• English Fluency: While likely the primary business language, strong English proficiency is essential for international collaboration and access to global design trends.

• Sustainability Principles: In-depth understanding and application of sustainable design practices and green building concepts.

• LEED Certification: Holding a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or similar sustainability certification is a significant advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Saudi Arabian regulations and cultural sensitivity suggests a need for practical, on-the-ground knowledge. The software requirements (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp) are standard for design leadership, but the combination with budget and vendor management highlights the operational depth expected. Arabic fluency is flagged as preferred, indicating its importance in the local market.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Strategy Documentation: Showcase examples of how you've developed and implemented overarching design strategies for residential portfolios, linking them to business objectives and market analysis.

• Conceptual Design Case Studies: Present detailed case studies of innovative residential conceptual designs, illustrating the problem-solving process, creative ideation, and visual presentation.

• Project Execution & Quality Control: Include examples of design development documentation, construction drawings, and evidence of quality control measures implemented to ensure project standards were met.

• Budget & Vendor Management Examples: Demonstrate through project examples how you have effectively managed design budgets and successfully collaborated with or managed external vendors and consultants.

• Sustainability Integration: Highlight projects where sustainable design principles were successfully incorporated, detailing the approach, technologies used, and achieved outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Provide examples of how you have documented, analyzed, and optimized design workflows to improve efficiency, reduce lead times, and enhance team productivity.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Protocols: Illustrate processes you've established or improved for seamless collaboration between design teams, development, construction, marketing, and sales departments.

• Regulatory Compliance Frameworks: Showcase how you ensure and document adherence to local building codes and regulations, including processes for obtaining approvals and managing compliance throughout the design and construction phases.

• Market Research Integration: Detail processes for conducting market research and integrating findings into the design ideation and development stages to ensure market relevance and consumer alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role with significant operational oversight, the portfolio should not just showcase aesthetic outcomes but also the strategic and managerial processes that led to those outcomes. Demonstrating how design is operationalized, managed, and integrated with broader business functions is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the location (Khobar, Saudi Arabia), the experience level (10+ years with 5+ in leadership), and the senior nature of the role, RETAL likely offers a competitive executive-level compensation package. Researching similar roles in Saudi Arabia, particularly within the real estate development sector, suggests a gross annual salary range of SAR 400,000 to SAR 750,000 (approximately $107,000 to $200,000 USD). This range can vary significantly based on specific qualifications, negotiation, and the overall compensation structure including bonuses and allowances.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for the employee and potentially dependents, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Annual Leave: Generous paid vacation days, typically in line with Saudi labor laws and executive expectations.

• Housing Allowance: A significant allowance or provision for accommodation, common for expatriate and senior local hires in Saudi Arabia.

• Transportation Allowance: Provision for travel expenses or a dedicated vehicle.

• Performance Bonuses: Annual or project-based bonuses tied to individual and company performance, especially relevant for leadership roles driving project success.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, training, certifications (e.g., LEED), and attendance at industry conferences.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for international candidates moving to Saudi Arabia.

• End-of-Service Benefits: Gratuity payment upon completion of service, as per Saudi labor law.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, often with a Saturday-Thursday workweek.

• Given the leadership nature of the role, there may be an expectation for flexibility and occasional work outside standard hours to meet project deadlines or critical business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for senior roles in Saudi Arabia's construction and real estate sectors, adjusted for the specific experience and leadership requirements of a Design Director. Benefits are typical for executive positions in the region and industry, designed to attract and retain top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Development, Urban Development, Construction. RETAL operates within a dynamic and rapidly evolving real estate market, particularly in Saudi Arabia, with a strong focus on residential projects and contributing to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiatives. The industry demands innovation, quality, and adherence to stringent regulatory and cultural norms.

Company Size: RETAL is a significant player in the Saudi real estate market. While specific employee numbers for the design department aren't detailed, the company's overall scope suggests a medium to large enterprise with dedicated departments for development, design, construction, sales, and marketing. This implies a structured corporate environment with established processes.

Founded: RETAL was founded in 2008. Its establishment aligns with a period of significant growth and diversification in the Saudi real estate sector, positioning it as a relatively established yet modern entity focused on future development.

Team Structure:

• Operations: The Design Director will lead a dedicated residential design team, likely comprising architects, interior designers, and potentially junior design staff. This team functions as a core operational unit within the broader company structure.

• Reporting: The Design Director will report to a senior executive, likely the Chief Development Officer, CEO, or a VP of Projects, overseeing the strategic direction and operational execution of all residential design efforts.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role necessitates deep and constant collaboration with Development Managers, Construction Managers, Marketing teams, Sales teams, Finance, and Legal departments to ensure integrated project delivery from concept to handover.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design Insights: Utilizing market research data, demographic analysis, and performance metrics from previous projects to inform design decisions and strategic planning.

• Agile Design Development: While not strictly agile, there's an implied need for adaptable design processes that can respond to market feedback and construction realities, moving from concept through detailed development efficiently.

• Quality & Compliance Assurance: Implementing rigorous processes to ensure adherence to RETAL's design standards, Saudi building codes, and sustainability mandates, with built-in review and approval gates.

Company Website: https://www.retalgroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: RETAL's focus on urban development and residential projects, coupled with its founding date, suggests a company that is both experienced and forward-looking, likely embracing modern design and construction methodologies while respecting local market needs. The "operations" aspect of this role is critical in translating RETAL's vision into deliverable projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, positioned at the Director level. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in residential design and robust operational management skills. The scope of responsibility covers strategic visioning, team leadership, budget oversight, and cross-functional project execution within the urban development sector. It is a critical operational role that directly influences product development and market competitiveness.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director typically reports to a C-suite executive or a Vice President within the Development or Projects division. This high-level reporting line underscores the strategic importance and operational impact of the role. The Design Director will be responsible for managing a team of designers and architects, setting their operational priorities and performance benchmarks.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is substantial, directly influencing the marketability, quality, functionality, and profitability of RETAL's residential developments. Effective design operations lead to projects that resonate with target buyers, achieve sales targets, meet construction timelines, and adhere to budgets, thereby driving revenue and enhancing the company's brand reputation in the competitive Saudi real estate market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to expand scope to oversee design for other asset classes within RETAL or to take on broader real estate development strategy roles.

• Executive Advancement: Progression to Vice President or Chief Officer roles within the company, such as Chief Development Officer or Chief Design Officer, leading larger divisions or shaping company-wide strategic direction.

• Specialization & Innovation: Opportunities to lead R&D in new construction technologies, sustainable building practices, or innovative residential typologies, becoming a thought leader in the industry.

• Industry Influence: Representing RETAL at industry conferences, contributing to design standards, and mentoring emerging talent within the Saudi design and construction community.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant career trajectory within a growing real estate developer. The combination of design authority and operational responsibility positions the candidate for executive leadership, making it an attractive opportunity for experienced design professionals seeking to broaden their impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: RETAL likely operates from modern corporate offices in Khobar, designed to foster collaboration and efficiency. The workspace would be equipped with the necessary tools for architectural design, project management, and team communication.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Khobar, Ash Sharqiyah, Saudi Arabia, specifically in the Ar Rawabi District. This location is central to the Eastern Province's economic activity, offering accessibility for employees and stakeholders within the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is expected to facilitate regular interaction between the design team, project managers, and other key departments. Open-plan areas or dedicated collaborative zones may be utilized to encourage cross-pollination of ideas and seamless workflow integration.

• Operations Tools & Technology: The workspace will be equipped with high-performance workstations capable of running demanding design software like Revit and AutoCAD. Access to robust IT infrastructure, project management software, and communication platforms is essential for smooth operations.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with a team of skilled architects and designers, as well as regular engagement with senior management and cross-functional project teams, will be integral to the role.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Thursday, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases.

• While adhering to structured working hours, the role may require flexibility to attend site visits, client meetings, or address urgent project issues, reflecting the demands of a dynamic development environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in Khobar emphasizes the importance of physical presence for team collaboration, site visits, and direct engagement with local stakeholders, which is common for senior roles in the construction and development sectors.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical & Design Assessment: This stage may involve a deep dive into your portfolio, discussing specific projects, design philosophies, and technical capabilities. Expect questions on your approach to conceptualization, space planning, and problem-solving in residential design.

• Operational & Leadership Interview: Focus on your experience in team management, budget control, vendor negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration. You will likely be asked about your leadership style and how you drive operational efficiency within design teams.

• Case Study Presentation: You may be asked to prepare and present a detailed case study of a past residential project, highlighting your strategic approach, design execution, operational challenges overcome, and impact on project success.

• Cultural Fit & Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with senior leadership and potentially key stakeholders from other departments to assess cultural alignment, communication effectiveness, and strategic thinking.

• Final Offer: Following successful interviews and background checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your leadership, strategic thinking, operational management, and design excellence in residential developments. Emphasize projects relevant to the Saudi market if possible.

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the design process, operational challenges faced (budget, timeline, regulations), how you overcame them, and the tangible results (e.g., sales performance, cost savings, quality improvements).

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your design decisions and operational oversight (e.g., percentage of budget managed, on-time delivery metrics, sustainability impact).

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples of your team's detailed drawings, BIM models, and visualizations to demonstrate technical competence.

• Cultural Sensitivity: If possible, include projects or discuss approaches that demonstrate an understanding of Saudi Arabian cultural nuances in design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Strategy Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a new residential design strategy for RETAL, considering market trends, sustainability goals, and brand positioning.

• Operational Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about managing conflicting stakeholder demands, resolving design-build discrepancies, mitigating budget overruns, or improving team productivity.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you motivate teams, handle underperformance, foster innovation, and manage cross-functional relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for a senior role like this is rigorous. The emphasis on portfolio review and case studies suggests RETAL values demonstrated experience and the ability to articulate complex processes and outcomes clearly. Preparing to discuss operational aspects alongside design prowess is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: For 2D drafting, detailed drawings, and technical specifications.

• Revit (BIM): Essential for Building Information Modeling, enabling integrated design, clash detection, and collaborative workflows among architects, engineers, and contractors. Proficiency is expected for managing complex residential projects.

• SketchUp: Useful for quick 3D conceptualization, massing studies, and client presentations, complementing the detailed work done in Revit.

• Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, InDesign): For image editing, creating presentation materials, and visual storytelling.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Asana, Monday.com): For planning, scheduling, tracking project progress, resource allocation, and budget oversight.

• Financial Software/ERP Integration: Understanding how design budgets integrate with broader company financial systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP) is beneficial for effective budget management.

• Performance Dashboards: Experience in utilizing or contributing to dashboards that track design project milestones, budget adherence, and team performance.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing customer relationships, understanding how design deliverables feed into sales and marketing pipelines (potentially supported by CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot) is advantageous for aligning design with market needs.

• Automation tools within BIM software (e.g., Dynamo for Revit) or project management platforms might be leveraged for streamlining repetitive design tasks or reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is standard for a leading design director role in real estate development. The emphasis on BIM (Revit) underscores the move towards integrated project delivery. Understanding how design tools interface with project management and financial systems is key for the operational aspects of this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering residential designs and built environments that meet the highest standards of quality, aesthetics, and functionality.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging novel design solutions that push boundaries while remaining practical and market-aligned.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and communicative environment where designers work effectively with each other and with other departments.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, vendors, and team members, ensuring transparency and accountability.

• Market Responsiveness: A focus on understanding and adapting to the evolving needs and preferences of the Saudi Arabian residential market.

• Efficiency & Resourcefulness: Driving optimized design processes and resource utilization to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Project Delivery: A strong emphasis on early and continuous collaboration between design, development, construction, and sales teams to ensure holistic project success and minimize rework.

• Open Communication Channels: Encouraging direct and transparent communication, regular design reviews, and constructive feedback sessions to foster a culture of shared learning and problem-solving.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Actively seeking opportunities for design teams to understand the needs and constraints of other departments, ensuring design solutions are practical and commercially viable.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and innovative ideas are shared freely among team members and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely aligns with the progressive real estate development sector in Saudi Arabia, balancing modern design practices with deep respect for local culture and business ethics. The emphasis on collaboration is critical for operational success in a complex project environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Market Realities: Developing cutting-edge designs that are also affordable, constructible, and desirable within the specific Saudi Arabian market context.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Ensuring strict adherence to evolving building codes, zoning laws, and cultural sensitivities in Saudi Arabia, which can sometimes constrain design freedom.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Aligning the visions and requirements of senior management, investors, sales teams, and end-users, who may have differing priorities.

• Integration of Sustainable Practices: Successfully embedding sustainability into design and construction processes, often requiring upfront investment and careful material selection, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

• Team Development & Retention: Attracting and retaining top design talent in a competitive market and fostering continuous professional development within the team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM & Digital Design: Deepening expertise in BIM workflows, generative design, and other digital tools to enhance design efficiency and capability.

• Sustainable Architecture & Green Building: Pursuing certifications and specialized training in sustainable design practices, relevant to global trends and Saudi Arabia's environmental goals.

• Project Finance & Real Estate Development: Gaining a broader understanding of the financial aspects of real estate development and investment to better align design with business objectives.

• Leadership & Executive Management: Opportunities for executive coaching and leadership training to further develop strategic decision-making and organizational management skills.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Attending major international and regional real estate and design conferences to stay abreast of trends, network with peers, and bring back best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a burgeoning market. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding both design leadership and broader business acumen.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you develop a 5-year residential design strategy for RETAL, considering the Saudi Vision 2030 and emerging market trends in the Kingdom?" (Focus on market analysis, innovation drivers, sustainability goals, and team capabilities.)

• "Describe your process for ensuring that all residential designs are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also culturally sensitive and appropriate for the Saudi Arabian market." (Highlight research methods, stakeholder engagement, and iterative design adjustments.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about RETAL's current projects and its position in the Saudi real estate market? How would your design philosophy contribute to our ongoing success?" (Showcase research and alignment with company vision.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between design excellence and project budget/timeline constraints. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Assess problem-solving, negotiation, and operational resilience.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your solution (design and operational), the process, the challenges, and the quantifiable results.

• Emphasize Leadership & Operations: Beyond showcasing aesthetics, focus on your role in strategic planning, team management, budget oversight, vendor coordination, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

• Showcase Process & Tools: Explain how you leveraged tools like Revit for BIM integration, AutoCAD for detailed documentation, and other project management systems to achieve project goals.

• Quantify Impact: Use data to demonstrate success – e.g., "Managed a design budget of X SAR, completing the project Y% under budget," or "Implemented design changes that led to a Z% increase in sales conversion rates."

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, technical specifications, and operational decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative vision, strong operational management, and a deep understanding of the Saudi market and RETAL's business objectives. The ability to articulate processes and quantify impact is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 key residential projects that best highlight your leadership in design strategy, operational execution, team management, and successful project delivery within complex environments. Ensure these showcase your experience with Saudi regulations and market needs.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of residential design experience, particularly the 5+ years in leadership roles. Clearly list your proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp, and highlight your experience with budget management, vendor relations, and regulatory compliance. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting one of your most impactful projects as a case study. Focus on articulating your strategic approach, the operational challenges you overcame, your leadership in managing the design process, and the measurable business outcomes. Be ready to discuss your understanding of Saudi Arabian building codes and cultural sensitivities.

• Research RETAL: Thoroughly research RETAL's projects, brand, and mission. Understand their role in Saudi Vision 2030 and their market positioning. Be prepared to articulate how your skills and vision align with the company's goals and culture.

⚠️ 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.