Design Director Estate Management - City Assets Management (Q - CAM)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director Estate Management - City Assets Management (Q - CAM)

Company: JASARA PMC

Location: Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations Management / Design Assurance / Estate Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the operational design review, assurance, and stakeholder coordination for city and district assets, ensuring long-term operability, maintainability, and sustainability.

• Serve as the operational design authority, representing the future operator, maintainer, and asset owner throughout all project phases from planning to handover.

• Integrate operational requirements, maintenance considerations, logistical needs, and service delivery expectations into asset designs and development proposals.

• Drive whole-life thinking in design to support long-term operational sustainability and value realization for city-scale developments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring that large-scale urban developments are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional during construction but are also highly efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable to operate and maintain in the long term. The focus on "City Assets Management" and "Estate Management" indicates a strategic oversight role impacting the entire lifecycle of urban infrastructure and facilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive operational design reviews of city and district assets across all design stages (planning, concept, schematic, detailed) to assess operability, maintainability, functionality, and long-term serviceability.

• Challenge design proposals to ensure assets can be safely, efficiently, and sustainably operated and maintained, identifying operational risks, maintenance constraints, and accessibility issues.

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve operational design standards, guidance documents, and review criteria, defining operability, maintainability, and service delivery requirements for development and design teams.

• Review and provide assurance on the sizing, location, and functionality of facilities required for city operations and asset management, including maintenance compounds, workshops, storage, and waste facilities.

• Assess and integrate operational logistics requirements, including access arrangements, servicing routes, loading facilities, and emergency provisions, ensuring safe and efficient movement throughout developments.

• Provide operational design subject matter expertise to district development teams, participating in workshops, technical working groups, and stakeholder engagement activities to ensure alignment.

• Manage consultants and technical advisors supporting operational design review and assurance activities, defining scopes, deliverables, and ensuring outputs align with Estate Management objectives.

• Support design governance processes and stage-gate reviews through operational design assurance, review comments, and technical recommendations, and coordinate operational aspects of asset handover with the City Asset Management team.

• Promote continuous improvement in operational design review processes, capture lessons learned, and develop leadership reporting and dashboards related to operational design assurance activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep dive into the practical, long-term aspects of urban infrastructure. The emphasis on "challenging design proposals" and "identifying operational risks" points to a proactive, critical role. The management of consultants and coordination with multiple internal stakeholders (Development, Delivery, City Operations, Asset Management) underscores the strategic and collaborative nature of this position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Facilities Management, Asset Management, Urban Planning, Building Sciences, Construction Management, or a related discipline.

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline is desirable.

• Chartered, licensed, or professionally accredited status with a recognized professional institution is preferred.

• Additional qualifications in facilities management, asset management, operational readiness, or infrastructure planning are advantageous. Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in design management, operational readiness, facilities planning, asset management, infrastructure delivery, estate management, or related disciplines, including leadership experience.

• Demonstrated experience in reviewing complex developments from an operational, maintainability, and service delivery perspective.

• Proven experience influencing design outcomes across multidisciplinary projects and stakeholder groups.

• Experience in developing operational requirements, design standards, and assurance processes.

• Experience supporting design governance and stage-gate review processes.

• Experience coordinating development, operations, asset management, and delivery stakeholders.

• Experience managing consultants, technical advisors, and specialist studies.

• Experience within major mixed-use destinations, large-scale developments, infrastructure programs, master-planned communities, cities, or giga-projects is strongly preferred. Required Skills:

• Expertise in operability and maintainability reviews of complex urban assets.

• Strong understanding of operational design assurance principles and methodologies.

• Proficient in design governance and stage-gate review processes for large-scale projects.

• Solid grasp of facilities planning and operational infrastructure assessment.

• Skilled in operational logistics and accessibility planning for city-scale environments.

• Experience in coordinating asset handover processes with asset management teams.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and cross-functional integration capabilities.

• Proven ability in consultant management and technical assurance.

• Comprehensive knowledge of operational readiness planning.

• Understanding of whole-life asset performance considerations. Preferred Skills:

• Operational design assurance within giga-project environments.

• Facilities planning and operational readiness for large urban developments.

• Estate management and city operations strategic planning.

• Asset management and lifecycle optimization for public infrastructure.

• Infrastructure operations and service delivery planning expertise.

• Master-planned developments and large-scale destination operational integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirements are broad, allowing for diverse backgrounds in engineering and planning, but the emphasis on advanced degrees and professional accreditation signals a desire for deeply qualified candidates. The extensive experience requirement (15+ years) and the preference for experience in giga-projects and master-planned communities indicate this is a senior leadership role demanding significant strategic oversight and practical knowledge in complex urban environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of operational design reviews conducted for large-scale infrastructure or urban development projects, detailing the review process, challenges identified, and recommendations provided.

• Include case studies demonstrating effective stakeholder coordination and alignment on operational requirements across diverse teams (e.g., Development, Delivery, Operations).

• Present evidence of developing or refining operational design standards, guidelines, or checklists, illustrating their impact on project outcomes.

• Demonstrate experience in assessing and assuring facilities planning for operational support, maintenance, and logistics, with clear metrics or outcomes.

• Highlight instances where you influenced design to improve maintainability, reduce operational costs, or enhance service delivery, supported by tangible results or ROI analysis. Process Documentation:

• Documented experience in establishing or implementing design assurance frameworks and processes for large-scale projects.

• Examples of workflow design for operational reviews, including input requirements, review stages, and output documentation (e.g., review reports, action logs).

• Evidence of creating or maintaining operational requirements documentation that clearly articulates needs for operability, maintainability, and serviceability.

• Demonstrated ability to integrate lessons learned from operational experience or previous project phases into updated design standards and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this seniority, a portfolio is crucial to demonstrate practical application of expertise. It should not just list responsibilities but vividly illustrate problem-solving, strategic influence, and quantifiable improvements. The focus should be on the impact of their work on the long-term operational success of assets.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the seniority of the Design Director role (15+ years of experience), the location in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the nature of JASARA PMC's involvement in major giga-projects, the estimated annual base salary range is likely between SAR 450,000 to SAR 750,000 (approximately USD 120,000 to USD 200,000). This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design and operations leadership roles in major infrastructure projects within the GCC region, considering the high cost of living and specialized expertise required.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and potentially dependents, often with international coverage options.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for relocation to Riyadh, including flights, temporary accommodation, and potential assistance with visas and work permits for the employee and immediate family.

• Housing Allowance or Provision: A housing allowance or company-provided accommodation to support living expenses in Riyadh.

• Annual Leave: Generous paid annual leave, typically 25-30 days, plus public holidays.

• Flights Home: Annual or bi-annual flights for international employees to their home country.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences relevant to estate management, asset management, and urban planning.

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

• Retirement/End-of-Service Benefits: Contributions to a provident fund or end-of-service gratuity as per Saudi labor law.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage for unforeseen circumstances. Working Hours:

The standard working hours are expected to be 40 hours per week, typically from Sunday to Thursday, with a potential need for flexibility to attend critical meetings or address urgent issues outside of these hours, especially during peak project phases or design review deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations for senior roles in Riyadh are based on market data for similar positions in major infrastructure and program management companies. Benefits are typically generous for expatriate roles in Saudi Arabia to attract and retain top talent for large-scale, long-term projects.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Program Management, Infrastructure Development, Real Estate Development. JASARA PMC operates at the intersection of these industries, playing a pivotal role in realizing Saudi Vision 2030's ambitious urban development goals. The company's focus on delivering world-class program management services for giga-projects means it operates in a high-stakes, fast-paced, and highly collaborative environment.

Company Size: JASARA PMC is a Joint Venture between major entities (PIF, Jacobs, Saudi Aramco), suggesting a significant operational scale and a workforce likely in the hundreds to thousands, managing vast programs. This size implies robust organizational structures, specialized departments, and a need for strong internal coordination.

Founded: Established as a Joint Venture, JASARA PMC is relatively new, focused on executing specific national development objectives. Its founding is tied directly to Saudi Vision 2030, positioning it as a strategic entity driving national transformation through its program management expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will likely be part of a larger Design, Engineering, or Technical department within JASARA PMC.

• This department will collaborate closely with Project Delivery teams, Asset Management, City Operations, and potentially specialized units for Utilities, Mobility, Security, and Digital.

• The reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a Head of Design, Chief Technical Officer, or a Program Director, with direct oversight of any specialist operational design consultants.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, requiring constant interaction with development managers, project engineers, architects, urban planners, and future operational leads to ensure integrated project outcomes. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Utilizing data from existing asset performance, operational feedback, and benchmarking studies to inform design standards and review criteria.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Designing and refining processes for design review, stakeholder engagement, and asset handover to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: While not directly managing automation, the role will advocate for designs that enable future operational automation and efficiency, and potentially utilize project management software for tracking review progress and actions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: JASARA PMC's unique structure as a JV for national development projects means its culture is likely a blend of public sector strategic vision and private sector execution rigor. The "City Assets Management" and "Estate Management" focus within this context suggests a long-term, strategic operational perspective is highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or Principal level within operations, design assurance, or estate management. The role demands significant strategic input, autonomous decision-making, and the ability to influence major project outcomes. It is a pivotal role in shaping the long-term operational viability and efficiency of massive urban developments.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will report to a higher-level executive within JASARA PMC, such as a Chief Technical Officer, Head of Program Management, or a Director responsible for Asset Strategy and Operations. They will manage a team of specialist consultants and work closely with various development and delivery teams, acting as a key liaison between design intent and operational reality.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's work has a profound impact on the long-term operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, safety, and sustainability of entire cities and districts. By ensuring assets are designed for optimal operability and maintainability, they directly influence:

• Operational Expenditure (OPEX): Reducing maintenance costs, energy consumption, and resource utilization.

• Asset Lifespan & Performance: Ensuring assets function optimally for their intended duration.

• Service Delivery Quality: Guaranteeing reliable and efficient services to residents and businesses.

• Safety & Risk Management: Minimizing operational hazards and ensuring compliance.

• Sustainability Goals: Contributing to the environmental and social objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Growth Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership: Potential to move into executive roles within JASARA PMC or its parent organizations, overseeing broader asset management, operations, or program strategy functions.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like smart city operations, sustainable infrastructure management, or advanced facilities planning for hyper-scale projects.

• International Assignments: Opportunities to lead similar initiatives in other major development projects globally, leveraging the experience gained in Saudi Arabia.

• Consulting/Advisory: Transition to high-level consulting roles, advising governments or major developers on urban planning and operational design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is not just about reviewing designs; it's about shaping the operational DNA of future cities. The growth path is towards strategic leadership in urban development and asset management, impacting national-level initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: JASARA PMC is a program management company for large-scale projects. The work environment will likely be a modern, professional office setting in Riyadh, designed to support collaboration and project management activities. Given the nature of the projects, there might be occasional site visits to ongoing developments.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This central location facilitates coordination with various stakeholders and project sites within the Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect an open-plan or semi-open-plan office space designed to foster teamwork and communication between various departments and project teams.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to advanced project management software, collaboration platforms, and potentially specialized design and asset management tools will be standard. High-speed internet and modern IT infrastructure are expected.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with a diverse team of project managers, engineers, architects, planners, and operational specialists from JASARA PMC and potentially client organizations or joint venture partners.

Work Schedule: The typical work schedule will be Monday to Friday (or Sunday to Thursday in Saudi Arabia), around 40 hours per week. However, the demanding nature of giga-projects and critical design review phases may require occasional flexibility to attend urgent meetings, work through critical deadlines, or respond to immediate operational concerns, especially if site visits are involved.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment in a major program management company for national projects is typically dynamic and professional, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills. The emphasis is on efficient collaboration to meet ambitious development timelines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review your application and resume for basic qualifications and experience.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior leader in Design or Operations) focusing on your experience, leadership style, and understanding of operational design principles.

3. Technical Assessment/Panel Interview: This stage will likely involve a panel of subject matter experts (e.g., senior engineers, asset managers, development leads) who will probe your technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle complex operational challenges. You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio.

4. Final Interview: A discussion with a senior executive (e.g., CTO, Head of Program Management) to assess strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly demonstrate your experience in operational design assurance for large-scale developments. Use a consistent structure for each case study: challenge, your approach/solution, and quantifiable results.

• Focus on "Why" and "How": Don't just list what you did; explain why it was important and how you achieved it. Emphasize your strategic thinking and problem-solving methodologies.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to showcase the impact of your work. Examples: "Reduced anticipated maintenance costs by X%," "Improved operational efficiency by Y%," "Ensured compliance with Z operational standards."

• Showcase Stakeholder Management: Include examples of how you successfully navigated complex stakeholder landscapes, aligned diverse interests, and achieved consensus on critical operational design decisions.

• Highlight Design Influence: Provide specific instances where your input led to tangible design changes that improved operability, maintainability, or sustainability.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Design Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to designing for maintainability in challenging urban environments, managing conflicting stakeholder operational requirements, or ensuring accessibility in complex master plans.

• Process Improvement Case Study: You may be asked to outline how you would approach improving the operational design review process for a new district development or how you would ensure effective handover of a complex facility.

• Strategic Thinking: Prepare to discuss your vision for operational sustainability in urban development and how design plays a role in achieving Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of the role. Preparing a strong portfolio that highlights tangible achievements and strategic influence is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with leading platforms such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com, or similar for managing review timelines, tasks, and consultant deliverables.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for seamless communication and document sharing with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Design Review Software: Familiarity with tools for annotating and managing comments on design documents (e.g., Bluebeam Revu, Autodesk BIM 360, Revizto) may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from reports generated by consultants or internal systems. While direct use of advanced analytics tools might not be primary, understanding how to leverage data for decision-making is key.

• Reporting Software: Experience in creating clear and concise reports, presentations, and dashboards using tools like Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel (advanced functions), and potentially BI tools like Tableau or Power BI for visualizing performance metrics and review outcomes.

CRM & Automation:

• Information Management Systems: Understanding of how CRM or enterprise asset management (EAM) systems store and utilize operational data, even if not directly managing them. The role requires ensuring designs feed into these systems effectively for future use.

• Workflow Automation Concepts: While the role focuses on design, an appreciation for how workflow automation can streamline operational processes and how design choices impact this is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis here is on the ability to leverage technology and data for effective design review and assurance, rather than necessarily being a power user of every specific tool. Proficiency in project management and collaboration tools is expected for effective coordination on large-scale projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering world-class standards in design assurance and operational readiness, aligning with JASARA PMC's mission.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, ensuring transparency in reviews and recommendations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional partnerships are actively pursued to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to enhance design processes and operational efficiency, embracing a mindset of learning and adaptation.

• Sustainability & Long-Term Vision: A dedication to creating assets that are not only functional today but also environmentally responsible and sustainable for future generations, in line with Vision 2030.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and Engaging: Actively seeking out stakeholders from various departments to gather input, provide feedback, and ensure alignment on operational design requirements.

• Constructive Challenger: A style that balances support for development teams with rigorous, evidence-based challenges to design proposals to ensure optimal operational outcomes.

• Facilitative Leader: Ability to lead discussions, workshops, and review meetings, guiding participants towards consensus and effective decision-making.

• Knowledge Sharer: Willingness to share expertise on operational design best practices, mentor junior staff or consultants, and contribute to the collective knowledge base of the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at JASARA PMC, given its mission and JV structure, likely emphasizes a blend of strategic vision, rigorous execution, and a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to national development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Scale: Managing design assurance for vast, multifaceted urban developments with numerous interconnected systems and stakeholders presents a significant complexity challenge.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Reconciling potentially conflicting operational requirements and priorities from diverse groups (e.g., city operations, community management, security, utilities) requires strong negotiation and diplomacy.

• Future-Proofing Designs: Ensuring designs are adaptable to evolving technologies, user needs, and environmental conditions over a long asset lifecycle is a continuous challenge.

• Pace of Development: Working within aggressive timelines for giga-projects while maintaining thoroughness in design reviews can be demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Vision 2030 Projects: Unparalleled opportunity to work on transformative urban development initiatives that are shaping the future of Saudi Arabia.

• Master-Planned Community Expertise: Deepening knowledge and experience in the unique operational challenges and solutions for large-scale, integrated communities.

• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Gaining insights into various operational domains such as smart city technology, sustainable infrastructure, mobility solutions, and public safety within an urban context.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder management skills in a high-impact environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the scale and ambition of the projects, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development in cutting-edge urban development practices.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to significantly influence a design team to incorporate operational requirements that were initially overlooked or resisted. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"

• "How would you establish and maintain operational design standards for a new, large-scale master-planned community, ensuring consistency across diverse asset types (residential, commercial, recreational, infrastructure)?"

• "Imagine a scenario where the development team proposes a design that is cost-effective but poses long-term maintenance challenges. How would you articulate the risks and advocate for a more sustainable, albeit potentially more expensive, design solution?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about Saudi Vision 2030, and how do you see the role of operational design in achieving its urban development goals?"

• "How do you approach building consensus and driving alignment among stakeholders with competing priorities, particularly in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary project environment like JASARA PMC?"

• "Describe your experience working with consultants and technical advisors. How do you ensure their work is high-quality, relevant, and aligned with project objectives?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio case studies as compelling narratives that highlight the problem, your strategic approach, the actions you took, and the positive, measurable impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, photos, or simple charts to illustrate complex designs, processes, or outcomes. Keep slides clean and focused.

• Focus on Influence: For each example, clearly articulate your role and how you influenced the outcome, rather than just describing team efforts.

• STAR Method: For behavioral questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide structured and comprehensive answers.

• Concise Delivery: Be prepared to present key highlights of your portfolio within a given timeframe, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be assessing not only your technical expertise but also your strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and ability to navigate complex project environments. Demonstrating a deep understanding of the long-term operational implications of design is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your comprehensive CV and cover letter through the JASARA PMC careers portal or the provided Workable link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your experience in operational design review, facilities planning, and stakeholder management for large-scale developments. Tailor the content to highlight achievements relevant to estate and city asset management.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 15+ years of experience, highlighting leadership roles, specific responsibilities related to operability and maintainability, and successes in complex project environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: If invited for an interview, prepare a concise presentation of your portfolio, focusing on your strategic approach, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable impact. Practice delivering this presentation clearly and engagingly.

• Research JASARA PMC & Vision 2030: Thoroughly understand JASARA PMC's mission, its role in Saudi Vision 2030, and the types of giga-projects it manages. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest and alignment.

⚠️ 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.