Design Director - Utility Compounds

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director - Utility Compounds

Company: Parsons Corporation

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Qiddiya)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Management / Infrastructure Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-24

Experience Level: 20+ Years (Senior/Director Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Direct and manage the end-to-end design delivery process for critical utility compounds, including substations, switching/control compounds, and utility hubs.

• Focus on strategic project and process management to ensure successful design outcomes, rather than performing detailed engineering design.

• Uphold rigorous design governance and leadership, defining and implementing comprehensive design management strategies and plans.

• Drive multi-disciplinary coordination across civil, structural, architectural, MEP, power systems, protection & control, SCADA, and site infrastructure.

• Oversee design planning, scheduling, cost control, risk management, and quality assurance to meet project objectives and stakeholder requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is senior-level, requiring extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure and utility projects. The emphasis on "design delivery process" and "project and process management rather than performing detailed design" positions it as a strategic oversight role, crucial for ensuring efficient and compliant design execution within a large program.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and implement the design management strategy, associated plans, and procedures for utility compound projects and programs.

• Define the integrated design delivery roadmap, including key stage gates, critical milestones, and robust approval processes.

• Develop and maintain the design responsibility matrix, clearly delineating scope boundaries, interfaces, and deliverables for all project stakeholders.

• Lead the planning and coordination of all design contributors, including internal teams and external consultants, across all relevant disciplines.

• Chair regular design coordination and progress meetings, ensuring clear documentation and timely closure of actions, decisions, and interface management.

• Own and manage the integrated design schedule, coordinating closely with planning and project controls teams, and proactively identifying and mitigating deviations.

• Oversee the tracking and reporting of design productivity, progress curves, and cost versus budget for all design activities.

• Implement and manage a formal design change control process, including thorough impact assessments on scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk.

• Maintain a comprehensive design risk register, facilitating risk identification, ownership, and mitigation strategies with the design and project teams.

• Ensure adherence to agreed review, verification, and approval processes, including peer reviews and stage-gate approvals led by technical authorities.

• Coordinate technical and constructability reviews, HAZID/HAZOP studies, and operability/maintainability assessments with discipline leads and HSE teams.

• Act as the principal point of contact for all design management matters with the client, utility owners, third-party stakeholders, and regulatory authorities.

• Oversee the implementation of BIM and digital engineering processes, ensuring models, drawings, and data align with project information management plans and CDE protocols.

• Collaborate closely with construction, procurement, commissioning, and operations teams to ensure design deliverables meet practical implementation and operational requirements.

• Lead, mentor, and manage design managers, coordinators, and project engineers involved in design delivery, fostering a collaborative and solution-oriented culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily emphasize process leadership, coordination, and management of design delivery, rather than hands-on technical design. This indicates a need for strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence multiple stakeholders across diverse disciplines and external parties.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management (or a closely related technical field).

• Master’s degree in Project Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in project and design management, specifically on large-scale infrastructure, utilities, industrial, or complex building projects.

• Significant experience with utility compounds, substations, or similar critical facilities is essential.

• Proven track record in managing multi-disciplinary design delivery processes and successfully leading external design consultants from the concept phase through to Issued for Construction (IFC) and final handover. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in defining, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive design management strategies, plans, and procedures for large-scale projects.

• Project Management: Strong capabilities in integrated project planning, scheduling, cost control, risk management, and change control within a design context.

• Multi-Disciplinary Coordination: Proven ability to lead and coordinate diverse technical teams and external consultants across civil, structural, architectural, MEP, power systems, protection & control, and SCADA disciplines.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively at senior levels with clients, utility owners, and authorities.

• Process Leadership: Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining design governance, stage gates, approval processes, and design responsibility matrices.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Certification: PMP (Project Management Professional) or other recognized design management credentials.

• Contract Management: Familiarity with standard forms of contracts, such as FIDIC, and their implications for design scope, deliverables, and approval processes.

• Digital Engineering & BIM: Experience in BIM/digital engineering environments and proficiency in using Common Data Environment (CDE) platforms and protocols.

• Utility/Energy Sector Experience: Prior experience working with utility or energy clients, ideally within multi-contract or program environments.

• Risk & Compliance: Experience in coordinating technical reviews, constructability assessments, HAZID/HAZOP studies, and ensuring compliance with relevant codes and standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (20+ years) coupled with the "Director" title suggests a leadership role that demands strategic oversight and extensive experience in managing complex design processes for critical infrastructure. The preferred qualifications highlight a need for a well-rounded professional with exposure to international standards and advanced digital tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Strategy Examples: Showcase documented strategies for managing design delivery on large-scale infrastructure projects, including stage gates, workflows, and interface management plans.

• Coordination Meeting Minutes & Action Logs: Provide examples of structured meeting minutes that clearly outline decisions, action items, and resolutions for multi-disciplinary design coordination.

• Design Change Control Process Documentation: Evidence of established and implemented design change control processes, including impact assessment templates and approval workflows.

• Risk Register Examples: Samples of comprehensive design risk registers, demonstrating identification, assessment, mitigation, and ownership of design-related risks.

• Stakeholder Communication Plans: Examples of plans or strategies used to manage communication and expectations with clients, utility owners, and regulatory bodies regarding design matters.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and optimizing complex multi-disciplinary design workflows, including the integration of various engineering disciplines.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase understanding and experience in implementing digital engineering tools, BIM, and CDE protocols to streamline design processes and improve data management.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how design progress, productivity, and cost performance were tracked, reported, and analyzed against baselines, including the identification of deviations and recovery planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority and focus on design management, a portfolio should highlight strategic planning, process development, and oversight capabilities, rather than detailed design outputs. The emphasis should be on demonstrating the ability to manage complex processes and influence outcomes through effective leadership and documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director role with 20+ years of experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, managing large infrastructure projects, the estimated annual salary range is likely between SAR 500,000 to SAR 800,000 (approximately USD 133,000 to USD 213,000). This range accounts for the seniority, specialized expertise, and location. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employee and dependents.

• Relocation assistance and housing allowance, common for expatriate roles in Saudi Arabia.

• Annual leave and public holidays as per Saudi labor law.

• Professional development and training opportunities, including support for certifications.

• Retirement savings plan or end-of-service benefits.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive plans.

• Access to company-provided transportation or travel allowances. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, operating from Sunday to Thursday. However, the nature of a Director-level role may require flexibility and occasional work outside standard hours to meet project deadlines and critical milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations for senior roles in Saudi Arabia are based on research of similar positions in major engineering and construction firms operating in the region, considering the cost of living and typical compensation packages for expatriate professionals. Benefits are standard for international assignments in the GCC region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Consulting. Parsons Corporation is a global leader in providing technical and management solutions in the defense, intelligence, security, infrastructure, and transportation sectors.

Company Size: Parsons Corporation is a large enterprise, employing over 16,000 people globally, indicating a robust organizational structure with extensive resources and established processes.

Founded: Parsons was founded in 1944, signifying a long history of experience and stability in delivering complex projects worldwide.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will likely lead a dedicated design management team, comprising design managers, coordinators, and project engineers, responsible for overseeing the design delivery for utility compounds.

• This role will operate within a larger program or project management structure, requiring close collaboration with project directors, construction managers, commercial teams, and discipline leads.

• The reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a senior program executive or a VP of Engineering/Design, providing strategic guidance and oversight. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design Governance: Emphasis on establishing clear metrics, stage gates, and review processes to ensure design quality and compliance, supported by data from design progress and risk registers.

• Integrated Workflow Planning: Focus on meticulously planning and coordinating design activities across all disciplines and interfaces to align with construction, procurement, and commissioning schedules.

• Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages the capture and integration of lessons learned from construction and operations to refine design processes for future projects.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and global presence suggest a culture that values expertise, a structured approach to project delivery, and a commitment to innovation. The focus on "Imagine Next" hints at a forward-thinking environment that encourages embracing new technologies and methodologies, such as digital engineering.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Director-level position, representing a senior leadership role within the design and project management hierarchy. It involves significant responsibility for strategic direction, process oversight, and team leadership in the execution of critical infrastructure design.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will report to a senior executive within the program or engineering leadership, likely a Program Director, VP of Engineering, or similar, and will manage a team of design professionals. This position requires strong cross-functional collaboration with construction, commercial, and operational teams.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on the success of large-scale infrastructure projects by ensuring that utility compounds are designed efficiently, cost-effectively, and to the highest quality standards. This directly influences project timelines, budget adherence, constructability, and long-term operational performance and safety.

Growth Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership: Potential to advance into broader program management roles, overseeing multiple projects or entire programs, or moving into executive positions within Parsons' infrastructure or energy divisions.

• Specialized Expertise Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of utility compound design, digital engineering, or program management through advanced training, certifications, and leading complex international projects.

• Global Mobility: Parsons' global footprint offers opportunities to work on high-profile projects in various regions, expanding international experience and exposure to diverse project environments.

• Mentorship & Influence: The role provides a platform to mentor junior design professionals, shape design management practices within the organization, and influence strategic project decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Director level and the nature of the projects suggest significant potential for career advancement within Parsons, either into higher executive leadership roles or specialized technical director positions overseeing complex engineering portfolios.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, likely within a project office or a Parsons regional hub. The work environment will be professional and collaborative.

Office Location(s): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with specific focus on the Qiddiya development. This location is a major hub for infrastructure development in Saudi Arabia, offering exposure to cutting-edge projects.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that fosters collaboration among diverse teams, including engineers, project managers, construction personnel, and potentially client representatives.

• Tools & Technology: Access to advanced digital engineering tools, BIM software, CDE platforms, and project management systems will be integral to the role.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a dedicated design management team, as well as frequent engagement with cross-functional project teams and senior stakeholders.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week (Sunday to Thursday). However, the demands of a senior leadership role on large, complex projects often necessitate flexibility, with potential for extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases to meet deadlines and ensure seamless design delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Riyadh indicates an immersive project environment. The focus on digital engineering suggests that the workspace will be equipped with modern technological infrastructure to support these advanced methodologies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by HR and potentially the hiring manager to assess alignment with the core requirements and experience.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focused on your experience in design management, project leadership, multi-disciplinary coordination, and managing large-scale infrastructure/utility projects. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing design challenges, risks, and stakeholder conflicts.

• Portfolio Presentation: A crucial stage where you will be asked to present a selection of your past work. This will likely involve detailing 2-3 key projects, focusing on your role, the challenges faced, the design management strategies implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes achieved (e.g., schedule adherence, cost savings, quality improvements).

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, collaboration approach, problem-solving skills, and alignment with Parsons' company culture and values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive for final approval, focusing on strategic vision and long-term fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose projects that best demonstrate your experience managing utility compounds, substations, or similar complex infrastructure from a design delivery perspective.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges encountered, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., schedule savings, budget control, risk mitigation success, stakeholder satisfaction). Use metrics where possible.

• Highlight Process & Strategy: Emphasize your strategic approach to design management, including how you established governance, managed interfaces, controlled changes, mitigated risks, and led teams. Showcase your ability to manage processes rather than just individual design tasks.

• Demonstrate Leadership & Collaboration: Illustrate how you led multi-disciplinary teams, managed external consultants, and collaborated effectively with construction, commercial, and client stakeholders.

• Prepare for Digital Engineering Discussion: Be ready to discuss your experience with BIM, CDE, and other digital tools, and how they were integrated into project workflows.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Analysis: Be prepared for potential case studies or hypothetical scenarios related to managing a complex design issue, resolving interface conflicts between disciplines, or handling significant design changes under tight deadlines.

• Strategic Thinking: Practice articulating your strategic approach to design delivery for a large program, including how you would establish governance, manage risks, and foster collaboration.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare responses for questions about how you would manage difficult client negotiations, resolve disputes between design teams, or gain buy-in from various stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Director-level role will be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on strategic thinking, leadership, and proven experience in managing complex design delivery. The portfolio presentation is a critical component and should be meticulously prepared to showcase impactful achievements and strategic capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project) for scheduling, progress tracking, and resource allocation.

• Design Management Platforms: Familiarity with systems for design review, document management, and workflow automation, potentially including specialized design collaboration tools.

• Common Data Environment (CDE): Experience with CDE platforms (e.g., Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bentley ProjectWise) for centralized document and data management in BIM projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project controls, financial systems, and design progress reports to inform decision-making and identify trends.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in using or overseeing the creation of dashboards to visualize design progress, budget adherence, risk status, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for senior management.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning systems for resource allocation, budgeting, and financial tracking.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Outlook) for communication, document sharing, and team collaboration.

• BIM Software: While not performing detailed design, an understanding of BIM software (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) and their application in design coordination and clash detection is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Digital Engineering & Information Management" suggests a strong requirement for proficiency with BIM, CDE, and related digital tools. The role requires an understanding of how these technologies facilitate design delivery and integration with downstream processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality design outcomes that meet or exceed project objectives for scope, schedule, cost, and safety.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams work together seamlessly, sharing knowledge and supporting each other to achieve common goals.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all professional dealings.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methodologies, and actively seeking opportunities to optimize processes and drive efficiency.

• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing health, safety, and environmental responsibility in all design and project management activities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A proactive approach to integrating design efforts with construction, procurement, commissioning, and operations teams from the outset to ensure constructability and operational efficiency.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Encouraging an environment where open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparent communication are valued to resolve issues effectively and drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects to build organizational capability and foster a learning culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons' stated values of "valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth" align with a culture that supports professional development, adaptability, and a people-centric approach to leadership. The emphasis on "Imagine Next" suggests a culture that embraces innovation and forward-thinking solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interfaces: Effectively coordinating design across numerous disciplines and third-party stakeholders (utility owners, authorities) to avoid clashes and ensure seamless integration.

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Juggling demands from various stakeholders (client, construction, commercial, safety) while maintaining focus on design quality and schedule adherence.

• Implementing Digital Transformation: Driving the adoption and effective utilization of BIM and CDE across diverse teams and consultants, potentially overcoming resistance to change.

• Navigating Regulatory Environments: Ensuring compliance with evolving local Saudi Arabian codes, standards, and approval processes for critical utility infrastructure.

• Resource Management: Optimizing the allocation and performance of both internal design management teams and external consultant resources across multiple projects and phases.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Program Management: Opportunities to lead larger, more complex programs or portfolios, potentially overseeing multiple utility compound projects simultaneously.

• Digital Engineering Leadership: Deepening expertise in BIM, digital twins, and other advanced digital construction technologies through specialized training and application on cutting-edge projects.

• International Project Exposure: Gaining extensive experience on high-profile, large-scale projects in Saudi Arabia, enhancing global project management capabilities.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participation in Parsons' internal leadership development initiatives designed to cultivate senior executives and strategic thinkers.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend major industry events, engage with peers, and stay abreast of the latest trends in infrastructure design and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexity and strategic nature of the role. The growth opportunities are aligned with advancing within a global engineering firm, focusing on leadership, specialized technical domains, and international project experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a comprehensive design management strategy for a large-scale utility program. What are the key components?" (Focus on stage gates, responsibility matrices, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.)

• "How do you ensure effective coordination and interface management across multiple engineering disciplines (civil, structural, MEP, power systems, SCADA) and external stakeholders for utility compounds?" (Highlight your meeting structure, documentation, and problem-solving methods.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing design changes. How do you assess impacts on scope, schedule, cost, and quality, and ensure proper approval and integration?" (Emphasize a formal change control process and communication protocols.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Parsons Corporation and its role in major infrastructure projects, particularly in Saudi Arabia?" (Research recent projects, company values, and strategic initiatives.)

• "How would you foster a collaborative and solution-oriented culture among your design management team and with other project functions like construction and commercial?" (Discuss leadership style, communication techniques, and conflict resolution.)

• "How do you ensure designs are not only technically sound but also practical for construction and efficient for long-term operations and maintenance?" (Focus on constructability reviews, operability assessments, and lessons learned integration.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly define: Project Context (type, scale, location), Your Role & Key Responsibilities, Major Challenges, Design Management Strategies Implemented (governance, coordination, risk, change), Key Outcomes/Achievements (quantified results), and Lessons Learned.

• Visuals: Use slides that are clean, professional, and highlight key information. Include diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate processes where applicable. Avoid overwhelming text.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative, demonstrating your problem-solving skills, leadership, and strategic thinking throughout the project lifecycle.

• Focus on Process & Management: Since this is a management role, emphasize how you managed the design process, coordinated teams, and drove outcomes, rather than the specific technical details of the design itself.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate detailed questions about your decisions, how you handled specific issues, and how your approach aligns with Parsons' methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, robust process management, and strong leadership capabilities. Be ready to articulate your experience with large-scale infrastructure, utility compounds specifically, and your ability to manage complex stakeholder environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Parsons career portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio that highlights 2-3 of your most relevant projects, focusing on your experience in managing the design delivery of utility compounds, substations, or similar critical infrastructure. Clearly articulate your strategic approach, process management, coordination efforts, and quantifiable achievements.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume prominently features keywords related to design management, project management, multi-disciplinary coordination, infrastructure, utilities, risk management, change control, and stakeholder engagement. Quantify your achievements and responsibilities where possible.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse your responses to common interview questions, particularly those related to strategic planning, stakeholder management, risk mitigation, and team leadership. Practice your portfolio presentation to ensure it is clear, concise, and impactful.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Parsons Corporation, its recent projects (especially in Saudi Arabia and the infrastructure/energy sectors), its company values, and its approach to project delivery and digital engineering. Understand the significance of the Qiddiya project.

⚠️ 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.