Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design Management / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and coordinate multidisciplinary design delivery across complex projects within the KSA and GCC Region, ensuring alignment with project objectives and client requirements.

• Develop and implement comprehensive Design Management Plans (DMP), driving project execution from initiation through to successful completion.

• Act as the primary technical liaison with clients and their technical teams, managing expectations and fostering strong collaborative relationships.

• Ensure rigorous adherence to quality management procedures, safety in design principles, and regulatory compliance throughout the design lifecycle.

• Leverage proficiency in digital delivery tools, including BIM, Revit, and Navisworks, to enhance design coordination and streamline project workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on the operational aspects of design management within a large engineering consultancy, emphasizing process, coordination, and client interaction. The "Design Manager" title here implies a strong operational component, managing the process of design, not just the creative output. This is distinct from a purely creative design role and aligns with the operational needs of project delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Convene, coordinate, and manage the overall technical input of multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring coherent, compliant, and high-quality design outputs that meet project specifications.

• Develop and maintain the Design Management Plan (DMP) in close collaboration with the Project Manager and design team, ensuring alignment with scope, program, organizational charts, and communication pathways.

• Lead and manage the design coordination process, meticulously overseeing interfaces between disciplines, sub-consultants, third parties, and client requirements, in strict accordance with quality management procedures.

• Compile and manage technical input for change management requirements, coordinating with Technical Leads to accurately assess impacts on time and resources, and ensuring efficient process adjustments.

• Engage actively with the Client's technical team to achieve consensus on design philosophies and project outcomes, acting as a key point of technical dialogue.

• Develop strategic project design packaging to align with the phased needs of design and/or construction phasing and overall project schedule, ensuring efficient workflow management.

• Apply experience and lessons learned from previous projects to continuously enhance delivery efficiency, optimize design quality, and improve operational processes.

• Develop a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary program with buy-in from technical leads that aligns precisely with project requirements and timelines, ensuring robust project planning.

• Oversee the technical setup of projects, including document structure, numbering, and tracking mechanisms, and support the technical setup of project deliverables and models to ensure consistency and traceability.

• Actively track design progress, identify potential risks or constraints, and support the implementation of mitigation actions in close coordination with the wider project team, ensuring proactive problem-solving.

• Maintain project budgets as defined and accepted by the design Technical Leads, ensuring financial discipline and resource allocation efficiency.

• Share and promote the technical achievements of the technical team, fostering a culture of recognition and continuous improvement within the design function.

• Promote collaboration and consistent engagement across technical package leaders and sub-consultants, ensuring seamless communication and integrated workflows.

• Ensure consistent and productive input from the leaders of the technical package groups, facilitating effective team synergy and output.

• Confirm that contractual deliverables have been met prior to the production of invoices, ensuring compliance and financial accuracy.

• Compile potential scope gaps, changes, and variations, assessing impacts on time and effort in coordination with the Project Manager and Technical Leads, to manage project scope effectively.

• Provide advice and appropriate technical resources to address client queries and design comments in a timely and structured manner, ensuring client satisfaction and efficient issue resolution.

• Support stakeholder engagement and approvals processes, ensuring submissions are coordinated and aligned with client and statutory requirements, facilitating smooth project progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, coordination, planning, and stakeholder communication, typical of operations-focused roles within project delivery environments. The mention of "design program," "packaging," and "tracking mechanisms" directly points to operational management of the design workflow.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a relevant design / engineering discipline.

Experience: Minimum of 8 years’ experience in the Middle East, with a minimum of 3 years in Design Management or similar roles within a multidisciplinary design or built environment consultancy.

Required Skills:

• Strong capability in multidisciplinary design coordination and interface management, ensuring seamless integration of various engineering and architectural elements.

• Sound knowledge of design and construction processes, including Safety in Design requirements, to ensure compliant and safe project execution.

• Proficient in digital delivery and BIM-enabled environments, specifically including Revit, Navisworks, and design coordination tools for efficient model management and clash detection.

• Advanced proficiency in project management software such as MS Project, alongside strong skills in MS Excel and MS Word for reporting, analysis, and documentation.

• Strong understanding of Quality Management requirements and their application in ensuring design excellence and adherence to standards.

• Demonstrates structured, methodical, and proactive leadership, capable of driving teams towards project objectives.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence skills, essential for managing diverse project teams and client relationships effectively.

• Ability to lead without reliance on authority, influencing outcomes through credibility, clarity, and expertise.

• Results-oriented with a continuous improvement and growth mindset, consistently seeking opportunities for process enhancement and personal development.

• Upholds the highest standards of integrity, safety, and professionalism in all aspects of work. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in managing design delivery for small to medium-scale projects with low complexity, or supporting senior roles on larger, more complex projects.

• Familiarity with contractual deliverables and invoice production processes within a consultancy environment.

• Experience in managing client expectations and technical engagement under the guidance of Project Managers or Directors.

• Knowledge of developing strategies for project design packaging aligned with construction phasing and schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills heavily emphasize process, coordination, and digital tools, which are core to operations roles. The ability to "lead without reliance on authority" and demonstrate "structured, methodical, and proactive leadership" are key operational leadership attributes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful project delivery within the KSA/GCC region, highlighting your role in managing design phases.

• Case studies showcasing effective multidisciplinary design coordination and interface management, detailing challenges and resolutions.

• Examples of Design Management Plans (DMPs) or similar project execution documents you have developed or significantly contributed to.

• Evidence of proficiency in digital delivery tools, including BIM workflows, clash detection reports from Navisworks, and Revit model management.

• Documentation illustrating your experience with Quality Management systems and Safety in Design implementation on past projects. Process Documentation:

• Work samples showing how you have developed or managed project schedules using tools like MS Project, detailing how design milestones were tracked and achieved.

• Examples of technical engagement with client teams, demonstrating your ability to communicate complex design concepts and manage expectations.

• Documentation showcasing your approach to managing design scope, changes, and variations, including impact assessments on time and resources.

• Evidence of your contribution to the technical setup of projects, including document control, numbering, and tracking mechanisms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are highly process-oriented, focusing on documented evidence of managing design workflows, coordination, planning, and stakeholder interactions. This aligns with the need to showcase operational capabilities in managing complex project processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on regional standards for a Design Manager with 8+ years of experience in Saudi Arabia, a competitive tax-free salary is estimated to range between SAR 30,000 - SAR 45,000 per month. This estimate considers the cost of living in Riyadh, the demand for experienced engineering professionals in the region, and the specific responsibilities outlined for this role.

Benefits:

• Tax-free salary, maximizing take-home pay.

• Comprehensive life insurance coverage for peace of mind.

• Robust medical insurance for yourself and potentially dependents.

• Generous annual leave balance for work-life balance.

• Company gratuity scheme as part of long-term financial planning.

• Discretionary bonus program linked to company and individual performance.

• Annual flight contribution to support travel.

• Significant transportation and housing allowances to cover essential living costs.

• Access to an Employee Wellbeing Program offering 24/7 specialist support in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, aligning with industry norms in Saudi Arabia. Flexibility may be expected based on project demands and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a role with this level of experience and responsibility. The benefits package is substantial and typical for expatriate roles in the region, with a strong emphasis on comprehensive support and allowances.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services & Nuclear. AtkinsRéalis operates at the forefront of global engineering services and nuclear technology, connecting people, data, and technology to transform infrastructure and energy systems. This industry context demands rigorous process adherence, technical excellence, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development.

Company Size: AtkinsRéalis is a large, global organization with a significant presence worldwide. This scale implies established processes, structured career paths, and opportunities for international collaboration, while also requiring individuals to navigate larger corporate frameworks.

Founded: While the exact founding date isn't provided, AtkinsRéalis has a long history of delivering complex projects. This legacy suggests a culture that values experience, deep technical expertise, and proven methodologies, while also adapting to modern technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Project Delivery or Engineering department, potentially within a specific sector like Infrastructure or Buildings. The team size could vary significantly, but the Design Manager will lead a multidisciplinary group of design professionals.

• The reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a Project Manager or Project Director, with direct management of design leads and engineers across various disciplines.

• Cross-functional collaboration is inherent, requiring close working relationships with project management, construction, procurement, and client representatives to ensure integrated project success. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for tracking design progress, identifying risks, and informing decision-making regarding scope and resources.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are central to the role, focusing on efficient design sequencing, coordination, and integration with construction phases.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly through the adoption and effective use of digital tools like BIM and advanced design coordination software.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context suggests a role within a structured, process-driven environment where operational excellence in design management is paramount. The emphasis on "connecting people, data and technology" points to a modern approach to engineering delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Mid-Senior level position within the operations and project delivery framework. As a Design Manager, you are expected to operate with a significant degree of autonomy on assigned projects, demonstrating leadership in managing design processes, teams, and client interactions. Your scope includes overseeing the entire design lifecycle for specified project packages or smaller projects, ensuring adherence to budgets, timelines, and quality standards. This level requires strong technical understanding coupled with robust project management and operational execution skills.

Reporting Structure: You will typically report to a Project Manager or Project Director, who oversees the overall project delivery. You will also likely have direct reports or lead the work of various design discipline leads (e.g., architectural, structural, MEP) and their teams. This structure demands strong communication and coordination skills to ensure alignment across different levels and functions.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to the success of project delivery. By ensuring coordinated, compliant, and high-quality design outputs, you directly influence project timelines, budget adherence, risk mitigation, and ultimately, client satisfaction. Effective design management minimizes costly rework during construction, optimizes resource allocation, and ensures that the final built environment meets all specified requirements and standards. Your role is foundational to the operational efficiency and profitability of the project.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Progress to Senior Design Manager roles, overseeing larger, more complex projects or multiple project portfolios. Potential to move into broader Project Management roles, leading entire project lifecycles.

• Specialization & Leadership: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas like BIM management, Digital Twins, or sustainable design integration. Opportunities to lead specialized technical teams or contribute to the development of company-wide design standards and methodologies.

• Leadership Development: Transition into leadership positions within the engineering or project delivery departments, potentially managing entire design functions or business units, and contributing to strategic operational planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on career progression within operations and project management, emphasizing increased responsibility, scope, and leadership within the engineering consultancy context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a traditional office environment within AtkinsRéalis's Riyadh location (Hamad Tower). The workspace will likely be a professional office setting designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Hamad Tower, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This central location in the capital city offers accessibility and integration within the professional business district.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will foster a collaborative environment where design teams can interact, share ideas, and conduct coordination meetings. Proximity to project management and other key stakeholders will facilitate seamless communication.

• You will have access to the necessary operations tools and technology, including high-performance workstations, design software (Revit, Navisworks), project management platforms (MS Project), and communication tools.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with operations teams, project managers, and clients will be frequent, supporting integrated project delivery and relationship building.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). However, the dynamic nature of project delivery in the engineering sector may require flexibility to meet critical deadlines, attend client meetings, or address urgent project needs, especially during peak phases of design or construction planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is tailored to an on-site role in a major city, emphasizing professional office settings, necessary technological resources, and the collaborative operational demands of project delivery.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the minimum experience and qualification requirements, with a focus on Middle East project experience and design management background.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve detailed discussions about your experience in multidisciplinary design coordination, BIM implementation, project planning (MS Project), and quality management processes. Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio. Focus on demonstrating your operational approach to design management, coordination strategies, risk mitigation, and client engagement. Be prepared to discuss project outcomes, lessons learned, and your specific contributions.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: This interview will assess your leadership style, communication skills, ability to collaborate without direct authority, and alignment with AtkinsRéalis's values (integrity, safety, professionalism, continuous improvement).

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (e.g., Project Director), focusing on strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your design management operational expertise, particularly those in the KSA/GCC region. Prioritize projects demonstrating complex coordination, successful stakeholder management, and efficient process implementation.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the operational processes you implemented (e.g., DMP development, coordination meetings, risk tracking), the tools used (BIM, MS Project), the outcomes achieved (e.g., on-time delivery, budget adherence, quality improvements), and key lessons learned.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate your impact. This could include percentage improvements in coordination efficiency, reduction in clashes, adherence to schedule milestones, or successful budget management.

• Highlight Process & Tools: Explicitly discuss the design management processes you followed and the technology (BIM, Navisworks, MS Project) you leveraged to achieve project goals. Explain how these tools and processes contributed to success.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Showcase examples of how you led diverse teams, influenced stakeholders, and managed client expectations effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Design Exercise: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you might be asked to outline the steps you would take to manage the design phase of a new project, including key milestones, coordination strategies, and risk identification.

• Stakeholder Management Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would handle a conflict between design disciplines or address significant client feedback on a design proposal, focusing on your communication and negotiation approach.

• Technical Problem Solving: Anticipate questions about resolving complex design clashes identified through BIM coordination or managing design changes that impact project timelines and budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio guidance is tailored to operations roles, emphasizing the demonstration of process management, coordination skills, and the ability to articulate operational impact through case studies and problem-solving scenarios.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for 3D modeling and design authoring across disciplines. Proficiency expected in navigating, reviewing, and understanding Revit models.

• Navisworks: Critical for clash detection, 3D model aggregation, and design coordination. Experience in running clash reports and facilitating clash resolution meetings is key.

• MS Project: The standard for project scheduling, task management, and resource allocation. Ability to develop, update, and analyze project timelines is fundamental.

• MS Excel: Widely used for data analysis, tracking, reporting, and budget management. Advanced proficiency is expected for operational efficiency.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Coordination Platforms: Tools that integrate with BIM for enhanced collaboration and tracking of design progress and issues.

• Reporting Dashboards: While not explicitly mentioned, the ability to contribute to or utilize project dashboards for tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design delivery will be valuable.

• Client Reporting Tools: Familiarity with standard client reporting templates and communication methods for design updates and progress reports.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing project documentation, ensuring version control, and facilitating access for project teams.

• Workflow Automation Tools: While not explicitly stated, an understanding of how to automate repetitive tasks within the design process (e.g., through scripting or integrated workflows) would be advantageous.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team communication, file sharing, and collaborative work sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools crucial for design coordination, project planning, and digital delivery, which are core operational components in modern engineering consultancies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, team members, and stakeholders. This translates to honest reporting, transparent communication, and fair management of project resources.

• Safety: A paramount value in the engineering and construction industry. This means prioritizing safety in design decisions, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and fostering a safety-conscious culture within the design team.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a high level of competence, diligence, and respect in all interactions. This includes meeting deadlines, delivering quality work, and representing AtkinsRéalis with excellence.

• Continuous Improvement & Growth Mindset: Actively seeking opportunities to enhance processes, learn new skills, and adapt to evolving industry standards and technologies. This value drives efficiency and innovation within the operations of design delivery.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where disciplines work together seamlessly, sharing knowledge and supporting collective project success. This is vital for effective multidisciplinary design coordination.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging proactive communication and integration between design disciplines, project management, construction teams, and client representatives to ensure a holistic approach to project delivery.

• Process Review Culture: Regularly reviewing design processes, workflows, and outcomes to identify areas for improvement, sharing lessons learned, and implementing best practices.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where team members openly share technical expertise, project insights, and best practices to elevate the collective capability of the design team and enhance operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are aligned with professional engineering and project management environments, emphasizing operational efficiency, quality, and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multidisciplinary Interfaces: Effectively coordinating numerous design disciplines, each with its own priorities and technical requirements, to achieve a cohesive and compliant final design. This requires strong conflict resolution and communication skills.

• Client Expectation Management: Balancing client demands, which may evolve or conflict with project constraints, with the need to maintain design integrity, budget, and schedule. This requires adept negotiation and communication strategies.

• Digital Transformation Adoption: Ensuring full and effective adoption of BIM and other digital tools across all design disciplines and project stakeholders, which can sometimes face resistance or require significant training.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Staying abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving local regulations, building codes, and statutory requirements in the KSA and GCC region, which can be complex and vary by jurisdiction.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Pursue certifications or training in advanced project management methodologies, BIM management, or specific engineering disciplines relevant to the projects undertaken.

• Industry Conference & Certification: Participate in relevant industry conferences, workshops, and forums focused on design management, construction technology, and engineering best practices to stay current with trends and network with peers.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Benefit from mentorship programs within AtkinsRéalis to develop leadership capabilities, refine operational strategies, and gain insights into career progression pathways within the company's project delivery framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are framed within the operational context of design management, highlighting common hurdles and pathways for professional development in this field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a Design Management Plan for a complex infrastructure project in the Middle East. What are the key operational components you would focus on?" (Prepare to discuss DMP structure, stakeholder input, risk management integration, and schedule alignment.)

• "How do you ensure effective coordination and interface management between diverse engineering disciplines (e.g., structural, MEP, architectural) and sub-consultants within a BIM environment?" (Prepare to detail your process for coordination meetings, clash detection, issue tracking, and communication protocols.)

• "Walk me through a situation where you had to manage significant design changes that impacted the project's timeline and budget. What was your process for assessing the impact and communicating with stakeholders?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating your change management process, analytical skills, and communication strategy.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AtkinsRéalis's approach to digital delivery and sustainability in its projects?" (Research the company's website, recent projects, and any published reports on these topics.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment among a multidisciplinary design team, especially when individuals may have differing priorities or work styles?" (Prepare examples of your leadership and team-building strategies, focusing on communication and conflict resolution.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design management operations and demonstrate the value you bring to a project?" (Prepare to discuss KPIs, metrics related to quality, schedule, budget, and client satisfaction.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin each case study by stating the project's scale, complexity, and your primary objective as Design Manager.

• Process-Oriented Narrative: Clearly articulate the operational processes you implemented: how you established the DMP, managed coordination, utilized BIM for clash detection, tracked progress with MS Project, and handled change orders.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals if possible (e.g., screenshots of schedules, coordination reports, project diagrams) to illustrate your points and demonstrate your proficiency with the tools.

• Quantify Results: Emphasize the tangible outcomes of your work – e.g., "Reduced design clashes by 30%," "Ensured on-time delivery of all design packages," "Achieved client sign-off within budget."

• Reflect and Learn: Conclude each case study with key lessons learned and how you would apply them to future projects, showcasing your commitment to continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating operational expertise, process management capabilities, and the strategic application of tools and methodologies relevant to design management within a project delivery context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring your CV is up-to-date and highlights your relevant experience in the Middle East and design management.

• Curate Your Operations Portfolio: Select 3-4 key projects that best demonstrate your skills in multidisciplinary design coordination, project planning (MS Project), BIM utilization (Revit, Navisworks), and client engagement. Prepare detailed case studies focusing on the operational processes you implemented, challenges overcome, and quantifiable results achieved.

• Optimize Your Resume for Operations: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords related to design management, project execution, process optimization, BIM, stakeholder management, and experience in the KSA/GCC region. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare for the Interview Process: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), especially for behavioral questions. Be ready to discuss your approach to operational challenges and present your portfolio effectively, focusing on your role in managing the design delivery process.

• Research AtkinsRéalis: Familiarize yourself with the company's projects, values, and commitment to digital transformation and sustainability. Understand their operational approach to engineering services to align your responses with their strategic objectives.

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

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