Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: AlUla, Medina Province, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Management & Project Oversight

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Experience Level: 7+ years (with 3+ years in PMC/PM managerial roles)

Remote Status: Hybrid (with potential for remote work opportunities outside the country)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the design process for development projects during RIBA Stages 1-4, ensuring alignment with client objectives and project briefs.

• Oversee Lead Design Consultants (LDCs) and their deliverables, coordinating design reviews, approvals, and statutory compliance.

• Facilitate effective change management processes, evaluating the impact of design modifications on project timelines and budgets.

• Collaborate with LDCs and Cost Consultants on cost management, value engineering, and constructability studies to optimize project economics.

• Ensure robust tender documentation and scope of work completeness for RFP bidding, supported by LDC-prepared contract documents.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical within a Program Management Consultancy (PMC) framework, emphasizing oversight and coordination of external design consultants rather than direct technical design execution. The focus is on managing the design lifecycle from inception through to the completion of the design development stages (RIBA 1-4), requiring strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Tender and Consultancy Management: Produce detailed scopes of services for tender documentation, manage LDC selection, and oversee their contractual obligations within client framework agreements.

• Design Oversight and Approval: Monitor LDC design progress, review deliverables for compliance with project briefs, and facilitate client and statutory approvals.

• Design Review and Audit: Coordinate and document stage-gate design reviews, ensuring adherence to the Quality Management Plan, HSE Plans, and design briefs, while managing stakeholder feedback.

• Change Management Administration: Review design documents for unauthorized changes, assess the necessity and feasibility of proposed modifications, and report on their impact on time, cost, and quality for client decision-making.

• Cost and Value Management Support: Assist PMC in ensuring LDCs cooperate with cost consultants on budget adherence, cost estimates, value engineering, and constructability studies.

• Design Coordination and Scheduling: Control the planning and scheduling of design processes, forecast deliverable dates, and report on issues affecting approvals and overall process efficiency.

• Value Engineering Oversight: Oversee LDC compliance with value management requirements and facilitate value engineering exercises in collaboration with the Client’s Cost Consultant.

• Workshop and Meeting Facilitation: Establish and coordinate routine design workshops and progress meetings, ensuring timely production of minutes of meetings.

• RFP Scope Completeness: Assist PMC in ensuring RFP scopes are complete by verifying LDC preparation of drawings, specifications, and other contract documents.

• Design Reporting: Ensure LDCs issue monthly Design Progress Reports, detailing sub-consultant activities, or assume responsibility for reporting if no LDC is appointed.

• Risk Management: Collaborate with LDCs to identify, monitor, and mitigate design risks throughout all project stages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of this role involves managing external consultants and ensuring their outputs meet project requirements and client expectations. While technical design knowledge is beneficial, the emphasis is on process management, contractual oversight, and strategic coordination, particularly concerning RIBA Stages 1-4, which cover concept design through to technical design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field.

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is advantageous. Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in design management, specifically at the pre-contract stage.

• At least 3 years of experience in a Program Management Consultancy (PMC) or Project Management Consultancy (PC) managerial capacity on similar projects.

• Demonstrated experience with various asset types, particularly Mixed-Use developments, including hospitality, education, culture, arts, and museums. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to manage the full design lifecycle from concept to technical design.

• Project Management Methodologies: Strong understanding and application of project management principles, tools, and techniques (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2).

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with clients, consultants, and internal teams.

• Design Coordination: Proficiency in coordinating multi-disciplinary design efforts and resolving design conflicts.

• RIBA Stages Expertise: Deep understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work stages (1-4) and their associated deliverables and review processes.

• Commercial Acumen: Ability to review and manage design impact on project cost and timelines.

• Contractual Awareness: Understanding of consultancy agreements and LDC obligations.

• Reporting & Documentation: Skilled in producing clear, concise, and accurate reports and meeting minutes.

Preferred Skills:

• BIM/Revit/AutoCAD Proficiency: Familiarity with design coordination tools and platforms, including Building Information Modeling (BIM), Revit, and AutoCAD.

• Value Engineering & Value Management: Experience in facilitating and overseeing VE/VM processes.

• Risk Assessment: Ability to collaborate on identifying and mitigating design-related risks.

• Quality Management Systems: Knowledge of implementing and adhering to QMS procedures.

• HSE Compliance: Commitment to and understanding of Health, Safety, and Environment protocols in design.

• Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate effectively with consultants regarding scope, deliverables, and changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement explicitly mentions specific asset types (Hospitality, Education, Culture, Arts, Museums, Mixed-Use), indicating a preference for candidates with domain expertise in these areas. The "3-years PgMC/PMC Managerial experience" highlights the need for leadership and oversight experience within a consultancy framework.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Case Studies: Examples demonstrating successful management of design processes for complex projects, particularly within the specified asset types (Mixed-Use, Hospitality, Education, etc.).

• RIBA Stage Deliverables: Showcase experience with managing and reviewing deliverables at each RIBA Stage (1-4), including concept designs, developed designs, and technical designs.

• Coordination & BIM Integration: Evidence of managing multi-disciplinary design coordination, ideally with examples of BIM implementation and its impact on efficiency and clash detection.

• Change Management Documentation: Examples of how design changes were managed, evaluated for impact (time, cost, quality), and reported to stakeholders.

• Risk Register Examples: Demonstrations of how design risks were identified, assessed, and mitigated throughout the design phases.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of established or optimized design management workflows, detailing process steps, responsibilities, and key decision points.

• Stakeholder Engagement Protocols: Documentation illustrating how client, consultant, and other stakeholder reviews and approvals were managed, including meeting structures and feedback loops.

• Reporting Templates & Metrics: Examples of design progress reports, stage gateway reports, and the metrics used to track design performance, compliance, and risk.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to present tangible examples of their work that illustrate their ability to manage design consultants, ensure quality and compliance, and navigate the complexities of the design lifecycle up to RIBA Stage 4. The portfolio should emphasize process control and strategic oversight rather than individual design creation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the location (Saudi Arabia), the tax-free nature of the salary, and the senior managerial experience required (7+ years, 3+ in PMC/PM), a competitive tax-free salary is expected. For a Design Manager with this profile in Saudi Arabia, the estimated annual gross salary could range from SAR 350,000 to SAR 600,000 (approximately USD 93,000 to USD 160,000), depending on specific experience, qualifications, and the employer's compensation structure. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior project management and design leadership roles in the KSA construction and engineering sector, considering the cost of living and typical compensation packages offered by international firms operating in the region. Benefits:

• Tax-free salary: A significant financial advantage for employees in Saudi Arabia.

• Comprehensive life insurance coverage: Provides financial security for beneficiaries.

• Premium medical insurance: Covers the employee and dependents, ensuring access to quality healthcare.

• Generous annual leave balance: Allows for work-life balance and personal time off.

• Flexible and hybrid work solutions: Offers adaptability in work arrangements.

• Remote work opportunities outside of country: Potential for flexibility in work location for certain phases or roles.

• Company gratuity scheme: A retirement savings benefit.

• Discretionary bonus program: Performance-based financial incentive.

• Annual flight contribution: Assistance with travel expenses.

• Relocation assistance: Support for individuals moving to Saudi Arabia for the role.

• Transportation & housing allowances: Financial support for living expenses, particularly noted for remote work locations.

• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists for financial, legal, family, health, fitness, and nutrition support.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are implied, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility and hybrid arrangements as indicated by the benefits. Adherence to project deadlines may require dedication beyond standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is extensive, reflecting a typical expatriate employment offering in Saudi Arabia. The "tax-free salary" is a key differentiator. The inclusion of transportation and housing allowances specifically for remote work locations is unusual and might refer to specific situations or project phases.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Nuclear, Infrastructure Development. AtkinsRéalis operates globally, providing advanced engineering and consulting services across various sectors including infrastructure, energy, and nuclear.

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees globally). This indicates a well-established organization with robust processes, extensive resources, and significant project capacity.

Founded: 1911. A long history signifies stability, deep industry expertise, and a legacy of delivering complex projects.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Program Management Consultancy (PMC) team, working alongside Senior Project Managers, Cost Consultants, and other discipline leads.

• Reporting will be to a Senior Project Manager or Program Director within the PMC structure.

• Close collaboration with the Client's appointed Lead Design Consultant (LDC) and their sub-consultants is essential. Cross-functional collaboration with Client representatives, LDCs, and potentially other PMC team members (e.g., construction managers, cost consultants) will be frequent. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Oversight: Emphasis on monitoring LDC deliverables and performance data to ensure compliance and identify issues.

• Structured Process Management: Adherence to PMC Development Framework scope of services, RIBA stages, and established quality and HSE plans.

• Proactive Risk Mitigation: Collaborative identification and elimination of design risks throughout the design stages.

• Efficient Workflow Coordination: Focus on planning, scheduling, and expediting the design process to meet project milestones.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, international engineering firm with a long history, AtkinsRéalis likely fosters a culture of professionalism, technical excellence, and a commitment to safety and integrity. The PMC role implies working within a structured framework, often on large-scale, high-profile projects for governmental or major private clients in regions like Saudi Arabia.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position focused on the oversight and coordination of design consultants within a PMC structure. It requires significant experience in managing complex projects and external teams, with a strong emphasis on process and stakeholder management rather than direct technical execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to a Senior Project Manager or Program Director within the AtkinsRéalis PMC team. They, in turn, manage the relationship and performance of the appointed Lead Design Consultants (LDCs).

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role is crucial in ensuring that the design phase of projects is executed efficiently, cost-effectively, and in alignment with the client's vision and regulatory requirements. Their success directly impacts the project's ability to proceed to tender and construction phases on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Effective design management minimizes risks, reduces potential for costly changes during construction, and ensures the final built asset meets its intended purpose.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to Senior Management: Potential to advance to Senior Design Manager, Program Manager, or Director roles within AtkinsRéalis's PMC or other divisions, managing larger portfolios or more complex projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific asset types (e.g., leading design for mega-projects in tourism, entertainment, or major infrastructure).

• International Assignments: Opportunities to work on diverse projects in different global locations where AtkinsRéalis operates.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain broader experience in project controls, construction management, or commercial aspects of project delivery.

• Leadership Development: Participation in leadership training programs and mentoring opportunities within a large, global organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within project and program management, particularly within the large-scale development sector common in the Middle East. The experience gained in managing consultants and navigating complex project lifecycles is highly transferable and valuable for senior leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is project-based in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, implying a primary work location within a project office or a designated client/PMC office in the region. The "Hybrid" and "Remote work opportunities outside of country" benefits suggest flexibility, potentially allowing for periods of remote work or travel, but the core function is likely on-site or in a project-related office.

Office Location(s): The primary location is specified as "AlUla, Saudi Arabia" (specifically "SA.AlUla.Al Fareed Mall"). AtkinsRéalis has a global presence, but this specific role is tied to projects in AlUla.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with LDCs, Client representatives, and other PMC team members. This suggests an open-plan office setup or dedicated project team spaces designed for interaction.

• Technology Enabled: Access to project management software, design coordination tools (BIM, Revit, AutoCAD), communication platforms, and reporting systems will be essential.

• Dynamic Project Setting: Working within a project-based environment in a developing region like AlUla means adapting to potentially fast-paced and evolving project conditions.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (likely 40 hours/week) are expected, but project demands may necessitate working beyond these hours, especially during critical design phases or towards deadlines. The "Flexible and hybrid work solutions" benefit indicates some degree of adaptability in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: While AlUla is a specific location, the mention of "Remote work opportunities outside of country" and "Flexible and hybrid work solutions" suggests that AtkinsRéalis may offer some latitude, though the core responsibilities will likely require significant presence in or near the project location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications for basic qualifications (education, years of experience, relevant sectors).

• Technical Interview: Likely with a Senior Project Manager or Program Director to assess technical understanding of design management, RIBA stages, LDC oversight, and experience with similar projects. This stage will heavily involve portfolio review.

• Competency-Based Interview: Focus on behavioral questions assessing leadership, communication, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and alignment with AtkinsRéalis values (Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Excellence).

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive for cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing design consultants through RIBA Stages 1-4, ideally within the specified asset types (Mixed-Use, Hospitality, Education, etc.).

• Focus on Process & Oversight: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the processes you implemented for design management and coordination, and the outcomes achieved. Emphasize how you managed LDCs and their deliverables.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your management – e.g., "Reduced design change orders by X%," "Ensured timely delivery of Y% of design milestones," "Facilitated Z number of stakeholder reviews."

• Highlight Tools & Methodologies: Showcase your proficiency with BIM, Revit, AutoCAD, and your understanding of project management methodologies and RIBA stages.

• Demonstrate Value Engineering/Change Management: Include specific examples of how you contributed to cost savings through VE or managed significant design changes effectively.

• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, explain your decision-making process, and answer detailed questions about your contributions and challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: Expect a scenario-based case study related to managing a challenging LDC, resolving a design conflict, or responding to a significant design change request. Prepare to outline your approach, decision-making rationale, and communication strategy.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting a project summary or a solution to a problem concisely and effectively, highlighting key achievements and management strategies.

• Values Alignment: Be prepared to discuss how you embody AtkinsRéalis's values in your professional conduct and project management approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that highlight their ability to manage external design teams, ensure quality, and navigate the complexities of the pre-construction design phases (RIBA 1-4). Demonstrating experience with specific asset types and project management methodologies will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Coordination Software: Proficiency in managing and reviewing designs produced in platforms like BIM (Building Information Modeling), Revit, and AutoCAD is essential. This includes understanding how to navigate models, identify clashes, and manage federated models.

• Project Management Software: Experience with industry-standard PM tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com) for scheduling, resource planning, and progress tracking.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with platforms for storing, sharing, and version-controlling project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex, Procore).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to compile and present data from various sources into clear, concise reports (e.g., Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, potentially BI tools like Power BI or Tableau for dashboarding LDC performance).

• Data Analysis: Skills in analyzing design progress reports, cost data, and risk registers to identify trends and inform decision-making.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct sales or marketing role, understanding how CRM principles apply to stakeholder management and client relations can be beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools might be advantageous for streamlining internal PMC processes, though less critical than design coordination tools.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different project platforms (e.g., BIM, PM software, document management) can integrate to provide a cohesive project overview.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is strongly on design-related software (BIM, Revit, AutoCAD) and general project management tools. The ability to leverage these tools for coordination, review, and reporting is critical for effective oversight of LDCs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety: Paramount importance in all aspects of project execution, from design risk assessment to site considerations. A proactive safety mindset is expected.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, consultants, and team members. Transparency in reporting and decision-making.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, including LDCs, client representatives, and internal PMC staff. Fostering a cooperative environment to achieve shared project goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to design management, process improvement, and problem-solving within the project framework.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality outcomes in all managed processes and deliverables, ensuring client satisfaction and project success.

Collaboration Style:

• Consultant Management Focus: The primary collaboration style involves managing and guiding external Lead Design Consultants, ensuring they are aligned with project objectives and contractual terms.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Requires seamless interaction with other PMC team members (cost, planning, construction) and Client stakeholders to ensure a holistic project approach.

• Constructive Feedback Loop: Establishing clear communication channels for providing feedback to LDCs and receiving updates, issues, and proposals from them.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication to anticipate and address potential issues before they escalate.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these core values, particularly in how they translate to managing external consultants and ensuring project success in a high-stakes environment like Saudi Arabia.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing External Consultants: Ensuring LDCs consistently meet quality standards, timelines, and budget constraints, especially when they may have competing priorities or differing interpretations of project requirements.

• Complex Stakeholder Landscape: Navigating the expectations and requirements of various stakeholders, including the Client, LDCs, sub-consultants, and potentially regulatory bodies.

• Pace of Development: Working on large-scale projects in rapidly developing regions like AlUla can present challenges related to scope changes, evolving requirements, and tight deadlines.

• Cultural Nuances: Adapting to local business practices and cultural norms in Saudi Arabia while maintaining international project standards.

• Technical Coordination: Overseeing multi-disciplinary designs and ensuring seamless integration, especially with complex asset types like mixed-use developments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Project Leadership: Gaining experience managing significant projects within a major international firm.

• Industry Exposure: Deepening knowledge of specific asset types (e.g., tourism, cultural heritage) and construction methodologies prevalent in the region.

• Global Best Practices: Exposure to AtkinsRéalis's global standards and methodologies for project and design management.

• Professional Certifications: Opportunities to pursue or maintain certifications like PMP or specialized design management credentials.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced senior project managers and directors within the AtkinsRéalis PMC team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in large-scale project management consultancies, particularly in emerging markets. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a path to advanced leadership roles and broad project experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a Lead Design Consultant who is consistently missing deadlines for key design deliverables." (Focus on process, communication, escalation, contractual remedies).

• "How would you evaluate the impact of a significant design change requested by the client midway through RIBA Stage 3 on the project's cost and schedule?" (Focus on impact assessment methodology, communication, recommendation process).

• "Walk me through a complex multi-disciplinary design coordination challenge you managed. What tools and processes did you use, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on BIM/Revit, coordination meetings, clash detection, problem-solving).

• "How do you ensure compliance with project briefs and quality standards when overseeing external design consultants?" (Focus on QA/QC processes, review cycles, feedback mechanisms). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AtkinsRéalis and our work in Saudi Arabia?" (Research recent projects, company values, and strategic focus).

• "How do you embody our company values of Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Excellence in your work?" (Prepare specific examples for each value).

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between different stakeholders (e.g., Client vs. LDC). How did you resolve it?" (Focus on negotiation, communication, and finding balanced solutions). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project presented, follow a clear structure: Project Overview (type, scale, location), Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges, Management Approach (processes, tools used), Outcomes & Impact (quantified where possible), Lessons Learned.

• Visuals: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or simplified drawings to illustrate complex processes or design coordination efforts. Highlight key deliverables or reports.

• Conciseness: Focus on the most impactful aspects of your management role. Avoid getting bogged down in excessive technical detail unless directly relevant to your management strategy.

• Active Voice: Use "I managed," "I implemented," "I coordinated" to clearly define your contributions.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handled specific issues, and what you would do differently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical application of design management principles, strong leadership in managing external parties, and alignment with AtkinsRéalis's core values. The ability to articulate past experiences with clear processes, quantifiable results, and strategic thinking will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the AtkinsRéalis careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in design management, PMC/PM roles, RIBA stages (1-4), and specific asset types (Mixed-Use, Hospitality, Education, Culture). Prepare your portfolio with 3-5 key case studies showcasing your management of LDCs and design processes.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 7+ years of experience, with specific mention of the 3+ years in PMC/PM managerial roles. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Manager," "PMC," "RIBA Stages," "Design Coordination," "Stakeholder Management," "BIM," and "Value Engineering." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research AtkinsRéalis, their projects in Saudi Arabia, and their company values. Practice answering potential interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples and case studies. Prepare to present your portfolio effectively, highlighting your management approach and impact.

• Company Research: Understand the significance of AlUla as a development project and AtkinsRéalis's role within it. Familiarize yourself with the company's commitment to safety, integrity, and innovation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding salary expectations and specific portfolio requirements, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the application and interview process.