Design Manager (Civils)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (Civils)

Company: Mace

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Construction Management / Civil Engineering Operations

Date Posted: March 18, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive design management process for large-scale Roads and Bridges infrastructure packages, ensuring alignment with project objectives and client expectations.

• Oversee and guide the daily operational activities of multi-disciplinary design management teams, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.

• Ensure strict adherence to project briefs, governance frameworks, and diverse stakeholder requirements throughout the design lifecycle.

• Provide critical operational support for coordinated project deliverables, ensuring timely and high-quality outputs from design consultancies.

• Analyze, interpret, and present Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and management review data to inform strategic decision-making and performance optimization.

• Contribute to business development initiatives by supporting work-winning efforts and showcasing Mace's design management capabilities.

• Champion the net-zero carbon transition by proactively managing emissions and integrating sustainable design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a large-scale, high-profile infrastructure program in Saudi Arabia, requiring robust design management experience in civil engineering. The emphasis on operational support, KPI analysis, and business development suggests a strategic role with significant stakeholder interaction and a focus on process efficiency within the design delivery framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Process Leadership: Lead the end-to-end design management process for significant Roads and Bridges packages, meticulously managing and directing technical design consultancies to ensure successful project execution.

• Team Guidance and Operations: Provide clear direction and operational support to daily design management teams, fostering efficient workflows and collaborative problem-solving across project phases.

• Requirements Fulfillment: Ensure all project briefs, governance protocols, and diverse stakeholder requirements are meticulously met and documented throughout the design lifecycle.

• Deliverable Coordination: Offer comprehensive operational support to ensure the coordinated delivery of project outputs, guaranteeing quality, timeliness, and adherence to specifications for all design-related deliverables.

• Performance Analysis & Reporting: Analyze, interpret, and present Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and management review data, translating complex information into actionable insights for senior leadership and project stakeholders.

• Business Development Support: Actively support business development and work-winning initiatives by contributing expertise, preparing proposals, and representing Mace's capabilities in design management for large infrastructure projects.

• Relationship Management & Knowledge Sharing: Build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams and external partners, leveraging reach-back capabilities and contributing to the Mace Centre of Excellence knowledge base.

• Sustainability Championing: Champion the net-zero carbon transition by proactively managing emissions throughout the design process and embedding sustainable design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership in design management and operational oversight, with a strong emphasis on performance tracking (KPIs) and strategic contribution to business growth. The inclusion of "net zero carbon transition" points to a focus on modern sustainability practices within infrastructure design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven track record delivering the design process for large-scale civil or infrastructure projects, demonstrating a deep understanding of design management methodologies.

Required Skills:

• Design Management Expertise: Comprehensive understanding and practical application of design management principles for large-scale civil and infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges.

• Operational Oversight: Ability to guide and manage the daily activities of design management teams, ensuring efficient workflow and resource allocation.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven skill in understanding, communicating with, and managing the requirements of diverse stakeholders.

• Performance Analysis: Proficiency in analyzing, interpreting, and presenting KPIs and management review data to drive informed decision-making.

• Contractual Knowledge: Familiarity with construction contracts, professional appointments, and relevant legal frameworks.

• Health & Safety Legislation: Strong knowledge of health and safety legislation pertinent to construction and design management.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered/Professional Membership: Membership in professional bodies such as ICE (MICE), RIBA, CIBSE, CIOB, RICS, CIAT, or equivalent, demonstrating a commitment to professional development and industry standards.

• Building Safety Legislation: In-depth knowledge of building safety legislation and building standards.

• Business Development Acumen: Experience supporting business development and work-winning initiatives within the construction or engineering sector.

• Sustainability Integration: Experience or strong understanding of integrating net-zero carbon principles and emissions management into design processes.

• International Project Experience: Experience working on major infrastructure projects in regions like Saudi Arabia or the Middle East.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical civil engineering design expertise and management capabilities. Professional memberships are highly valued, indicating a preference for candidates with established industry credentials and a commitment to continuous professional development. The mention of specific professional bodies (RIBA, MICE, etc.) suggests a broad scope of acceptable backgrounds within engineering and construction disciplines.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Case Studies: Showcase detailed case studies of successfully managed large-scale civil infrastructure projects (Roads, Bridges), highlighting your role, challenges, and outcomes.

• Process Optimization Examples: Provide evidence of implementing process improvements within design management, demonstrating enhanced efficiency, cost savings, or quality improvements.

• Stakeholder Management Documentation: Include examples of how you've managed diverse stakeholder requirements and achieved consensus on complex design issues.

• Performance Metrics & Reporting: Present samples of KPI dashboards or reports you've developed and used to track design progress, identify risks, and drive performance.

• Sustainability Integration Evidence: Demonstrate how you've incorporated sustainability principles, such as emissions management or net-zero considerations, into design processes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Showcase your ability to design and document efficient workflows for design management, from inception through to construction documentation.

• Risk Management Protocols: Provide examples of risk assessment and mitigation strategies specifically applied within the design management context for infrastructure projects.

• Quality Assurance/Control Frameworks: Illustrate your approach to establishing and maintaining QA/QC processes for design deliverables to ensure compliance and high standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical experience in design management. Candidates should focus on quantifiable achievements, process improvements, and evidence of managing complex stakeholder environments within large infrastructure projects. The emphasis on documentation and process highlights the operational aspect of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: SAR 350,000 - SAR 550,000 per annum (approximately USD 93,000 - USD 147,000).

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Manager roles with 5-10 years of experience in major infrastructure projects within Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Factors considered include the scale and complexity of the project, the demand for specialized skills in civil engineering and design management, and the cost of living in Riyadh. Salary data was cross-referenced from global recruitment platforms and construction industry salary surveys for the Middle East region.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for candidates relocating to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• Annual Leave: Generous paid time off, typically exceeding standard local requirements.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continued professional development (CPD).

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for discretionary bonuses based on individual and company performance.

• Retirement/Pension Contributions: Contributions to a recognized pension or end-of-service benefit scheme.

• Life Assurance: Coverage providing financial security for beneficiaries.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and specific operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on market rates for a Design Manager in Riyadh for a role of this seniority and project scale. Benefits are standard for international project roles of this nature, with a focus on supporting expatriate employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Consultancy Services

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Mace is a global company with over 6,000 employees)

Founded: 1990

Company Description: Mace is a global expert in the built environment, delivering strategy, management, and operational solutions across the real estate, infrastructure, and energy sectors. They combine construction expertise with consultancy to drive innovation and unlock potential.

Company Specialties: Construction Management, Consultancy, Project Management, Programme Management, Facilities Management, Real Estate Development, Infrastructure Development, Sustainability Consulting.

Team Structure:

• Integrated Project Teams: The role operates within a large, integrated project delivery team, likely comprising Mace staff, client representatives, and various specialist consultants.

• Design Management Function: You will lead a dedicated design management function, potentially managing a team of engineers, architects, and other design professionals.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with project management, construction, commercial, and client teams to ensure seamless project execution.

• Reporting Hierarchy: Reports to a senior project director or program director, with dotted-line reporting to functional heads within Mace.

Methodology:

• Project Management Frameworks: Mace likely adheres to established project management methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile adapted for construction) customized for large-scale infrastructure.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data, KPIs, and analytics to inform decisions, monitor progress, and identify areas for optimization.

• Collaborative Design Approach: Fostering a collaborative environment among consultants, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure integrated and efficient design solutions.

• Sustainability Integration: A strong focus on embedding sustainability principles, including net-zero carbon targets, into all project phases.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's culture emphasizes safety, client focus, integrity, and opportunity creation. As a large, global consultancy and construction firm, expect a structured environment with a strong emphasis on project delivery excellence, professional development, and adherence to best practices. The specific project context in Saudi Arabia implies a dynamic, high-stakes environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, indicating a significant level of responsibility and autonomy within the design management function. It sits within the mid-to-senior management tier of Mace's project delivery structure.

Reporting Structure: You will report to senior project leadership (e.g., Project Director, Program Director) and will likely manage a team of design professionals and potentially oversee external design consultancies. This structure offers visibility to executive project leadership.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the technical and operational success of major infrastructure packages. Your ability to effectively manage design processes directly impacts project timelines, budgets, quality, safety, and the achievement of sustainability goals, thereby influencing the overall success and reputation of Mace on this flagship program.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to more senior roles such as Head of Design, Technical Director, or Program Director on future large-scale projects within Mace's global portfolio.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like sustainable infrastructure design, complex bridge engineering, or advanced project controls.

• International Mobility: Potential to transfer to other major projects or offices within Mace's global network.

• Professional Development: Access to Mace's extensive learning and development programs, including leadership training, technical upskilling, and support for professional accreditations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear pathway for career advancement within a major global player in the construction and consultancy sector. The scale of the project provides exceptional opportunities for developing leadership skills and gaining experience in complex, high-profile infrastructure delivery.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily on-site, within a project office environment. This will likely be a dynamic, collaborative workspace shared with project management teams, engineers, and other key personnel involved in the program.

Office Location(s): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The specific project office location will be within the Riyadh region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: Expect a highly collaborative environment where interaction with diverse project teams (client, consultants, contractors) is constant and essential for effective design management.

• Technology-Rich: Access to necessary project management software, communication tools, and potentially advanced design visualization technologies.

• Dynamic Pace: The environment will be fast-paced, driven by the demanding schedule of a large-scale infrastructure program.

• Cultural Immersion: Working in Saudi Arabia offers an opportunity to experience and adapt to a unique business and cultural context.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected, but flexibility will be crucial to accommodate project demands, stakeholder availability, and critical deadlines. This may involve occasional extended hours or weekend work during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is fundamentally an on-site position, requiring full immersion in the project environment. The workspace will be operationally focused, emphasizing collaboration and efficient communication to drive project deliverables.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review your CV for essential qualifications and experience.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your technical expertise, design management experience, and leadership capabilities relevant to Roads and Bridges projects.

3. Technical/Panel Interview: This may involve senior Mace representatives and potentially client stakeholders. Expect in-depth questions on design processes, stakeholder management, risk assessment, and operational challenges. You may be asked to present a portfolio case study.

4. Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, long-term potential, and alignment with Mace's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the impact of your design management efforts on project outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, risk reduction).

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data wherever possible (e.g., "Managed a design budget of X SAR," "Reduced design review cycles by Y%," "Coordinated Z number of design consultants").

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, include: Project Overview, Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges, Design Management Strategies Employed, Solutions Implemented, and Quantifiable Results/Lessons Learned.

• Highlight Operational Efficiency: Showcase examples of how you streamlined design processes, improved communication, or implemented effective reporting mechanisms.

• Demonstrate Stakeholder Management: Provide examples of how you navigated complex stakeholder landscapes and achieved consensus.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience with Roads and Bridges projects and demonstrate understanding of the Saudi Arabian context if possible.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for hypothetical questions about managing design conflicts, addressing scope creep, handling underperforming consultants, or meeting sustainability targets under pressure.

• KPI Discussion: Practice articulating how you would define, track, and report on KPIs relevant to design management for large infrastructure projects.

• Sustainability Integration: Be ready to discuss how you would implement net-zero carbon strategies within the design process for roads and bridges.

• Presentation Practice: If a portfolio presentation is required, practice delivering it concisely and engagingly, focusing on key achievements and your strategic contribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, given the scale and importance of the project. A well-prepared, impactful portfolio presentation that showcases both technical proficiency and operational leadership will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with platforms like Oracle Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for scheduling, resource, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or dedicated project collaboration software for team communication and document sharing.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation (e.g., Aconex, BIM 360 Docs).

• Design Review Software: Experience with tools for annotating and managing design reviews (e.g., Bluebeam Revu, BIM 360 Glue/Model Coordination).

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, KPI tracking, and report generation.

• Business Intelligence Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): Experience in creating dashboards and visualizing performance data is highly advantageous.

• ERP Systems: Familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems (e.g., SAP) for project financial tracking can be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how project data integrates and flows, potentially from business development or initial client engagement, is useful.

• Familiarity with workflow automation principles to improve design review or approval processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, a strong foundation in industry-standard project management, collaboration, and data analysis tools is expected. The ability to leverage technology for process optimization and performance reporting is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A non-negotiable priority; championing a safe working environment and promoting wellbeing for all team members.

• Client Focus: Dedication to delivering on promises, ensuring high-quality outputs, and building enduring client relationships through reliable performance.

• Integrity: Conducting all activities with honesty and ethical consideration, aligning with compliance obligations and positively influencing industry standards.

• Create Opportunity: Fostering a culture of continuous improvement, personal development, and professional growth for all individuals and teams within the organization.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly integrated approach, requiring seamless collaboration with project managers, construction teams, commercial departments, and external consultants.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparent information sharing to resolve challenges efficiently.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across project teams and the wider Mace organization.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages identifying potential issues early and working collaboratively to find effective solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's core values are deeply embedded in its operations. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these values, particularly in how they approach safety, client delivery, ethical conduct, and fostering a supportive, growth-oriented team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale & Complexity: Managing the design process for extremely large and complex infrastructure packages requires robust organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating the expectations and requirements of numerous diverse stakeholders (client, government bodies, multiple consultants) can be challenging.

• Pace & Pressure: The fast-paced nature of mega-projects in regions like Saudi Arabia can create significant pressure to deliver on tight deadlines.

• Cultural Adaptation: Working effectively within a new cultural and regulatory environment requires adaptability and sensitivity.

• Sustainability Integration: Effectively embedding and tracking net-zero carbon goals within a traditional infrastructure design framework can present operational hurdles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Extensive opportunities to hone leadership skills managing large teams and complex projects.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced civil engineering design, infrastructure project management, and sustainable construction practices.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience on one of the largest development programs globally, enhancing your professional profile significantly.

• Networking: Build a strong professional network with industry leaders in the Middle East and globally through Mace.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from experienced Mace leaders to guide career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of mega-projects but offer significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development, particularly in leadership, complex project management, and cross-cultural collaboration.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a complex Roads and Bridges project. How do you ensure integration across different design disciplines?" (Focus on structured methodology, risk management, and communication protocols).

• "How do you handle conflicting requirements from different stakeholders on a major project? Provide a specific example." (Emphasize negotiation, prioritization based on project objectives, and transparent communication).

• "Walk us through a time you identified a significant design risk and how you mitigated it. What was the outcome?" (Highlight proactive identification, risk assessment tools, mitigation strategies, and impact analysis).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on Mace's values, how would you ensure 'Safety First' within your design management team?" (Connect to proactive safety planning, design for safety, and fostering a safety-conscious culture).

• "How do you align your operational approach with the 'Client Focus' value?" (Discuss understanding client needs, delivering on promises, and building trust through performance).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Opening: Briefly introduce yourself and the project you'll be discussing, highlighting its scale and your specific role.

• Problem/Challenge: Clearly articulate the core design management challenges faced.

• Solution/Process: Detail the strategies and operational processes you implemented to address these challenges. Use visuals if possible.

• Results: Quantify the positive outcomes achieved, linking them back to project objectives (schedule, cost, quality, safety, sustainability).

• Lessons Learned: Briefly share key takeaways or insights gained from the experience.

• Q&A: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your decision-making process and technical approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific, data-backed examples for all behavioral and situational questions. Tailor your responses to reflect Mace's stated values and the specific demands of managing large-scale infrastructure design in a region like Saudi Arabia.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager (Civils) position:

• Submit your application directly through the Mace careers portal: https://macecareers.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=41720&lang=en

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your CV clearly highlights your experience in managing design processes for large civil infrastructure projects, specifically Roads and Bridges. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., Design Management, Civil Infrastructure, Stakeholder Requirements, KPI Analysis, Net Zero Carbon). Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects. Focus on your role in design management, the challenges you overcame, the operational processes you implemented, and the measurable results achieved. Highlight experience with construction contracts, safety legislation, and sustainability integration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mace's global projects, values, and their strategic focus, particularly their work in the Middle East and commitment to sustainability. Understand the context of major development programs in Saudi Arabia.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for scenario-based questions related to design management, stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides detailed insights and operational context based on industry standards and the provided information. Candidates are strongly advised to verify all details and expectations directly with Mace during the application and interview process.