Design Manager – Fire, Life & Safety

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Fire, Life & Safety

Company: Parsons Corporation

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (PIF-Qiddiya)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Safety Design Management

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead Fire, Life, and Safety (FLS) technical oversight and coordination across the Logistics Sector, acting as the primary interface for all FLS matters.

• Manage FLS consultant engagements throughout their lifecycle, ensuring scope adherence, program tracking, and commercial close-out for critical design deliverables.

• Facilitate and lead FLS coordination meetings, maintaining comprehensive action logs, decision records, and issue trackers to drive project progress.

• Integrate FLS requirements seamlessly into multi-discipline design meetings, BIM reviews, and 3D coordination workflows to embed safety at every design stage.

• Proactively identify and resolve FLS-related conflicts, gaps, or misalignments, escalating issues through established program governance channels to ensure timely resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Design Manager with a deep specialization in Fire, Life, and Safety (FLS) within the context of large-scale infrastructure and logistics projects, particularly within the Saudi Arabian regulatory framework. The emphasis on "primary technical interface" and "coordination authority" suggests a senior-level position requiring extensive stakeholder management and technical leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the central point of contact for all Fire, Life, and Safety (FLS) related inquiries and decisions within the Logistics Sector.

• Oversee the performance of appointed FLS consultants, ensuring deliverables meet stringent quality, completeness, and timeliness standards.

• Facilitate and chair regular FLS coordination meetings involving Client development teams, design consultants, general contractors, and regulatory bodies.

• Maintain meticulous records of meeting minutes, action items, decisions, and unresolved issues to ensure accountability and transparency in FLS matters.

• Proactively identify potential conflicts, design gaps, or inconsistencies related to FLS requirements and escalate them appropriately through program governance structures.

• Coordinate FLS inputs during multi-discipline design reviews, BIM coordination sessions, and 3D model reviews to ensure holistic safety integration.

• Manage responses to queries and comments from the Client's appointed FLS Consultants and Saudi Civil Defense (GDCD), ensuring timely resolution and resubmission processes.

• Review and verify consultant invoices and deliverable submissions, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations and project milestones.

• Support the drafting and management of consultant task orders and service agreements, ensuring clarity of scope and effective commercial management.

• Ensure FLS requirements are embedded in all project documentation, specifications, and execution plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical oversight, project management, and regulatory compliance focused specifically on Fire, Life, and Safety. The emphasis on managing consultant engagements and interfaces with Saudi regulatory bodies (GDCD, Saudi Civil Defense) is critical.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Safety Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.

• Professional certifications such as NEBOSH Fire Safety, IFE membership, or CFPA equivalent are highly desirable.

• Registration with the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) or eligibility for SCE registration is required to practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in fire protection engineering, fire safety management, or design management roles with a dedicated FLS focus.

• Demonstrated experience on large-scale, complex built environment projects; experience with logistics/industrial facilities, mixed-use developments, entertainment venues, or giga-projects is strongly preferred.

• Proven experience managing regulatory submissions and approvals processes through the Saudi Civil Defense framework (GDCD).

Required Skills:

• In-depth working knowledge of NFPA Standards, Saudi Building Code (SBC), and applicable international fire safety codes.

• Proven experience coordinating multi-party FLS design and contractor interfaces in a program management or client-representative capacity.

• Proficiency in REVIT and AutoCAD with a minimum of 5 years' design-stage experience.

• Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu and/or Adobe Acrobat for drawing review and mark-up.

• Strong technical interface and coordination skills for FLS matters.

Preferred Skills:

• Arabic language skills are highly desirable.

• Familiarity with document management platforms; Aconex experience is an advantage.

• Strong design management and multi-party coordination skills, managing interfaces between consultants, contractors, and client teams simultaneously.

• Commercial awareness with a structured approach to managing consultant scopes, deliverables, and claims.

• High degree of accuracy, attention to detail, critical thinking, and issue resolution ability.

• Ability to balance technical rigor with practical, program-conscious problem-solving.

• Self-motivated, delivery-focused, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams under pressure.

• Commitment to fostering a strong fire safety culture across the program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in FLS engineering, combined with practical experience in managing complex projects within the Saudi Arabian context. Specific software proficiency and knowledge of local codes are critical.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented evidence of successful management of large-scale FLS design projects, showcasing complexity and scale.

• Case studies demonstrating proactive FLS issue identification and resolution, highlighting problem-solving methodologies and outcomes.

• Examples of FLS coordination meeting agendas, minutes, and action logs, illustrating effective facilitation and documentation practices.

• Records of FLS regulatory submissions and approvals managed within the Saudi Arabian framework (GDCD, Civil Defense).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams illustrating the process for managing FLS consultant engagements from inception to close-out.

• Methodologies for integrating FLS requirements into multi-disciplinary design reviews and BIM coordination processes.

• Procedures for facilitating and documenting FLS coordination meetings, including action item tracking and issue escalation.

• Protocols for reviewing and approving FLS design deliverables against specified codes and standards.

• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies for FLS aspects within large infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to showcase their ability to manage FLS processes, from consultant engagement and design integration to regulatory compliance and issue resolution. The portfolio should reflect hands-on experience with these processes, particularly within the specified geographical and regulatory context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated salary range for a Design Manager – Fire, Life & Safety in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with 10+ years of experience, typically falls between SAR 450,000 to SAR 700,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering and design management roles in major infrastructure projects within the Kingdom, considering the specialized nature of FLS expertise and its critical importance in giga-projects. Factors such as specific project scope, individual experience, and the employer's compensation philosophy will influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employee and dependents.

• Generous paid time off, including annual leave and public holidays.

• Relocation assistance and housing allowance, if applicable.

• Professional development and training opportunities to maintain certifications and expand expertise.

• Opportunities for career advancement within Parsons' global projects.

• End-of-service benefits in accordance with Saudi labor law.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• Working hours are generally Monday to Friday, with potential for extended hours or weekend work depending on project deadlines and critical coordination needs.

• The role is on-site, requiring physical presence at the project location in Riyadh.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on senior engineering roles in Saudi Arabia's major project sector. Benefits are standard for international engineering firms operating in the region, with a focus on supporting expatriate staff and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Construction, Infrastructure Development, Defense & Security. Parsons Corporation is a global leader in providing technical and management solutions for complex infrastructure, defense, and security projects worldwide.

Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees). This size indicates a stable, well-established organization with a global footprint, offering diverse career opportunities and robust internal processes.

Founded: 1944. With a long history, Parsons has a deep reservoir of experience and a proven track record in delivering complex projects across various sectors.

Team Structure:

• The FLS Design Manager will likely be part of a larger program or project management team, potentially within a dedicated design or engineering department.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a senior engineering manager or program director responsible for the Logistics Sector.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, with a strong emphasis on technical accuracy and performance metrics.

• Agile and adaptable approach to project management, especially in dynamic environments like giga-projects.

• Focus on rigorous process adherence and quality assurance to meet stringent safety and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborative problem-solving and stakeholder engagement to navigate complex project challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons' culture emphasizes innovation, integrity, and client focus. For a Design Manager role, this translates to a demanding yet rewarding environment where technical expertise and collaborative problem-solving are highly valued. The scale of their operations suggests a structured approach to project execution and a commitment to professional development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Specialist Leadership. This role represents a senior position, requiring extensive technical expertise and leadership in a critical safety domain. It is a key contributor to the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level engineering or program management lead within the Logistics Sector, potentially a Director of Engineering or Program Director. This position will manage external FLS consultants and coordinate closely with internal project teams.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and critical impact on project safety, regulatory compliance, and overall project success. Ensuring robust FLS design and implementation mitigates risks, prevents incidents, and ensures adherence to stringent building codes, directly influencing project timelines, budgets, and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced FLS technologies, sustainable safety design, and emerging regulatory trends.

• Program Leadership: Advance to Program Director or Sector Lead roles, managing broader scopes of work and larger teams across multiple projects.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to transfer to other major project locations within Parsons' international portfolio.

• Professional Development: Access to extensive training programs, certifications, and industry conferences to stay at the forefront of FLS engineering and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant step up for experienced FLS professionals, providing exposure to some of the world's largest and most complex projects, with clear pathways for career advancement and skill enhancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at the project location in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This likely involves a combination of site visits and project office work, potentially within a dedicated client or program management office.

Office Location(s): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (PIF-Qiddiya project site). Qiddiya is a major entertainment and sports destination project near Riyadh.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be dynamic, requiring regular interaction with diverse teams including engineers, architects, contractors, and client representatives.

• Access to project-specific software and documentation platforms (e.g., BIM, Aconex) will be essential.

• The environment will be fast-paced and demanding, reflecting the scale and ambition of a giga-project.

Work Schedule:

• Standard working hours (Monday-Friday) apply, but flexibility may be required to attend critical meetings or address urgent FLS issues that arise outside of normal hours.

• The on-site nature of the role necessitates consistent presence to effectively manage FLS coordination and site oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characteristic of large-scale, high-profile projects, demanding adaptability, strong communication, and a willingness to be present and engaged on-site.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or recruitment team will review applications and resumes for basic qualifications.

• Technical Interview: A panel interview with FLS subject matter experts and/or engineering management to assess technical knowledge, code compliance understanding, and problem-solving skills. Candidates may be asked to walk through specific FLS challenges they've overcome.

• Case Study/Scenario-Based Interview: A practical exercise or discussion of hypothetical FLS scenarios relevant to the project, testing decision-making, coordination strategies, and risk assessment abilities.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with senior project leadership to assess alignment with Parsons' values, communication style, and ability to collaborate within a diverse team.

• Final Offer & Background Checks: Reference checks and potential pre-employment screening.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Saudi Context: Showcase projects that demonstrate experience with Saudi Building Code (SBC), Civil Defense regulations, and GDCD processes.

• Quantify Impact: For each FLS project or initiative, present quantifiable achievements (e.g., reduction in safety incidents, successful permit approvals, cost savings through efficient design).

• Demonstrate Coordination: Include examples of how you managed complex FLS interfaces between multiple disciplines, consultants, and contractors. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Detail specific FLS challenges encountered and the systematic approach taken to resolve them, emphasizing your analytical and decision-making skills.

• Technical Proficiency: Briefly mention your proficiency in relevant software (Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam) and how you leverage them for FLS design and review.

Challenge Preparation:

• Code Mastery: Be prepared to discuss specific requirements from NFPA standards and the Saudi Building Code relevant to logistics facilities or similar large-scale developments.

• Scenario Planning: Think through how you would address common FLS issues, such as fire detection system conflicts, emergency egress path obstructions, or non-compliance with sprinkler requirements.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating FLS requirements and rationale clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior management and regulatory officials.

• Consultant Management: Prepare to discuss your approach to managing consultant performance, ensuring deliverable quality, and handling scope disputes or claims.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only theoretical knowledge but also practical application of FLS principles within a complex project environment, with a strong emphasis on Saudi Arabian regulations and collaborative stakeholder management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for 3D modeling, clash detection, and integrated FLS design review. Proficiency expected for design-stage experience.

• AutoCAD: Standard for 2D drawing production and review, often used in conjunction with BIM.

• Bluebeam Revu: Widely used for PDF markup, collaboration, and document management in design and construction.

• Adobe Acrobat: For general PDF handling and review.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Document Management Systems (e.g., Aconex): Critical for managing project documentation, communications, and workflows, especially in large collaborative environments.

• BIM Coordination Platforms (e.g., Navisworks, BIM 360): Used for clash detection, 3D model reviews, and integrating FLS data across disciplines.

• Project Management Software: For tracking task progress, timelines, and reporting on FLS milestones.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how FLS data integrates with broader project management and reporting systems is key.

• Automation may be relevant in terms of streamlining document review processes or report generation, though specific tools are not listed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in design and documentation software is crucial. Familiarity with common project management and document control platforms used in large construction projects is also highly advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to ensuring the highest standards of fire, life, and safety are integrated into all aspects of design and construction.

• Technical Excellence: Upholding rigorous engineering standards and staying current with FLS codes, best practices, and technologies.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where FLS considerations are integrated seamlessly with other disciplines and stakeholders.

• Integrity & Accountability: Conducting all FLS-related activities with honesty, transparency, and a strong sense of responsibility for outcomes.

• Innovation: Seeking out and implementing effective and efficient FLS solutions that meet project requirements and exceed safety expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative, ensuring FLS considerations are addressed early and continuously throughout the project lifecycle.

• Facilitative, leading coordination meetings and ensuring all parties have a voice and understand their FLS responsibilities.

• Problem-solving oriented, working constructively with consultants, designers, and contractors to overcome FLS challenges.

• Detail-focused, ensuring accuracy in FLS design reviews and compliance checks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values strongly align with the critical nature of FLS management, emphasizing safety, technical rigor, and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Landscape: Ensuring full compliance with the specific requirements of Saudi Building Code, Civil Defense, and other local authorities, which can be intricate and evolving.

• Managing Multi-Party Interfaces: Coordinating FLS design and construction across numerous consultants, contractors, and client representatives, each with their own priorities and communication styles.

• Integrating FLS into Giga-Projects: Embedding FLS considerations effectively from the initial design phases of massive, complex developments like Qiddiya, where scale and interdependencies are significant.

• Maintaining FLS Culture: Fostering a consistent culture of safety and FLS awareness among all project personnel, from designers to site workers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced FLS Certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications or advanced training in areas like high-risk industrial FLS, computational fire modeling, or specific international standards.

• Project Management Skills: Developing expertise in managing large-scale infrastructure programs, including contract negotiation, risk management, and financial oversight.

• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Gaining broader understanding of other engineering disciplines and how they interface with FLS to enhance holistic project delivery.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and potentially lead larger FLS teams on future projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to regulatory complexity and project scale, but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth in specialized FLS and large-scale project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience managing FLS consultant engagements. What key metrics do you track, and how do you ensure deliverable quality and timely completion?" (Focus on lifecycle management, scope adherence, and verification processes.)

• "Walk us through a complex FLS issue you encountered on a large-scale project. What was the problem, how did you approach it, and what was the resolution?" (Highlight problem-solving methodology, technical analysis, and stakeholder communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of the Saudi Building Code and Civil Defense requirements for logistics facilities, and how have you applied them in previous projects?" (Demonstrate knowledge of local regulations and practical application.)

• "How do you foster a strong fire safety culture among diverse project teams, including contractors and site personnel?" (Showcase leadership in safety advocacy and communication.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure by Project Type: Organize your portfolio to highlight relevant experience, such as large infrastructure, logistics, or giga-projects.

• Focus on Saudi Projects: If available, prominently feature projects executed within Saudi Arabia, detailing your role in navigating local codes and approvals.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, flowcharts, and simplified renderings to illustrate FLS systems, coordination processes, and problem resolutions.

• Quantify Impact: For each case study, clearly state the scope, your role, the challenge, your solution, and the measurable outcome (e.g., "Achieved 100% compliance with SBC fire resistance requirements," "Resolved critical sprinkler system clash identified in BIM review, preventing a 3-week design delay.").

• Be Ready to Discuss Tools: Be prepared to explain how you utilized Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, or Aconex in your FLS management processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating deep FLS technical expertise, strong project management capabilities, and a proven ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, particularly those in Saudi Arabia.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager – Fire, Life & Safety position:

• Submit your application through the official Parsons careers portal link provided.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of FLS experience, specific achievements in large-scale projects, and proficiency with relevant international codes and Saudi regulations (NFPA, SBC, Civil Defense).

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of case studies that best demonstrate your FLS management expertise, focusing on Saudi projects, complex coordination, and problem-solving. Be ready to present these during the interview process.

• Research Parsons & Qiddiya: Understand Parsons' global presence and values, and familiarize yourself with the Qiddiya project's scope and objectives to articulate your fit and vision.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common technical, behavioral, and situational questions, particularly those related to FLS challenges in large-scale developments and stakeholder management.

⚠️ 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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