Design Manager - Infrastructure

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Infrastructure

Company: Parsons Corporation

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Infrastructure Design & Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-09

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the coordination of multi-disciplinary infrastructure design deliverables for major projects, ensuring adherence to project briefs, standards, budgets, and timelines.

• Drive strategic infrastructure master planning and development, with a strong emphasis on integrated utility planning and interface management.

• Oversee design consultants and technical teams to guarantee compliant, integrated, and high-quality design outputs throughout all project stages.

• Proactively identify, track, and mitigate design-related risks, technical queries, and constructability issues to ensure project success.

• Maintain robust design governance and reporting mechanisms through accurate tracking of submissions, action logs, and approval workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is focused on the strategic and managerial aspects of infrastructure design, requiring a blend of technical engineering acumen and strong project governance skills. The emphasis on program/masterplan level management suggests a need for a candidate who can think holistically about infrastructure development beyond single-discipline coordination.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the delivery of multi-disciplinary design across assigned projects, packages, or asset scopes, ensuring alignment with project briefs, quality standards, budgets, and delivery programs.

• Support Senior Management and the Senior Design Manager in the day-to-day management, coordination, and assurance of design delivery across all project phases, from conceptualization to detailed design.

• Coordinate with design consultants and internal technical teams to ensure that design outputs are compliant, integrated, and of high quality.

• Conduct thorough reviews of design submissions, monitoring for quality, completeness, coordination effectiveness, and strict adherence to project requirements prior to approval.

• Facilitate the resolution of design clashes, technical queries, constructability challenges, and cross-disciplinary coordination matters through proactive engagement with relevant parties.

• Maintain comprehensive design trackers, action logs, registers, approval workflows, and essential technical records to support effective project governance and timely reporting.

• Implement standardized design management templates, tools, and methodologies across assigned projects, diligently monitoring design progress against agreed milestones, schedules, and stage gate deliverables.

• Coordinate critical interfaces between various engineering disciplines, infrastructure systems, assets, consultants, stakeholders, and delivery teams to ensure cohesive and integrated project outcomes.

• Proactively identify, meticulously track, and actively support the mitigation of design-related risks, assumptions, constraints, and dependencies throughout the project lifecycle.

• Liaise effectively with internal stakeholders, external consultants, support functions, and project teams to facilitate timely design reviews, approvals, and critical decision-making processes.

• Ensure the accurate, timely, and consistent communication of all design information to all relevant stakeholders, fostering a collaborative project environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process management, quality assurance, and stakeholder coordination within a complex infrastructure development environment. The emphasis on "program/masterplan level" management indicates that the role requires strategic thinking and oversight beyond typical design coordination.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in design coordination or design management roles, specifically within major infrastructure programs.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in managing multi-disciplinary design consultants on large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Strong understanding of the various design development stages and their associated coordination requirements.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing strategic infrastructure masterplans.

• Solid understanding of power, water, and utility planning, including their interfaces and integration challenges.

• Experience managing infrastructure design at a program or masterplan level, not solely confined to multidisciplinary design coordination.

• A robust technical engineering background relevant to major infrastructure programs.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills.

• Proficiency in applying standardized design management templates, tools, and methodologies. Preferred Skills:

• Advanced degree in Engineering or a related field.

• Experience with specific project management software relevant to infrastructure development.

• Knowledge of relevant Saudi Arabian engineering standards and regulations.

• Experience in risk mitigation and management specific to infrastructure design projects.

• Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its application in infrastructure design coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize both breadth and depth of experience, specifically calling for program-level masterplanning and utility interface management, which goes beyond standard design coordination. The "10 years' experience" coupled with "major infrastructure programs" suggests a senior-level role requiring significant autonomy and strategic input.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Evidence of successfully managed multi-disciplinary design projects, showcasing scope, complexity, and successful outcomes.

• Case studies demonstrating strategic infrastructure masterplan development and implementation, highlighting planning and integration expertise.

• Examples of managing design consultants, including contract oversight, performance evaluation, and issue resolution.

• Documentation of process optimization initiatives within design management, illustrating improvements in efficiency, quality, or cost.

• Records of managing design submissions, tracking approvals, and maintaining project governance documentation. Process Documentation:

• Workflow designs illustrating the end-to-end process for design submission, review, and approval within a large infrastructure program.

• Methodologies for identifying, tracking, and mitigating design-related risks, technical queries, and constructability issues.

• Examples of design coordination processes, emphasizing cross-disciplinary integration and interface management.

• Templates and examples of design trackers, action logs, and technical record-keeping systems used for project governance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should demonstrate not just technical design oversight but also the ability to manage complex processes, integrate diverse teams, and ensure robust governance. The emphasis on masterplanning and utility interfaces implies a need for portfolio examples that showcase strategic thinking and long-term infrastructure vision.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the location (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), the senior experience level (10+ years), and the nature of the role with a major international firm like Parsons, a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers in large-scale infrastructure projects in the GCC region, the estimated annual base salary range could be between SAR 450,000 to SAR 700,000. This estimate accounts for the complexity of managing multi-disciplinary design, strategic masterplanning, and the significant responsibility of overseeing design consultants on major programs.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employee and dependents.

• Generous paid time off (vacation and public holidays).

• Opportunities for professional development, including training courses, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Relocation assistance and support for expatriate employees.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.

• Access to company-provided accommodation and transportation allowances.

• Retirement savings plan contributions.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, often spread over 5 days (e.g., Sunday to Thursday), with potential for extended hours or weekend work depending on project demands and critical deadlines. Flexibility may be offered based on project phase and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of Design Manager roles with similar experience requirements in Riyadh and the broader Saudi Arabian market, considering the specific industry (infrastructure) and the reputation of Parsons Corporation. Benefits are standard for expatriate roles in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on professional growth and comprehensive support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Program Management. Parsons Corporation operates within the global infrastructure and technology sectors, delivering solutions for defense, intelligence, security, and critical infrastructure markets. The Qiddiya project in Riyadh represents a significant investment in entertainment and sports infrastructure, demanding cutting-edge design and execution.

Company Size: Parsons Corporation is a large, publicly traded company with thousands of employees worldwide, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and resources.

Founded: Parsons was founded in 1944, signifying a long history of experience and stability in delivering complex, large-scale projects globally. This longevity suggests a culture that values expertise, reliability, and long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger program management or project delivery team, reporting to a Director of Infrastructure Planning & Design.

• The team will comprise various engineering disciplines, project managers, planners, and support staff, requiring strong collaboration across functional lines.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close liaison with stakeholders, consultants, and delivery teams to ensure integrated project outcomes. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and rigorous analysis are fundamental to managing complex infrastructure projects, ensuring designs meet all technical and performance requirements.

• Strategic planning and workflow optimization are key, especially in developing and managing masterplans and coordinating multi-disciplinary designs.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed through advanced project management software and digital tools to streamline design processes and enhance collaboration.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at a large, established firm like Parsons often balances a structured, process-oriented approach with a drive for innovation. For this role, the Qiddiya project context suggests a dynamic, high-stakes environment where efficiency, collaboration, and technical excellence are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior management level within the infrastructure design and planning stream. It requires not only technical expertise but also leadership in managing design processes, teams, and consultants. The scope of responsibility extends beyond single project coordination to encompass strategic masterplanning and program-level oversight, indicating a significant level of influence and decision-making authority.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Director of Infrastructure Planning & Design. This indicates a clear hierarchical structure within the design and planning department, with opportunities for upward mobility and exposure to senior leadership. Collaboration will be required with various project managers, engineering leads, and external stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the physical infrastructure of major developments. Their decisions and coordination efforts directly impact project timelines, budgets, quality, safety, and the overall functionality and long-term viability of the infrastructure assets. Effective design management is crucial for translating strategic vision into tangible, high-performing assets, contributing significantly to the success and reputation of both the project and Parsons Corporation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific infrastructure domains (e.g., utilities, transportation, smart city integration) through involvement in specialized project components or advanced training.

• Leadership Progression: Advance to roles such as Senior Design Manager, Program Design Director, or Head of Infrastructure Design, overseeing larger portfolios and more complex projects.

• Cross-functional Experience: Gain exposure to other areas of project delivery, such as construction management, procurement, or project controls, by collaborating closely with these departments.

• International Assignments: Opportunities to work on diverse global projects, leveraging expertise in different regulatory environments and project types.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers substantial growth potential within a global organization known for its large-scale projects. The emphasis on masterplanning and program-level management provides a strong foundation for advancing into broader directorial or executive positions within infrastructure development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is based on-site in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, likely within a project office or a dedicated Parsons office supporting the Qiddiya development. The environment will be professional and collaborative, designed to facilitate the intensive coordination required for a project of this magnitude.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, specifically associated with the Qiddiya project. This implies working in a dynamic, rapidly developing region with significant ongoing construction and planning activities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a shared office environment with access to project-specific documentation, drawing rooms, and meeting facilities.

• Modern project management and design software, along with communication tools, will be readily available to support daily tasks and team collaboration.

• Opportunities for frequent interaction with a diverse team of engineers, designers, project managers, and client representatives will be abundant, fostering a collaborative and engaging work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will be full-time, typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, given the demanding nature of major infrastructure projects, overtime may be required to meet critical deadlines, milestones, and address urgent design coordination issues. Flexibility and commitment to project timelines are essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role in Riyadh underscores the hands-on, collaborative, and deadline-driven environment typical of major international construction projects. The workspace will be equipped to support intensive coordination and project management activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess suitability against the core requirements, particularly the 10+ years of experience in infrastructure design management and masterplanning.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion with a hiring manager or senior engineering lead to evaluate your technical expertise, understanding of infrastructure design principles, utility planning, and experience with multi-disciplinary coordination. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and challenges.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a portfolio of your work or a specific case study demonstrating your approach to managing complex infrastructure design projects, resolving design issues, and coordinating stakeholders. Focus on quantifiable achievements and process improvements.

• Behavioral Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within Parsons' global team. Questions will focus on how you handle pressure, manage teams, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or director for final approval, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in infrastructure masterplanning, multi-disciplinary design management, and utility coordination. Highlight your specific role and contributions.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, detail the scope, budget, team size, and any measurable achievements (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, risk mitigation success).

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate the design management processes you implemented, including your approach to coordination, issue resolution, governance, and stakeholder engagement. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Showcase your ability to lead and motivate design teams and consultants, and your approach to problem-solving and decision-making under pressure.

• Tailor to Qiddiya: If possible, subtly align your examples with the scale and type of infrastructure relevant to a project like Qiddiya, demonstrating an understanding of the project's ambition.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Clash Resolution: Be ready to discuss how you would approach resolving a complex design clash between two critical infrastructure systems (e.g., a major utility line and a building foundation).

• Stakeholder Conflict Management: Prepare scenarios where you had to manage conflicting requirements from different stakeholders (e.g., client, regulatory bodies, utility providers) regarding design decisions.

• Design Schedule Acceleration: Think about strategies you would employ to bring a delayed design phase back on track without compromising quality or safety.

• Technical Query (TQ) Management: Outline your process for efficiently handling and resolving technical queries from the construction team during the execution phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this will be rigorous, focusing on both technical competence and management capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates process, impact, and leadership is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Design Management Platforms: Familiarity with systems for document control, submittal management, and workflow automation (e.g., Aconex, Procore, BIM 360).

• Collaboration Suites: Expertise in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and potentially collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack for communication and coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Advanced Excel: Essential for data analysis, creating custom trackers, and generating reports on design progress, risks, and issues.

• BI Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): While not explicitly stated, familiarity with business intelligence tools for creating dashboards and visualizing design progress and key performance indicators (KPIs) would be advantageous.

• Reporting Templates: Ability to utilize and adapt standardized design management reporting templates for consistent and effective communication.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level document management systems to ensure proper version control, archiving, and accessibility of design documentation.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Understanding of how to leverage tools to automate review and approval processes for design submittals and technical queries, enhancing efficiency.

• ERP Systems (e.g., SAP): Basic awareness of how design management integrates with broader enterprise resource planning systems, particularly concerning project budgeting and procurement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role will be centered around robust project and design management systems, with a strong emphasis on tools that facilitate collaboration, document control, and performance tracking across multiple disciplines and stakeholders.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of professional conduct in all design and management activities, ensuring transparency and ethical decision-making.

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant, and innovative design solutions that meet project objectives and exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a culture of mutual respect, open communication, and shared responsibility among design teams, consultants, and stakeholders.

• Agility and Adaptability: Embracing change and responding effectively to evolving project requirements, technical challenges, and market dynamics.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Encouraging creative problem-solving and seeking opportunities to enhance design processes, methodologies, and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively promoting seamless integration between design disciplines, engineering departments, construction teams, and client representatives to ensure a unified project approach.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear, consistent, and timely communication channels with all project stakeholders, ensuring everyone is informed and aligned on design progress, issues, and decisions.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Encouraging a culture where feedback on design processes and outputs is welcomed, analyzed, and used to drive continuous improvement and refine methodologies.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams to build collective knowledge and enhance overall project delivery capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons, as a global corporation, likely emphasizes a culture that values professionalism, technical expertise, and collaborative problem-solving. For this role, expect a dynamic environment where strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster teamwork are as important as technical proficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interfaces: Coordinating numerous specialized engineering disciplines and their intricate interdependencies on a mega-project like Qiddiya presents a significant challenge requiring meticulous planning and communication.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements of multiple stakeholders, including government entities, investors, and operational teams, to achieve consensus on design decisions.

• Pace of Development: Keeping pace with the rapid development and evolving requirements inherent in large-scale, visionary projects, requiring adaptability and proactive risk management.

• Technical Innovation Integration: Incorporating cutting-edge technologies and innovative design solutions while ensuring constructability, maintainability, and adherence to established standards and budgets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Techniques: Access to specialized training and workshops on the latest methodologies in infrastructure design management, digital engineering, and program governance.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend leading industry events, gaining insights into global best practices and expanding professional networks.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship programs, learning from experienced senior leaders within Parsons and gaining guidance on career progression.

• Leadership Development: Potential for participation in leadership development programs designed to hone strategic thinking, team management, and executive communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers exposure to some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects globally. The challenges are significant but provide unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and the development of highly sought-after expertise in mega-project design management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and managing a strategic infrastructure masterplan for a project of Qiddiya's scale." (Focus on phased development, integration of utilities, and stakeholder engagement.)

• "How do you ensure effective coordination and integration among multiple design disciplines (e.g., civil, structural, MEP, utilities) on a complex project?" (Highlight your process for clash detection, technical query resolution, and cross-disciplinary workshops.)

• "Walk us through a challenging situation where you had to manage conflicting design requirements from different stakeholders. How did you resolve it?" (Emphasize your negotiation skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to find mutually agreeable solutions.)

• "What is your methodology for identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks throughout the project lifecycle?" (Discuss risk registers, proactive identification, and collaborative mitigation strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Parsons Corporation and our work on projects like Qiddiya?" (Showcase your research into the company's history, values, and specific project involvement.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within your design team and with external consultants?" (Discuss your leadership style, communication strategies, and methods for team motivation.)

• "How do you ensure design compliance with local regulations and international standards, particularly in a new market like Saudi Arabia?" (Mention your experience with local codes and your approach to research and consultation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling Approach: Frame your portfolio examples as narratives – the challenge, your approach, the actions taken, and the positive results achieved.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality visuals (renderings, diagrams, flowcharts) to illustrate complex designs, workflows, and coordination processes.

• Focus on Leadership: Clearly articulate your role and decision-making authority in each project, demonstrating your leadership capabilities.

• Quantifiable Outcomes: Whenever possible, present data that quantifies the impact of your work – e.g., schedule adherence, cost savings, efficiency gains, reduction in design errors.

• Qiddiya Relevance: Draw parallels between your past experiences and the demands of the Qiddiya project, showcasing your suitability for this specific role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation for this role's interview should focus on demonstrating a strategic mindset, robust project management skills, and a deep understanding of infrastructure design principles. Be ready to articulate your process and impact with specific examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Infrastructure position:

• Submit your application through the official Parsons Corporation careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio that highlights 2-3 key infrastructure masterplanning and multi-disciplinary design management projects. Emphasize your role, challenges faced, processes implemented, and quantifiable results achieved.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to prominently feature your 10+ years of experience in infrastructure design management, masterplanning, utility planning, and consultant coordination. Use keywords from the job description such as "multi-disciplinary design," "strategic infrastructure masterplans," and "program/masterplan level management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your approach to design challenges and stakeholder management, drawing from your portfolio examples.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Parsons Corporation, their recent projects (especially in the GCC region and Saudi Arabia), and the Qiddiya development's vision and scope to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role and company.

⚠️ 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.