Design Manager (PMC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (PMC)

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Project Management / Design Oversight

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee Lead Design Consultants (LDCs) through RIBA Stages 1-4 to ensure alignment with project objectives, client briefs, and statutory requirements.

• Manage and coordinate design reviews, stakeholder engagement, and the approval process for various development projects.

• Evaluate and recommend design changes, assessing their impact on project timelines, budgets, and quality.

• Collaborate with LDCs and Project Managers on tender documentation, scope definition, and value engineering exercises.

• Ensure comprehensive design reporting, risk assessment, and compliance with Quality Management and HSE Plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical in bridging the gap between client vision and design execution within a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) framework. The focus is on managing external consultants rather than direct technical design, requiring strong oversight, coordination, and communication skills. The "PMC Development Framework scope of services" implies adherence to specific client-mandated processes and reporting structures.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• LDC Tender & Onboarding: Develop detailed scopes of work for Lead Design Consultant (LDC) tenders, aligning with client framework agreements and project briefs.

• Design Phase Oversight: Monitor LDC design progress across RIBA Stages 1-4, ensuring deliverables meet project objectives, client requirements, and timelines.

• Stakeholder Coordination: Facilitate and manage design review workshops and progress meetings with clients, LDCs, and other stakeholders, ensuring timely approvals and issue resolution.

• Deliverable Management: Audit LDC deliverables for compliance with design briefs, Quality Management Plans, HSE Plans, and agreed-upon procedures.

• Change Management Administration: Review proposed design changes for adherence to approved versions, assess impact on time, cost, and quality, and compile recommendations for client consideration.

• Cost & Value Management Support: Assist the PMC in ensuring LDCs manage costs effectively, participate in value engineering studies, and contribute to constructability analyses.

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

• Reporting & Documentation: Ensure timely issuance of monthly Design Progress Reports by LDCs and compile Stage Gateway reports at the end of each RIBA stage.

• Scope Completeness: Verify that Request for Proposal (RFP) scopes of work are complete and robust, ensuring LDCs prepare comprehensive contract documents.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a management and oversight function, directing external consultants (LDCs) to achieve project goals. The role requires a structured, systematic, and disciplined approach, as explicitly stated in the overview. Emphasis on RIBA stages indicates a structured design management process common in large-scale construction and development projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

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

• Minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience in design management, with a specific focus on the pre-contract stage.

• At least 3 years of experience in a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) or Program Management Consultancy (PgMC) managerial role on similar large-scale development projects.

• Experience with diverse asset types, particularly Mixed-Use developments, including their specific regulations and best practices. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to oversee and manage design consultants through all RIBA stages (1-4).

• Project Management: Strong understanding and application of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques for complex projects.

• Design Coordination: Proficiency with design coordination tools and platforms, including BIM, Revit, and AutoCAD.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Contract Administration: Understanding of tender processes, scope definition, and managing consultant deliverables.

• Cost & Value Management: Ability to review and contribute to cost estimates, value engineering, and constructability studies.

• Risk Assessment: Capability to identify, monitor, and mitigate design-related risks.

• Reporting & Documentation: Skill in compiling and reviewing comprehensive design progress reports and gateway reports.

• Change Management: Ability to evaluate and manage design changes impacting project scope, time, and cost.

• HSE & Quality Compliance: Commitment to upholding Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) plans and Quality Management Plans.

Preferred Skills:

• PMP Certification: Demonstrates a formal commitment to project management best practices.

• Specific Asset Type Experience: Deeper experience in Hospitality, Education & Schools, Culture, Arts, Museums, or Mixed-Use developments.

• BIM Proficiency: Advanced skills in Building Information Modeling (BIM) for coordination and clash detection.

• Contractual Knowledge: Familiarity with various forms of consultancy contracts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement specifies "PgMC/PMC Managerial experience," highlighting the need for direct experience managing consultants within a PMC structure, not just managing projects as a client-side representative or contractor. The emphasis on specific asset types suggests a specialization within the company's portfolio.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Case Studies: Examples demonstrating oversight of LDCs through RIBA stages, showcasing successful coordination, issue resolution, and on-time delivery of design milestones.

• Coordination & Collaboration Examples: Evidence of managing multi-disciplinary design reviews, stakeholder workshops, and the integration of feedback from various parties.

• Change Management Documentation: Samples of how design changes were evaluated, documented, and managed to minimize impact on project constraints (time, cost, quality).

• Reporting Samples: Examples of Design Progress Reports or Stage Gateway Reports, highlighting clarity, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Case studies detailing how design risks were identified and mitigated effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their structured approach to managing design consultants, including:

  • Workflow design for design review cycles and approval processes.

  • System for tracking LDC deliverables and progress against schedules.

  • Methods for facilitating effective communication and collaboration between LDCs, clients, and other project stakeholders.

  • Procedures for risk identification, assessment, and management within the design phase.

  • Documentation standards for design changes and their impact assessments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on managing external consultants, a portfolio should emphasize the candidate's ability to define, implement, and enforce processes for design oversight, rather than showcasing personal design work. The ability to document and present these processes is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the location (AlUla, Saudi Arabia), the experience level (10+ years with 3+ years managerial PMC/PgMC), and the nature of the role within a major engineering firm, the estimated salary range for a Design Manager (PMC) is SAR 35,000 - SAR 55,000 per month (approximately USD 9,300 - USD 14,700 per month). This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior project management and design oversight roles in Saudi Arabia, considering the cost of living and typical compensation packages for expatriate professionals in major project hubs. Benefits:

• Tax-free salary.

• Comprehensive life insurance coverage.

• Medical insurance for employee and potentially dependents.

• Generous annual leave balance.

• Company gratuity scheme.

• Discretionary bonus program, tied to company and individual performance.

• Annual flight contribution for travel.

• Transportation allowance.

• Housing allowance.

• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week, likely Monday to Friday. However, project demands in construction and development can necessitate flexibility, with potential for extended hours or weekend work during critical phases, as is common in the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market data for senior roles in the KSA construction and consultancy sector, factoring in the tax-free nature of income and the comprehensive benefits package which significantly adds to the total compensation. The specific range can vary based on the exact scope of projects managed and the candidate's negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Infrastructure, Nuclear, Project Management Consultancy. AtkinsRéalis operates across a broad spectrum of engineering and construction sectors, with a significant presence in major infrastructure development globally.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally). This size indicates a well-established organization with structured processes, global reach, and diverse career opportunities. For a Design Manager, this means access to extensive resources, established methodologies, and potentially working within a large, matrixed project team.

Founded: 1911. With a long history, AtkinsRéalis has a deep legacy and extensive experience in delivering complex engineering solutions worldwide. This longevity suggests stability and a strong reputation in the industry.

Team Structure:

• Project Management Consultancy (PMC) Team: The Design Manager will likely be part of a dedicated PMC team embedded with the client, working alongside Senior Project Managers, Cost Consultants, and other specialists.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a Senior Project Manager or Program Director within the PMC structure. They will, in turn, manage and oversee the LDCs appointed by the client.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with client representatives, LDCs (architects, engineers), other PMC disciplines (cost, planning, HSE), and potentially contractors once construction begins.

Methodology:

• Structured Project Delivery: Adherence to established project management frameworks (e.g., PRINCE2, PMBOK) and specific client-mandated processes (e.g., RIBA stages).

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using project data, progress reports, and risk assessments to inform decisions and client recommendations.

• Collaborative Design Processes: Facilitating workshops and meetings to ensure alignment and proactive problem-solving among all design stakeholders.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's global presence and large size suggest robust internal training programs and clear career progression paths. The PMC model implies a client-focused delivery approach, where the manager acts as an extension of the client's project team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a senior management level within the project delivery lifecycle, specifically focused on the design phase execution. It is a crucial position for ensuring the technical integrity and feasibility of projects before construction commences. It’s a step beyond pure design leadership and into the realm of project oversight and consultant management.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to a Senior Project Manager or Program Director, indicating a clear hierarchy within the PMC structure. This role has direct influence over the performance and deliverables of the appointed Lead Design Consultants (LDCs).

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's primary impact is on the successful execution of the design phase, directly influencing project timelines, budget adherence, quality of the final built asset, and overall risk mitigation. Effective design management prevents costly changes and delays during construction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior PMC Roles: Progression to Senior Design Manager, Program Design Manager, or full Project Director roles on larger, more complex projects or programs.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific asset types (e.g., hospitality, cultural venues) or advanced design technologies (e.g., complex BIM implementation, digital twins).

• Cross-Disciplinary Roles: Transitioning into broader project management roles, focusing on construction oversight, commercial management, or strategic program management.

• Leadership Development: Access to AtkinsRéalis's leadership training programs, offering pathways to manage larger teams and client relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear progression path within the PMC framework, leveraging expertise in design oversight to move into broader project and program management responsibilities. The emphasis on specific asset types suggests opportunities for specialization and becoming a subject matter expert within AtkinsRéalis.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, implying a project office environment. This could be a dedicated site office or a shared office space managed by the PMC. The environment is likely to be professional, project-focused, and potentially fast-paced due to the nature of development projects.

Office Location(s): AlUla, Saudi Arabia. This is a region undergoing significant development, suggesting a dynamic and evolving work setting.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will necessitate close interaction with the PMC team, client representatives, and LDC teams. Regular meetings, design reviews, and workshops will be a core part of the daily routine.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to project management software, BIM platforms (Revit, AutoCAD), collaboration tools, and standard office productivity suites will be essential.

• Team Interaction: Frequent collaboration with project managers, cost consultants, planning engineers, and HSE officers within the PMC team to ensure integrated project delivery.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule will likely be Monday to Friday. However, given the project-driven nature of PMC roles, flexibility may be required, including potential overtime or weekend work during critical design milestones, tender periods, or urgent client requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working in AlUla, a location undergoing substantial development, suggests being part of a high-profile, transformative project. This can be both challenging and rewarding, offering significant exposure to large-scale urban development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Senior Project Manager or Program Director) focusing on experience, technical skills, and fit for the role and company culture. Expect questions about past PMC experience, design management methodologies, and stakeholder engagement.

• Technical/Competency Interview: This stage may involve a more in-depth assessment of technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and project management expertise. This could include scenario-based questions related to design challenges, change management, or consultant management.

• Portfolio Presentation (Potential): Candidates may be asked to present a selection of their work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate their experience in managing design consultants, coordinating complex designs, and achieving project milestones.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with senior leadership, to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Management, Not Design: Showcase your role in overseeing, managing, and coordinating the design process and the LDCs, rather than your personal design contributions.

• Structure Case Studies: For each case study, clearly outline:

  • The Project context (type, scale, location).
  • Your specific role and responsibilities.
  • The challenges faced (e.g., complex design requirements, stakeholder conflicts, tight deadlines).
  • The processes and methodologies you implemented.
  • The outcomes achieved (e.g., successful design approval, budget adherence, risk mitigation).

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics where possible (e.g., "Reduced design review cycles by 15%", "Managed a design budget of X AED", "Successfully coordinated designs for a 50,000 sqm mixed-use development").

• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate how you fostered collaboration between LDCs, the PMC team, and the client.

• Showcase Tools: Briefly mention the design coordination and project management tools you utilized.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for situational questions: "How would you handle a situation where the LDC is consistently missing deadlines?", "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting stakeholder requirements on a design.", "How do you ensure design compliance with HSE regulations?"

• Practice articulating your approach to managing LDCs, conducting design reviews, and assessing design changes.

• Research AtkinsRéalis's recent projects, particularly in Saudi Arabia and in similar asset types (Mixed-Use, Hospitality, Cultural), to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is crucial for this role. It should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to manage complex design processes and external consultants effectively, demonstrating a structured and results-oriented approach.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Coordination Platforms: Proficiency in using and managing outputs from BIM software such as Revit, Navisworks (for clash detection and coordination), and AutoCAD. Understanding of common file formats (e.g., IFC) and federated model processes.

• Project Management Software: Experience with industry-standard PM tools like Primavera P6 (for scheduling and planning), Microsoft Project, or similar platforms for tracking design progress, milestones, and dependencies.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools for document sharing, communication, and team collaboration, such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Asana, or Trello.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from design reports, schedules, and cost reports. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel for data manipulation and analysis.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in creating and reviewing reports using standard office software and potentially specialized project reporting dashboards.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design consultants interface with client systems or project management portals might be relevant.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level document control systems (e.g., Aconex, Procore) for managing design documentation, RFIs, and submittals is highly beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on BIM, Revit, and AutoCAD indicates a requirement for hands-on familiarity with design coordination tools, even if the primary role is management. This allows for more effective oversight and communication with design teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety: A fundamental value at AtkinsRéalis. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to prioritizing and embedding safety protocols in all design management activities and consultant oversight.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in dealings with clients, consultants, and internal teams. Ensuring fair tender processes and transparent reporting.

• Collaboration: Fostering a cooperative environment between the PMC team, LDCs, and the client to achieve shared project goals. Actively participating in team meetings and knowledge sharing.

• Innovation: Encouraging innovative design solutions and efficient processes, while managing risks associated with new approaches. Staying abreast of emerging design technologies and methodologies.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality outcomes in design deliverables, project management, and client service. A commitment to continuous improvement and exceeding expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Communicative: Engaging actively with all parties, anticipating potential issues, and facilitating open communication channels.

• Process-Oriented: Relying on established workflows and procedures to ensure consistency and efficiency in design management.

• Feedback-Driven: Encouraging constructive feedback from LDCs and stakeholders to improve design outcomes and processes.

• Team-Centric: Working as an integral part of the PMC team, supporting colleagues and contributing to collective project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values are critical for cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody these values in their day-to-day work, particularly in managing external parties and driving project success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing External Consultants: Effectively directing and influencing LDCs who are not direct reports, ensuring they meet project requirements without compromising relationships.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating diverse interests and expectations from the client, LDCs, and potentially other project stakeholders.

• Pace of Development: Working within aggressive timelines common in large-scale development projects, particularly in rapidly developing regions like Saudi Arabia.

• Technical Oversight: While not performing technical reviews, the Design Manager must possess sufficient technical acumen to understand design issues, challenge LDCs appropriately, and ensure compliance with briefs.

• Cultural Nuances: Adapting to local working practices and cultural considerations in Saudi Arabia.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Pursuing further certifications or training in specialized project management areas.

• Design Technology: Gaining deeper expertise in BIM and other digital design and coordination tools.

• Asset Specialization: Developing in-depth knowledge of specific asset types (e.g., luxury hospitality, cultural institutions) through project experience.

• Leadership Training: Participating in AtkinsRéalis's internal leadership development programs for career advancement.

• International Project Exposure: Gaining experience on high-profile, large-scale projects in a significant global market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a PMC Design Manager role, requiring strong soft skills in addition to technical and project management expertise. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging the experience gained on significant projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Oversight Methodology: "Describe your systematic approach to managing Lead Design Consultants through RIBA Stages 1-4. What are the key control points and deliverables you focus on?"

• Stakeholder Conflict Resolution: "Tell me about a time you had to mediate a design conflict between different stakeholders or consultants. How did you achieve a resolution that aligned with project objectives?"

• Change Management Process: "Walk me through your process for evaluating a significant design change request. How do you assess its impact on time, cost, and quality, and what is your recommendation process?"

• Risk Identification & Mitigation: "How do you proactively identify and manage design risks in a project? Provide an example of a design risk you identified and the steps taken to mitigate it."

• Consultant Performance Management: "How do you ensure the performance and quality of work from external design consultants? What steps do you take if a consultant is underperforming?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in AtkinsRéalis and this specific role in AlUla?"

• "How do your values align with AtkinsRéalis's core values (Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Excellence)?"

• "Describe your experience working within a PMC framework and how you adapt to client-specific processes."

• "What are your expectations regarding the work environment and team collaboration in Saudi Arabia?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Select Case Studies: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your experience in managing complex design processes and consultant teams.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly define your responsibilities and contributions in each case study.

• Showcase Process & Impact: Highlight the methodologies you used and the tangible outcomes achieved (e.g., timely approvals, cost savings, risk reduction).

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with diagrams, timelines, or charts to illustrate your points. Avoid overwhelming detail.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, challenges faced, and alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. For strategy questions, articulate clear, structured processes. Demonstrating an understanding of the PMC model and AtkinsRéalis's values will be key.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager (PMC) position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio that highlights 2-3 key design management projects. Focus on your oversight of Lead Design Consultants, demonstrated through clear case studies detailing challenges, processes, and outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of experience, specifically highlighting your 3+ years in PMC/PgMC managerial roles. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Manager," "PMC," "RIBA Stages," "BIM," "Stakeholder Management," and "Change Management." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your approach to managing consultants, design reviews, and risk mitigation. Be ready to present your portfolio and answer questions about AtkinsRéalis and its values.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AtkinsRéalis, its project portfolio (especially in Saudi Arabia), and its company culture. Understand the significance of the AlUla development and how your role contributes to it.

⚠️ 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.