Design Manager – Stadiums

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Stadiums

Company: Sener

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Management / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-07

Experience Level: Senior (15+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the complete design lifecycle for FIFA-standard stadium projects, from concept through detailed and construction-stage design.

• Oversee multidisciplinary design activities, ensuring technical quality, program adherence, and effective coordination across structural, architectural, MEP, civil, and specialist disciplines.

• Act as the primary liaison for design matters with clients, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders, facilitating clear communication and resolving design-related issues.

• Manage design risks, interfaces, changes, and deliverables, ensuring all key design documentation and technical submissions meet stringent quality standards.

• Provide strategic leadership and expertise in design management for large-scale, high-impact infrastructure projects within the rail and sports venue sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Sener's infrastructure development division, focusing on large-scale sports and potentially rail-adjacent venues. The "Operations" aspect is inherent in the systematic management of complex design processes, ensuring efficiency, quality, and adherence to project lifecycles and stakeholder requirements, which is critical for successful GTM (Go-to-Market) execution of such projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead and direct all multidisciplinary design efforts, encompassing concept, preliminary, detailed, and Issued for Construction (IFC) design phases for FIFA-standard stadiums.

• Manage and mentor structural and/or architectural design teams, ensuring efficient resource allocation, timely delivery of high-quality project outputs, and adherence to project schedules.

• Orchestrate seamless design coordination among various disciplines, including structural, architectural, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), civil, geotechnical, façade, AV, security, and other specialized engineering and design consultants.

• Lead and facilitate critical design review sessions, technical workshops, interdisciplinary coordination meetings, constructability reviews, and proactive design resolution activities to mitigate potential issues.

• Serve as the principal point of contact and design authority for clients, external consultants, contractors, and project stakeholders, fostering strong working relationships and ensuring alignment on design objectives.

• Proactively monitor design progress against established timelines, identify and manage potential design risks, track project interfaces, oversee design changes, and ensure the timely submission and approval of all design deliverables.

• Critically review, approve, and oversee key design documentation, technical submissions, Requests for Information (RFIs), design change proposals, and all design assurance activities to maintain project integrity and compliance.

• Provide robust design management leadership and strategic guidance throughout the entire lifecycle of stadium design projects, ensuring successful execution from inception to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strong command of project management principles applied to the design phase, including risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, and quality assurance, which are core to operational excellence in engineering and construction project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related engineering or architectural discipline. Experience:

• A minimum of 15+ years of comprehensive professional experience in the engineering and construction industry.

• Demonstrated experience in managing the complete design lifecycle of major FIFA-standard stadium projects, from initial concept development through to final construction documentation. Required Skills:

• Proven expertise as a Structural or Architectural Engineer on FIFA-standard stadium projects.

• Extensive experience in managing multidisciplinary design teams and overseeing the delivery of complex design packages.

• Strong proficiency in managing design programs, mitigating design risks, coordinating project interfaces, and controlling technical quality across all design stages.

• Deep understanding of structural and architectural design principles and their interdependencies within large-scale venues.

• Experience in leading design reviews, technical workshops, and constructability assessments.

• Familiarity with client and stakeholder management in a project delivery context.

• Ability to review and oversee critical design documentation and technical submissions. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working on major international stadium projects with global recognition.

• Prior experience with leading international engineering or architectural consultancies.

• Proven track record on large-scale sports facilities or major event venues beyond stadiums.

• Experience working within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, understanding local regulations and market dynamics.

• Proficiency and practical experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) for multidisciplinary design coordination and clash detection.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on FIFA-standard stadium experience and 15+ years of overall experience places this role at a senior management level, requiring strategic oversight and deep technical and managerial expertise in a niche but highly demanding sector of the construction industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 major FIFA-standard stadium projects where you held a significant design management or lead engineering role.

• Provide clear evidence of managing the entire design lifecycle for these projects, from conceptualization through to IFC documentation.

• Demonstrate your ability to manage multidisciplinary design teams, detailing team size, composition, and your role in their direction and output.

• Highlight specific examples of design coordination challenges and how you successfully resolved them, ideally with visual aids or process diagrams.

• Include documentation or case studies illustrating your approach to design reviews, constructability assessments, and risk management within stadium projects. Process Documentation:

• Prepare to discuss your systematic approach to project initiation, including scope definition and team mobilization for design phases.

• Detail your methodologies for workflow planning, resource allocation, and schedule management for design teams.

• Be ready to explain your process for quality assurance and control, including how you ensure technical accuracy and compliance with international standards and client requirements.

• Outline your strategies for managing design changes, variations, and their impact on project scope, budget, and schedule.

• Demonstrate your experience with and understanding of BIM implementation and its role in enhancing design coordination and reducing clashes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, particularly in large-scale infrastructure like stadiums, a portfolio demonstrating end-to-end project ownership and systematic process management is crucial. This section infers the need for tangible proof of capability beyond just listing responsibilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For a Design Manager with 15+ years of experience, specifically managing FIFA-standard stadium designs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the estimated annual base salary range is between SAR 450,000 and SAR 700,000 (approximately USD 120,000 - USD 187,000). This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in major infrastructure projects within the GCC, considering the specialized nature of stadium design and the high cost of living and demand for expertise in the region. Benefits:

• Competitive salary package as outlined above.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employee and dependents.

• Relocation assistance and potential housing allowance, common for expatriate hires in Saudi Arabia.

• Annual flight tickets for international employees.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Hybrid working environment offering flexibility.

• Opportunities for career advancement within Sener's extensive project portfolio. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid model suggests a blend of on-site work at the Riyadh office and remote work, with specific days to be determined by team needs and project requirements. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimation based on publicly available data for senior engineering roles in Saudi Arabia and the specific demands of stadium design management. Benefits are typical for international roles in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, Infrastructure Development, Architecture. Sener is a global leader in engineering and technology, with a strong focus on developing complex and high-impact infrastructure projects across various sectors, including transportation, energy, and sports facilities. The company operates in a highly competitive global market, emphasizing innovation, technical excellence, and sustainable development.

Company Size: Sener is a large, multinational engineering and technology group. While the exact number of employees in the Riyadh office for this specific division isn't specified, the parent company employs thousands globally, indicating a robust organizational structure and significant project capacity. This scale suggests access to extensive resources, specialized expertise, and established operational frameworks.

Founded: Sener was founded in 1966. With over 50 years of experience, the company has a long-standing reputation for delivering complex engineering solutions and managing large-scale projects. This history implies a stable corporate environment with a deep understanding of project lifecycles, risk management, and client relationship management in the infrastructure sector.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated team of structural and architectural engineers, designers, and potentially CAD/BIM technicians focused on stadium projects.

• This team will operate within a larger project management structure, reporting to a Project Director or Senior Project Manager.

• Close collaboration is expected with other project disciplines, including MEP, civil, site supervision, and commercial/procurement teams, as well as external consultants and the client's representative. Methodology:

• Sener's approach to project delivery is characterized by a strong emphasis on technical rigor, integrated design processes, and robust project controls.

• Data-driven decision-making, advanced modeling techniques (such as BIM), and a focus on quality assurance are integral to their operations.

• The company values a collaborative environment where cross-functional teams work together to achieve project milestones and overcome challenges.

Company Website: https://www.sener.es/en/

📝 Enhancement Note: Sener's long history and global presence suggest a mature operational framework. The focus on "complex and high-impact infrastructure projects" means the Design Manager will be part of an organization accustomed to managing large-scale, high-stakes initiatives, demanding strong operational discipline.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior management level, focusing on the strategic and operational oversight of the design phase for major capital projects. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in structural or architectural engineering, coupled with robust project and team management capabilities. The Design Manager is responsible for the successful delivery of the design product, which directly impacts project timelines, budgets, and quality, making it a critical operational function.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or a Program Manager overseeing multiple infrastructure projects. They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers and designers. This structure facilitates clear lines of accountability and ensures that design operations are aligned with overall project objectives and company strategy.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a profound impact on the operational success of stadium projects. Effective design management ensures that designs are constructible, cost-effective, and meet all functional and regulatory requirements. Poor design management can lead to significant delays, cost overruns, safety issues, and failure to meet project goals, directly affecting Sener's reputation and profitability. This role is central to ensuring the "Go-to-Market" success of Sener's stadium development offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to Project Director, Program Manager, or Head of Design for larger portfolios or regional operations.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific aspects of stadium design or related mega-projects (e.g., sports event infrastructure).

• Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into broader project management roles, commercial management, or business development within the infrastructure sector.

• International Mobility: Opportunities to work on Sener projects in other global regions.

• Continuous Learning: Access to advanced training programs, industry certifications, and exposure to cutting-edge design technologies and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical juncture for experienced engineers looking to move into senior operational leadership within mega-project environments. The growth path is clearly defined toward higher levels of project and business responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a hybrid working arrangement. This typically means a mix of working from Sener's established project office in Riyadh and working remotely. The office environment is expected to be professional, collaborative, and equipped with the necessary tools and technology to support large-scale engineering projects.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sener may have dedicated project offices or corporate offices in the city. The specific address mentioned in the listing is "Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi," which seems to be a discrepancy with the job title indicating Riyadh. However, the job description explicitly states "Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Hybrid," suggesting the Riyadh location is the correct one for this role. The reference to Abu Dhabi might be an error in the raw data or indicate broader regional operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace fostering teamwork among diverse engineering disciplines, project managers, and stakeholders. Regular meetings, workshops, and collaborative sessions will be common.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software, BIM platforms, project management tools, and communication technologies necessary for efficient design management and coordination.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with internal design teams, project leadership, and external consultants, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills. The hybrid model necessitates effective remote collaboration tools.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will be 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid arrangement. However, the demanding nature of mega-projects often requires dedication beyond standard hours to meet critical deadlines, especially during peak design phases or when significant issues arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi" in the raw data contradicts the job description's clear statement of "Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Hybrid." Given the job title and responsibilities, the Riyadh location is assumed to be correct. The hybrid nature implies a need for strong self-management and remote collaboration skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience with FIFA-standard stadiums, and overall suitability.

• Technical Interview: Likely with senior engineering or design management personnel to delve into your technical expertise, design management methodologies, and specific project experiences. Expect questions about structural/architectural principles, design coordination, and problem-solving scenarios.

• Management & Leadership Interview: Focused on your leadership style, team management capabilities, stakeholder engagement strategies, and ability to handle pressure and complex project dynamics.

• Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a detailed case study from your portfolio, showcasing a specific stadium project. This will involve discussing your role, the design challenges, your approach to managing the process, and the outcomes achieved.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or HR to discuss cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most relevant FIFA-standard stadium projects. Focus on those where you had significant design management responsibility.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your role, responsibilities, team size managed, key design challenges, your specific solutions, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., adherence to budget/schedule, successful issue resolution, quality improvements).

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your systematic approach to design management, including planning, coordination, quality assurance, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication. Use flowcharts or diagrams if helpful.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific technical aspects of stadium design and how you ensured technical integrity.

• Visuals are Key: Include high-quality images, renderings, or even BIM model snippets (if permissible) to visually represent the scale and complexity of your projects.

• Tailor to Sener: Research Sener's past projects and their stated values. Frame your experience in a way that aligns with their operational focus and project types.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenarios: Be ready for hypothetical scenarios involving conflicting design requirements between disciplines or challenging stakeholder feedback.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a design delay, a major budget issue impacting design scope, or a critical technical problem discovered late in the design phase.

• Team Management: Anticipate questions about motivating a design team, resolving team conflicts, or managing underperforming team members.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex technical information clearly and concisely to non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for such a senior role will be rigorous, focusing heavily on practical experience, process management, and leadership. A well-prepared, impactful portfolio presentation is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking of design activities.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, file sharing, and virtual meetings, essential for a hybrid work model.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for storing, organizing, and versioning design documentation (e.g., SharePoint, specialized FIDIC-compliant systems).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Review Tools: Experience with software that facilitates mark-ups and annotations on drawings and documents (e.g., Bluebeam Revu, Adobe Acrobat Pro).

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to interpret and contribute to project dashboards that track design progress, risks, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, an understanding of how design data integrates with broader project management and client relationship management systems can be beneficial.

• BIM Software: Crucial for multidisciplinary coordination. Proficiency with BIM platforms like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or similar is highly advantageous for clash detection, model aggregation, and visualization.

• CAD Software: Strong understanding of AutoCAD and potentially other CAD tools used in architectural and structural design.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software for design execution (like Revit for architects) might be handled by the teams, the Design Manager needs to be proficient in the management tools and understand the integration capabilities of BIM and project management platforms to ensure smooth operational workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering technically superior designs that meet the highest international standards, particularly for FIFA-level events.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where multidisciplinary teams work cohesively, sharing knowledge and supporting each other to achieve project goals.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards, taking ownership of responsibilities, and ensuring transparent communication regarding project progress, risks, and challenges.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methodologies (like BIM) to enhance design processes, improve efficiency, and drive value for clients.

• Client Focus: Understanding client needs and objectives, and aligning design strategies to deliver successful, impactful projects that meet or exceed expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Encouraging a proactive, integrated design process where all disciplines are involved early and often, minimizing conflicts and maximizing synergy.

• Open Communication: Promoting a culture of open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparent reporting among team members and with external stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving Focus: Emphasizing a collaborative approach to identifying and resolving design issues, rather than assigning blame.

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across project teams and within Sener's broader engineering community.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sener's emphasis on "complex and high-impact infrastructure projects" suggests a culture that values technical expertise, rigorous process management, and a results-oriented approach. The Design Manager is expected to embody and promote these values within their team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Disciplines: Effectively coordinating and integrating the requirements of numerous specialized engineering and design disciplines for a complex facility like a stadium.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating the diverse expectations and priorities of clients, governing bodies (like FIFA), contractors, and other stakeholders.

• Technical Complexity: Ensuring the structural integrity, functionality, and aesthetic quality of a large-scale, multi-use venue that must meet stringent international standards.

• Program & Budget Pressures: Delivering high-quality designs within tight timelines and budget constraints, common in mega-project environments.

• Hybrid Work Management: Maintaining team cohesion, effective communication, and productivity across a hybrid work model, ensuring all team members feel connected and supported.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Technologies: Gaining deeper expertise in BIM, parametric design, and other cutting-edge tools for complex project delivery.

• Mega-Project Management: Developing enhanced skills in managing large-scale, high-value infrastructure projects with global implications.

• International Standards & Regulations: Deepening knowledge of FIFA's specific requirements and other international building and sports venue standards.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities for formal leadership training and mentorship to hone skills in managing large, diverse teams and complex stakeholder relationships.

• Industry Exposure: Attending relevant industry conferences, seminars, and workshops focused on stadium design, sports infrastructure, and large-scale construction projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in mega-project management, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a highly specialized and impactful field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design lifecycle of a FIFA-standard stadium, from concept to IFC. What are the key stages, deliverables, and potential pitfalls at each stage?"

• "How do you ensure effective coordination and integration of multidisciplinary design teams (structural, architectural, MEP, civil, etc.) for a complex project like a stadium? Provide a specific example."

• "Walk me through a challenging design issue you encountered on a major stadium project. What was the problem, how did you approach its resolution, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you balance client expectations, contractor input, and FIFA's technical requirements when managing the design process?"

• "Describe your strategy for managing design risks and interfaces on large-scale projects. What tools or methodologies do you employ?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Sener and our work in infrastructure development, particularly in the GCC region?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture, especially within a hybrid work environment?"

• "How do your personal values align with Sener's commitment to delivering impactful infrastructure projects?"

• "What are your expectations for working within a multinational and multicultural team environment?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For your chosen stadium project(s), clearly outline the project's scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the key design objectives, and the overall timeline.

• Focus on Process & Problem-Solving: Detail the design management processes you implemented. Highlight specific challenges (technical, coordination, stakeholder-related) and articulate your systematic approach to solving them.

• Quantify Impact: Present measurable outcomes. This could include successful adherence to budget/schedule for the design phase, improvements in constructability, reduction in design clashes identified, or positive client feedback on the design quality.

• Visual Aids: Use professional visuals (renderings, site plans, section drawings, coordination models) to illustrate the scale and complexity of the project and your contributions.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present your case study within a defined timeframe (e.g., 15-20 minutes), leaving ample time for Q&A. Ensure your language is clear, professional, and avoids jargon where possible, especially when discussing non-technical aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical knowledge but also strong leadership, process management, and problem-solving skills, directly related to the operational delivery of complex design outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager – Stadiums position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sener engineering jobs portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your professional portfolio to prominently feature your experience with FIFA-standard stadium design management. Prioritize projects where you led the full design lifecycle and managed multidisciplinary teams. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your process management capabilities, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable achievements.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "Design Manager," "FIFA-standard stadium," "multidisciplinary design coordination," "project lifecycle management," and "structural/architectural engineering." Quantify your experience and achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience through STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses for behavioral questions. Prepare a compelling narrative for your portfolio presentation, focusing on your strategic approach to design management and your impact on project success.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Sener's projects, values, and their presence in the GCC region. Understand their operational approach to large-scale infrastructure development and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their organizational goals and culture.

⚠️ 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.