Design Manager- Structural & Civil

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Structural & Civil

Company: WSP

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Design Management

Date Posted: August 14, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the structural and civil engineering design process for large-scale development projects, ensuring alignment with overall project objectives and client requirements.

• Drive design coordination efforts among various engineering disciplines, architects, and stakeholders to deliver integrated and practical engineering solutions.

• Oversee the development of design documentation, technical specifications, and engineering reports, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to industry standards.

• Implement best practices in design management, focusing on efficiency, constructability, and value engineering throughout the project lifecycle.

• Act as the primary technical point of contact for structural and civil engineering matters, facilitating communication and problem-solving between internal teams and external consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Design Manager in Structural & Civil Engineering within a developer's portfolio, as indicated by the job description and company context (WSP, a global engineering consultancy often involved in large-scale developments), suggests a focus on overseeing design execution rather than pure conceptual design. This involves ensuring designs are practical, coordinated, and meet commercial and project delivery goals. The "developer portfolio" aspect implies a strong emphasis on project lifecycle management from a design perspective.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the structural and civil engineering design lifecycle for major development projects, from concept through to detailed design and construction support.

• Coordinate and review design submissions from external consultants, ensuring compliance with project briefs, technical standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Facilitate design workshops and meetings to resolve technical challenges, optimize design solutions, and ensure seamless integration of structural and civil elements.

• Develop and implement design management plans, including scope definition, design schedules, and quality control procedures.

• Review and approve technical specifications, calculations, drawings, and other design deliverables.

• Identify and mitigate design risks, proactively addressing potential issues that could impact project timelines, budget, or quality.

• Collaborate with procurement and construction teams to ensure designs are constructible and cost-effective.

• Oversee the integration of infrastructure elements, including utilities, drainage, and site works, with the overall project design.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and relevant building codes and standards.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior design engineers and technical staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to emphasize project delivery and coordination, typical for a Design Manager role within a development context. This includes managing external consultants, ensuring constructability, and integrating various infrastructure components, which are critical for large-scale developments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering from a recognized institution.

• Master's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in structural and civil engineering design.

• Proven track record of managing design aspects for large-scale, complex development projects, particularly in mixed-use, residential, commercial, or hospitality sectors. Required Skills:

• Structural Engineering Expertise: Deep understanding of structural analysis, design principles, and materials for various building types.

• Civil Engineering Fundamentals: Strong knowledge of site development, drainage, utilities, road design, and infrastructure integration.

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage design teams, coordinate consultants, and drive design progress.

• Project Delivery Acumen: Experience in overseeing the design phase of projects from inception to completion, with a focus on practical execution.

• Technical Review & Quality Assurance: Skill in reviewing engineering designs, calculations, and documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with clients, architects, consultants, and internal teams.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify and resolve complex design challenges.

• Contract Administration: Familiarity with design-related contract terms and conditions.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in relevant structural and civil design software (e.g., ETABS, SAP2000, STAAD.Pro, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation).

• Experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) workflows and software.

• Knowledge of local building codes and regulations in Saudi Arabia.

• Experience working with major developers or large engineering consultancy firms.

• Understanding of value engineering principles and construction cost optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "10+" years from the AI data, combined with the explicit mention of "over 15 years" in the raw description, indicates a senior-level role. The skills listed are tailored to a design management function within structural and civil engineering, emphasizing both technical depth and project oversight capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Showcase: A curated selection of significant structural and civil engineering projects managed, highlighting complexity, scale, and impact.

• Design Coordination Examples: Demonstrations of how you've successfully coordinated diverse engineering disciplines and resolved design conflicts.

• Technical Problem-Solving Case Studies: Detailed accounts of complex structural or civil challenges encountered and the innovative solutions implemented.

• Project Delivery Documentation: Examples of design management plans, progress reports, or quality control documents that showcase your process and organizational skills.

• Value Engineering Contributions: Evidence of how you've identified opportunities for cost savings or efficiency improvements through design optimization.

Process Documentation:

• Design Management Framework: Outline your systematic approach to managing the entire design process, from scope definition to final design approval.

• Consultant Management Protocol: Detail your methodology for engaging, briefing, managing, and reviewing the work of external design consultants.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Illustrate your process for identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks throughout the project lifecycle.

• Quality Assurance Procedures: Describe your system for ensuring the quality and accuracy of design deliverables, including review and approval workflows.

• Collaboration and Communication Plans: Explain how you facilitate effective communication and collaboration among project stakeholders to ensure design alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should demonstrate not just technical design capability but also the ability to manage processes, coordinate teams, and deliver projects effectively. The emphasis is on showcasing management and oversight skills through documented project examples and process outlines.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the location (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), the seniority of the role (15+ years experience), and the nature of work with a global firm like WSP on major developments, the estimated annual salary range for a Design Manager - Structural & Civil is likely between SAR 400,000 to SAR 650,000. This range is competitive for senior engineering management positions in the region, taking into account cost of living, industry demand, and typical compensation structures for international firms. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance for employee and dependents.

• Relocation assistance and housing allowance.

• Annual flight tickets for home leave.

• Professional development and training opportunities.

• Performance-based bonuses.

• Retirement/pension plan contributions.

• Paid annual leave.

• Opportunities for international travel and exposure to diverse projects. Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, likely Monday to Friday, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a senior Design Manager in engineering are estimated based on industry benchmarks, cost of living indices, and typical expatriate packages offered by large international firms like WSP for such critical roles. Benefits are standard for international assignments in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Consulting. WSP is a global leader in engineering and professional services, involved in a vast array of projects from infrastructure and buildings to environmental and transportation sectors.

Company Size: WSP is a very large, publicly traded company with over 60,000 employees worldwide. This scale provides access to extensive resources, diverse expertise, and global opportunities.

Founded: WSP was founded in 1880, bringing a long history of expertise and stability to its operations.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project management or engineering department, reporting to a Senior Project Manager or Director of Engineering.

• The immediate team would consist of structural and civil engineers, designers, and CAD technicians, working collaboratively on specific development projects.

• Cross-functional collaboration is crucial, involving close liaison with architects, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) engineers, urban planners, and client representatives. Methodology:

• WSP emphasizes a collaborative approach, leveraging global best practices and digital tools to deliver innovative solutions.

• Data-driven decision-making is core, with a focus on robust analysis and performance metrics.

• Process optimization and continuous improvement are encouraged, aiming for efficiency and client satisfaction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: WSP's global presence and long history suggest a culture that values expertise, collaboration, and delivering high-quality, impactful projects. The company's size implies structured processes and opportunities for career development within a large organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the design and engineering functions. It signifies a transition from a purely technical individual contributor to a managerial role with significant oversight, responsibility, and strategic influence over design outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will typically report to a Project Director, Senior Project Manager, or Head of Engineering within the specific project or regional office. They will manage a team of structural and civil engineers and designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager directly impacts project success by ensuring designs are technically sound, feasible, cost-effective, and align with the developer's vision and commercial objectives. Their decisions influence project timelines, construction quality, long-term asset performance, and overall project profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles such as Senior Design Manager, Technical Director, or Head of Structural/Civil Engineering, managing larger teams and more complex portfolios.

• Project Leadership: Opportunity to lead design for high-profile, landmark projects, enhancing professional reputation and expertise.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like complex structures, sustainable design, or infrastructure development.

• Global Mobility: Potential to work on international projects or relocate to other WSP offices globally.

• Professional Development: Access to WSP's extensive training programs, certifications, and knowledge-sharing platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression from managing design for individual projects to overseeing larger programs or entire business units within WSP, emphasizing leadership and strategic impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a need for physical presence at project sites or WSP offices in Riyadh. The work environment will likely be a professional office setting, characteristic of a large engineering consultancy.

Office Location(s): The primary location specified is Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the address pointing to a specific area (ROSHN Front - King Khalid International Airport). This suggests a dynamic, modern work environment within a rapidly developing region.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be collaborative, requiring close interaction with other engineering disciplines, architects, and project managers.

• Access to advanced design software and technology will be standard.

• Opportunities for site visits to construction projects to observe design implementation and address site queries will be integral to the role.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, typically Monday to Friday. However, given the nature of large development projects and potential client demands, flexibility may be required, with possibilities for overtime during critical project phases or deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Riyadh implies an environment focused on project execution, with active collaboration and site engagement being key components of the daily work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Technical Interview: A panel interview with senior engineering leaders or project managers to assess technical expertise in structural and civil engineering, design management capabilities, and problem-solving skills.

• Design Management Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a case study from their portfolio, detailing their role in managing a complex structural or civil design project, including challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Cultural Fit & Behavioral Interview: Evaluation of leadership style, communication skills, teamwork, and alignment with WSP's values and culture.

• Final Interview: With a senior executive or hiring manager for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Selection: Choose 3-4 high-impact projects that best showcase your design management experience for large-scale developments.

• Role Clarity: Clearly define your specific responsibilities and contributions within each project, differentiating between technical design and management duties.

• Problem/Solution/Result: Structure your case studies using this framework to highlight your ability to identify challenges, devise solutions, and achieve positive outcomes.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality drawings, renderings, or diagrams to illustrate design complexity and coordination efforts.

• Metrics: Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, reduction in design revisions).

• Coordination Focus: Emphasize your role in integrating structural and civil designs with other disciplines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss specific technical challenges related to structural integrity, site development, or infrastructure integration.

• Practice articulating your design management approach, including risk assessment, quality control, and consultant management.

• Prepare to answer behavioral questions about leadership, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management.

• Research WSP's recent projects in Saudi Arabia and their strategic focus to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily weigh practical experience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage complex design processes and teams, as demonstrated through portfolio presentations and case studies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Structural Analysis Software: Proficiency in industry-standard software such as ETABS, SAP2000, STAAD.Pro, RAM Structural System.

• Civil Design Software: Expertise in AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation, or similar for site development, road design, and infrastructure layout.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with Autodesk Revit and Navisworks for design coordination, clash detection, and integrated project delivery.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling and progress tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret design reports, performance metrics, and cost analysis data.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating clear, concise technical reports and presentations using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with project management and potentially ERP systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with document management systems (e.g., Aconex, BIM 360 Docs) for efficient handling of design documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools critical for structural and civil design, BIM coordination, and project management, reflecting the technical demands of managing complex development projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Innovation: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative engineering solutions that exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teamwork is essential for success.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities and project outcomes.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building long-term relationships.

• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing safe design practices and contributing to sustainable development goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively promotes collaboration between structural, civil, architectural, and MEP disciplines.

• Proactive Communication: Encourages open and transparent communication to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fosters an environment where best practices and lessons learned are shared among team members.

• Constructive Feedback: Values constructive feedback as a means to improve designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: WSP's global presence and focus on large-scale projects suggest a culture that values technical expertise, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering impactful results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of multiple parties, including clients, architects, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

• Complex Project Integration: Ensuring seamless integration of structural and civil designs with other project elements in large, multifaceted developments.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Addressing unforeseen site conditions, material limitations, or evolving design requirements.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Adapting to new design software, BIM workflows, and advanced construction techniques.

• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating and ensuring adherence to Saudi Arabian building codes and standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses in structural dynamics, seismic design, advanced geotechnical engineering, or sustainable infrastructure.

• Leadership Development Programs: WSP offers extensive programs to hone management and leadership skills.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Opportunities to attend major engineering and construction events to stay abreast of industry trends.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced senior engineers and project directors within WSP.

• Certification Support: Assistance in obtaining or maintaining professional engineering licenses and certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complex, multi-faceted nature of managing design for major developments, while the growth opportunities underscore WSP's commitment to employee development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the structural and civil design process for a large mixed-use development project from inception to construction handover." (Focus on process, risk, coordination, and stakeholder management.)

• "Walk me through a challenging design coordination issue you encountered on a past project and how you resolved it." (Prepare a specific case study demonstrating problem-solving and collaboration.)

• "How do you ensure constructability and value engineering are integrated into the structural and civil design process?" (Highlight practical considerations and cost-optimization strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about WSP and this specific role in Riyadh?" (Research WSP's projects in Saudi Arabia, their values, and align your motivations.)

• "How do you foster collaboration among a diverse team of engineers and consultants?" (Discuss your leadership and communication style.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or stakeholder demands on a project." (Prepare a behavioral example demonstrating conflict resolution and decision-making.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Select 1-2 key projects. For each, clearly outline the project's scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the key structural/civil challenges, your proposed solutions, and the ultimate outcomes, quantifying where possible.

• Visuals: Use professional-looking slides with clear diagrams, renderings, or cross-sections to illustrate design complexity and coordination.

• Conciseness: Be direct and focus on your management and coordination contributions, rather than purely technical design details.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about technical decisions, design trade-offs, and your leadership approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating robust design management capabilities, strong technical understanding, and the ability to lead teams and projects effectively within a development context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Structural & Civil position:

• Submit your application through the WSP careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that clearly showcases your experience in managing structural and civil design for large-scale developments. Prioritize projects that demonstrate your coordination, problem-solving, and project delivery skills.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 15+ years of relevant experience, specific project types (mixed-use, residential, commercial, hospitality), and key achievements in design management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, articulate your design management methodology, and answer behavioral questions related to leadership and stakeholder management.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with WSP's work in Saudi Arabia, particularly their involvement in major development projects, and understand their company values.

⚠️ 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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