Design Director - Vertical Assets

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director - Vertical Assets Company: WSP Location: Jeddah, Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design & Project Management (GTM Operations Alignment) Date Posted: January 14, 2026 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design direction and delivery of a significant masterplanned project, encompassing both linear infrastructure (10km canal) and vertical assets, requiring a holistic GTM (Go-To-Market) operational approach.
• Drive multi-disciplinary coordination and stakeholder engagement, ensuring seamless integration of design intent with project execution realities, akin to managing complex GTM strategy implementation.
• Provide visionary leadership in design excellence, translating ambitious project goals into tangible, executable design frameworks that align with market demands and operational feasibility.
• Leverage extensive industry experience to navigate complex challenges, optimize design processes, and ensure the successful realization of a high-impact, landmark development.
• Act as a key liaison between design teams, clients, and external partners, fostering collaborative environments that prioritize efficient communication and problem-solving, mirroring effective GTM operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Director," the responsibilities described (leading a masterplanned project, coordinating disciplines, stakeholder management, and delivering complex urban developments) strongly align with the strategic and operational leadership typically found in senior GTM (Go-To-Market) or large-scale project operations roles. The emphasis on execution and coordination suggests a need for someone who can translate vision into actionable plans, a core GTM operations function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the comprehensive design delivery for a landmark masterplanned project in Jeddah, focusing on both the 10km canal infrastructure and associated vertical assets.
• Orchestrate and manage multi-disciplinary design teams, ensuring cohesive and integrated design solutions that meet technical, aesthetic, and functional requirements.
• Develop and implement robust design management processes, including quality control, risk assessment, and compliance checks, to ensure adherence to project objectives and client expectations.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among all project stakeholders, including clients, consultants, contractors, and local authorities, to foster alignment and resolve design-related issues efficiently.
• Translate the overall project vision and masterplan into detailed design strategies, guiding the development of architectural, landscape, and urban design elements for vertical assets.
• Oversee the integration of sustainable design principles, innovative technologies, and best practices into the project design, ensuring long-term viability and value.
• Manage design consultants and review their deliverables, ensuring they align with the project's strategic goals, budget, and schedule.
• Act as the primary point of contact for design-related matters, providing expert advice and solutions to complex challenges that arise during the project lifecycle.
• Ensure all design documentation is accurate, complete, and delivered in a timely manner to support procurement, construction, and operational handover phases.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and feasibility studies for future project phases, leveraging insights gained from the current delivery phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of design leadership and project execution management. For a GTM operations perspective, this translates to managing the "product development" phase of a large-scale urban development, ensuring the "product" (the masterplan and its assets) is designed for marketability, operational efficiency post-completion, and successful delivery. This requires a strong understanding of project lifecycles, stakeholder alignment, and risk management, mirroring GTM operations principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Engineering, or a related design discipline from a recognized institution.
• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Urban Design, Project Management, Construction Management) is highly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in the architecture, urban development, or master planning industry.
• Proven track record of successfully leading the design and delivery of complex, large-scale urban development projects, including significant vertical asset components.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary design teams and coordinating with various engineering and architectural disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and management, particularly with government entities, developers, and international consultants.

Required Skills:

• Design Leadership: Ability to set and articulate a clear design vision and lead teams to achieve it.
• Master Planning Expertise: Deep understanding of urban master planning principles and their application to large-scale projects.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills to oversee design phases, timelines, and deliverables for complex projects.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Exceptional ability to manage and align diverse stakeholder interests and expectations.
• Vertical Asset Design: Proven experience in the design of significant vertical structures within a masterplanned context.
• Multi-Disciplinary Coordination: Proficiency in integrating and managing various design disciplines (architectural, structural, MEP, landscape, etc.).
• Complex Problem Solving: Aptitude for identifying and resolving intricate design and project execution challenges.
• Visionary Leadership: Capacity to inspire and guide teams towards innovative and forward-thinking design solutions.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Proficiency in English: Fluency in English is essential for communication and documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with large-scale canal or waterfront developments.
• Familiarity with relevant building codes, regulations, and planning policies in Saudi Arabia or the GCC region.
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and certifications (e.g., LEED, Estidama).
• Experience with advanced design visualization and BIM (Building Information Modeling) technologies.
• Arabic language proficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (20+ years) and the focus on leading complex, large-scale projects indicate a senior leadership role. The "Visionary Leadership" and "Complex Problem Solving" skills are critical for aligning design with strategic business objectives, a hallmark of successful GTM operations leadership. The emphasis on multi-disciplinary coordination and stakeholder management directly maps to the collaborative and cross-functional nature of GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing leadership in the design and delivery of large-scale, complex urban masterplanned projects.
• Specific examples demonstrating the successful integration of vertical assets within a masterplan, highlighting design coherence and functional synergy.
• Case studies detailing the process of managing multi-disciplinary design teams and coordinating complex stakeholder requirements on major developments.
• Evidence of strategic input into project feasibility, concept development, and the translation of high-level vision into actionable design frameworks.
• Documentation of how design processes were optimized for efficiency, quality, and timely delivery on previous projects.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their methodologies for:
  • Establishing and managing design briefs for complex projects.
  • Implementing quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes within design delivery.
  • Facilitating cross-disciplinary design coordination meetings and resolving conflicts.
  • Engaging with and managing client expectations throughout the design lifecycle.
  • Adapting design strategies in response to evolving project requirements or market conditions.
  • Utilizing project management tools and techniques to track design progress and milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority and scope, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just showcase aesthetics but the process by which design vision is translated into executable plans, managed across disciplines, and delivered successfully. This mirrors the need for operations professionals to demonstrate process ownership, system implementation, and measurable outcomes in their portfolios.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for senior Design Director roles in major urban development projects in Saudi Arabia, the estimated annual salary range is SAR 600,000 - SAR 900,000 (approximately USD 160,000 - USD 240,000). This range is subject to significant variation based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the employee and immediate family.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Relocation assistance package, including housing and transportation allowances.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentives.
• Access to WSP's global network and resources for professional growth.
• Contribution to a provident fund or retirement savings plan.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Sunday to Thursday. However, given the project's scale and critical deadlines, flexibility and occasional extended hours may be required to meet project milestones, particularly during peak phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on senior leadership roles in the construction and urban development sector in Jeddah, considering the high cost of living and the strategic importance of the project. WSP, as a global engineering consultancy, typically offers competitive benefits packages commensurate with senior positions. The "40 hours per week" is a baseline, and the nature of such a landmark project implies a need for flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Design, and Consultancy (Construction & Infrastructure) Company Size: WSP is a global leader in the professional services sector, employing over 65,000 people worldwide. This vast scale offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and career advancement. Founded: WSP was founded in 1880. With a rich history spanning over 140 years, WSP has established itself as a trusted partner in delivering some of the world's most iconic and complex projects.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will lead a significant design function within a large, complex project team. This team is likely to be matrixed, with direct reports within the design discipline and strong dotted-line reporting to project directors and senior management.
• Collaboration will be extensive with various project management, engineering (structural, civil, MEP), landscape architecture, urban planning, and client representative teams.
• The structure emphasizes cross-functional teamwork and clear lines of communication to ensure alignment across all project components, from initial concept to final delivery.

Methodology:

• WSP's approach to project delivery is typically characterized by a commitment to technical excellence, innovation, and a client-centric focus.
• They employ rigorous project management methodologies, often incorporating elements of Agile or hybrid approaches for dynamic project phases, ensuring adaptability and efficiency.
• Data-driven decision-making is central, with a strong emphasis on analysis, risk management, and performance monitoring to achieve project objectives.
• A culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing is fostered, encouraging best practices across global operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: WSP's global presence and long history suggest a culture that values expertise, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful projects. For operations professionals, this means working within a structured yet dynamic environment that prioritizes process, efficiency, and client satisfaction. The scale of WSP implies sophisticated internal operational systems and support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or Vice President level within a specialized project delivery function. It demands strategic oversight and extensive experience in managing large-scale design operations within the context of major urban development. The scope of responsibility extends beyond design execution to encompass strategic input, risk management, and stakeholder alignment, critical components of GTM operational leadership.

Reporting Structure:

• The Design Director will likely report to a Project Director or a Senior Executive within WSP's project management or design leadership structure for the Jeddah development.
• They will manage a team of design managers, architects, urban planners, and potentially other design specialists.
• Close collaboration and reporting will be required with other functional leads, including project controls, construction management, and commercial teams.

Operations Impact:

• The Design Director's impact is foundational to the success of the entire masterplanned project. Their ability to translate vision into executable designs directly influences project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, marketability, and long-term operational success.
• Strategic design decisions impact not only the physical outcome but also the operational efficiency of the completed assets, the experience of future occupants, and the overall economic viability of the development. This aligns with how GTM operations leadership ensures that market strategies are executable, scalable, and profitable.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to lead larger, more complex global projects or expand into broader program management roles within WSP.
• Strategic Development: Opportunity to contribute to WSP's strategic direction in urban development and master planning, influencing future service offerings and market positioning.
• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of urban design, sustainable development, or complex infrastructure project delivery.
• Mentorship: Guide and mentor emerging talent within WSP's design and project management functions, fostering a pipeline of future leaders.
• Global Mobility: Leverage WSP's international presence for opportunities in other key markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section is crucial for framing this design role through an operations lens. The ability to influence project success from concept to delivery, impacting cost, marketability, and long-term operational efficiency, is directly analogous to the strategic contributions of senior operations leaders in GTM. Growth opportunities highlight the potential for career advancement within a global, structured organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a professional, corporate office environment located in the Zagzoog Tower in Jeddah. This setting is conducive to focused work, client meetings, and team collaboration. Office Location(s): The primary office location is Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, specifically on the 9th Floor of the Zagzoog Tower, King Abdullah Road. This central location provides accessibility within the city.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a mix of private offices for focused work and collaborative meeting spaces for team discussions, design reviews, and stakeholder presentations.
• Access to advanced design software, visualization tools, and project management platforms will be standard.
• The environment will foster close interaction with diverse project teams, including engineers, planners, project managers, and client representatives, promoting a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is Sunday to Thursday, with typical office hours. However, the demands of a landmark project of this magnitude often require flexibility. Candidates should expect the need to work extended hours or weekends occasionally to meet critical deadlines and ensure project milestones are achieved, especially during intensive design or review periods. This mirrors the often-demanding schedules in high-impact GTM operations roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes a professional, collaborative office setting. For operations professionals, this context is important for understanding the daily work environment, the tools available, and the expectations around collaboration and flexibility, which are common in fast-paced project or GTM environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruitment specialist will review applications and conduct preliminary interviews to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Technical Interview (Design Focus): A panel of senior design and project leaders from WSP will assess the candidate's technical expertise, design philosophy, and leadership capabilities. This may involve presenting and discussing portfolio examples.
• Project Strategy & Operations Interview: This stage will focus on the candidate's approach to managing complex projects, stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and translating strategic objectives into design execution. Expect questions related to process management, team leadership, and problem-solving akin to GTM operations strategy discussions.
• Final Interview: A meeting with a senior executive or key decision-maker to finalize the decision, discuss terms, and confirm cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select projects that best demonstrate leadership in large-scale master planning and vertical asset design. Prioritize projects with complexity, significant scope, and successful outcomes.
• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the design process employed, how multi-disciplinary teams were managed, and how stakeholder expectations were met. Focus on the how and why behind your decisions.
• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, include metrics related to project timelines, budget adherence (design phase), stakeholder satisfaction, or innovative solutions implemented. This demonstrates operational efficiency and impact.
• Showcase Leadership: Emphasize instances where you provided visionary direction, resolved critical design conflicts, or mentored junior team members.
• Tailor to Role: Be prepared to discuss specific aspects of the Jeddah project and how your experience directly applies, demonstrating foresight and strategic thinking.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to managing conflicting stakeholder demands, unexpected design challenges, or budget constraints within a large-scale project.
• Prepare to articulate your strategic approach to problem-solving, emphasizing collaboration, data-driven analysis, and efficient process implementation.
• Consider how you would approach the initial phases of the Jeddah project, outlining key steps for team mobilization, stakeholder alignment, and design strategy development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process for this senior role will heavily scrutinize leadership, strategic thinking, and operational execution capabilities. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just design acumen but also robust project management and stakeholder management skills, mirroring the requirements for senior operations leadership roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Advanced proficiency in industry-standard CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar platforms for architectural and urban design.
• BIM (Building Information Modeling): Experience with BIM workflows and software (e.g., Autodesk Revit) for integrated design, collaboration, and clash detection.
• 3D Modeling & Visualization: Proficiency in tools like SketchUp, 3ds Max, Lumion, or Enscape for creating compelling visual representations of designs.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or specialized project collaboration platforms for seamless communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct data analyst role, the Design Director will need to interpret and utilize project performance data, cost reports, and schedule updates to inform design decisions and report on progress.
• Familiarity with dashboarding tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for visualizing project status and key performance indicators (KPIs) might be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While CRM is less directly applicable, understanding how design and project delivery integrate with client relationship management and business development functions is important.
• Experience with workflow automation tools within design processes (e.g., scripting in Revit, automated drawing generation) can be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes advanced design and project management tools. For operations professionals, this highlights the importance of digital proficiency and the ability to leverage technology for efficiency, collaboration, and data-informed decision-making, which are core to modern operations functions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to the highest standards of design quality, technical accuracy, and project delivery.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective problem-solving is encouraged.
• Innovation: Embracing new ideas, technologies, and sustainable practices to create forward-thinking and impactful developments.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and trust.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities and driving projects to successful completion, delivering on commitments.

Collaboration Style:

• The role demands a highly collaborative approach, working closely with internal design teams, other project disciplines (engineering, planning, construction), and external stakeholders.
• Expect a culture that encourages open communication, constructive feedback, and proactive problem-solving through cross-functional teamwork.
• WSP likely promotes a culture where sharing knowledge and best practices across different teams and geographies is actively encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are critical for understanding how WSP operates and how individuals are expected to contribute. For operations professionals, aligning with these values—particularly collaboration, accountability, and innovation—is key to success in any role, especially senior leadership positions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale and Complexity: Managing the immense scale and intricate interdependencies of a landmark masterplanned project with significant linear and vertical components.
• Stakeholder Management: Navigating the diverse and potentially conflicting interests of multiple stakeholders, including government bodies, clients, and international partners.
• Technical Integration: Ensuring seamless integration of various complex engineering, architectural, and urban planning disciplines.
• Pace and Deadline Pressure: Delivering high-quality design within demanding timelines, common in large-scale, high-profile developments.
• Cultural Nuances: Adapting to and effectively operating within the local cultural and regulatory landscape of Jeddah.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership Training: Opportunities to enhance strategic leadership, negotiation, and complex program management skills.
• Industry Conferences & Forums: Participation in leading global urban development and design events to stay abreast of trends and network.
• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders within WSP for guidance and career development.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Gaining experience across a wide spectrum of large-scale international projects within WSP's portfolio.
• Specialized Training: Opportunities for further specialization in areas like sustainable urbanism, smart city technologies, or advanced project delivery methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying challenges and growth opportunities provides a realistic outlook. For operations professionals, these challenges often echo those faced in large-scale GTM initiatives: managing complex ecosystems, aligning diverse stakeholders, and driving execution under pressure. The growth opportunities emphasize continuous learning and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to establishing and managing the design vision for a complex, multi-phase masterplanned development." (Focus on strategic alignment, stakeholder input, and phased execution.)
• "How would you integrate sustainability and smart city principles into the design of vertical assets within a large urban project?" (Showcase innovation, foresight, and practical application.)
• "Walk us through a challenging situation where you had to coordinate multiple design disciplines facing conflicting requirements. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.)
• "How do you ensure design quality and adherence to project objectives while managing external consultants and a diverse project team?" (Highlight process management, quality control, and team leadership.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to WSP and this specific role in Jeddah?" (Research WSP's global projects, values, and their presence in the region.)
• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative design culture within your teams?" (Discuss leadership style, team motivation, and communication strategies.)
• "How do you see your role contributing to the long-term success and operational efficiency of the masterplanned development?" (Connect design to broader project goals and future usability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type and highlight your leadership role. For each relevant project, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework to explain your involvement, challenges, strategic approach, and outcomes.
• Focus: Emphasize projects that demonstrate leadership in master planning, vertical asset design, multi-disciplinary coordination, and stakeholder management. Clearly articulate your strategic contributions and problem-solving methodologies.
• Visuals: Use high-quality images, diagrams, and renderings to illustrate your projects. Be prepared to explain the design rationale behind key elements.
• Operations Alignment: For each relevant case study, draw parallels to how your process and management approach ensured efficient delivery, met objectives, and contributed to the project's overall success, mirroring operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview preparation tips are designed to help candidates articulate their experience in a way that resonates with both design leadership and operational execution requirements, crucial for a role with such broad impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this senior Design Director position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link to submit your resume and any requested supporting documents through WSP's Oracle Cloud recruitment portal.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a comprehensive digital portfolio that showcases your leadership in large-scale master planning and vertical asset design. Ensure it highlights your process, stakeholder management, and problem-solving capabilities. Be ready to present specific case studies demonstrating your impact.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 20+ years of experience, emphasizing your leadership roles on complex urban development projects and your expertise in multi-disciplinary coordination and stakeholder engagement. Use keywords relevant to design direction, project management, and large-scale development.
• Research WSP and the Project: Familiarize yourself with WSP's global projects, company values, and their involvement in significant developments in Saudi Arabia. Understand the scope and ambition of the Jeddah masterplanned project.
• Prepare for In-depth Interviews: Anticipate rigorous interviews focusing on your strategic approach, leadership style, technical expertise, and ability to manage complex operations and stakeholder dynamics. Practice articulating your portfolio highlights and responding to strategic and situational questions.

⚠️ 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.