Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Egis Group

Location: Riyadh, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Management / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2025-11-07

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and provide technical guidance for all contractor design review activities, ensuring strict adherence to contractual requirements and design governance standards.

• Lead and coordinate cross-discipline interfaces from a technical design perspective to ensure the successful and integrated delivery of complex mega-projects.

• Develop and manage a large, multidisciplinary team of design engineers, focusing on enhancing their technical capabilities, understanding, and overall performance.

• Act as a key liaison between the client, contractors, and internal stakeholders, managing the timely delivery of all required information and technical solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into operations and project execution within a design context, particularly for large-scale infrastructure projects in the Middle East. This role requires a strong blend of technical engineering oversight, project management principles, and team leadership within an operations framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance, governance, and day-to-day coordination of all contractor design review activities for contractual conformance, ensuring all submittals meet project specifications.

• Draft, review, and maintain the status and adequacy of the design review plan, ensuring its continuing suitability and effectiveness throughout the project lifecycle.

• Manage the reception, distribution, and tracking of contractors' design submittals for the duration of both the design and construction phases.

• Contribute to successful project delivery by leading and coordinating cross-discipline interfaces from a technical design perspective, fostering seamless collaboration.

• Ensure appropriate processes and necessary skills are in place to assure the safety, integrity, and quality of all engineering deliverables and project outcomes.

• Develop and manage a large multidisciplinary team of design engineers, focusing on raising their technical capability, understanding, and professional development.

• Regularly engage with the project senior management team to determine the optimal allocation of design and engineering resources, and initiate necessary changes to resource plans.

• Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to staff to ensure high-quality technical services are delivered that meet both project and client requirements effectively.

• Identify, manage, and monitor the delivery of information required by contractors, the client, and other internal/external stakeholders, tracking progress against agreed delivery dates.

• Liaise effectively with the client and contractor to establish their precise requirements and discuss technical solutions, ensuring alignment and clear communication.

• Identify, assess, and report risks and opportunities associated with design coordination (e.g., differing timelines for inter-related design solutions) back to the project senior leadership team.

• Identify, review, and advocate for changes (variations) to designs, evaluating them in terms of technical capability, cost-effectiveness, scope, durability, and maintainability of proposed design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical operations function within the design and engineering domain. The emphasis on "governance," "process," "coordination," "risk management," and "stakeholder liaison" indicates a need for strong operational rigor and a systematic approach to managing complex design workflows within a mega-project context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational requirements are not detailed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical), Architecture, or a related technical field is typically expected for this level of responsibility. Professional engineering certifications or equivalent qualifications would be advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in engineering and design management.

• Demonstrated successful track record in technical design review, particularly on mega-projects.

• Significant experience within the Middle East region, specifically on large-scale, complex projects.

Required Skills:

• Technical Design Review Expertise: In-depth knowledge of design review processes, standards, and best practices for large-scale infrastructure or building projects.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Understanding of project lifecycles, phase gates, and the operational aspects of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.

• Risk Management & Mitigation: Ability to identify, assess, and manage project risks and opportunities, particularly those related to design coordination and execution.

• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop multidisciplinary engineering and design teams.

• Communication & Influencing Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with strong capabilities to influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Relationship Management: Skill in building and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, contractors, and internal teams.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience in effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders to gather requirements, provide updates, and manage expectations.

• Cross-Discipline Coordination: Proven ability to coordinate and integrate design efforts across various engineering disciplines.

• Design Governance: Understanding and implementation of design governance frameworks to ensure quality and compliance.

• Contractual Conformance: Ability to interpret and ensure adherence to contractual obligations within design review processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with sustainable development principles and their integration into design.

• Experience with advanced project management software and design collaboration platforms.

• Knowledge of specific engineering codes and standards relevant to the Middle East construction industry.

• Proficiency in Arabic, in addition to English, would be highly beneficial for client and local stakeholder interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "mega projects" and "Middle East experience" suggests a need for candidates who understand the unique operational challenges and regulatory environments of large-scale developments in this region. The "10+ years" experience level implies a senior role requiring strategic oversight rather than just execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Technical Design Review Case Studies: Detailed examples of complex design reviews conducted on mega-projects, showcasing the candidate's role, methodology, key findings, and the impact of their interventions on project outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk mitigation).

• Project Management & Coordination Examples: Documentation or descriptions of processes used to manage cross-discipline interfaces, coordinate design submittals, and ensure contractual conformance on large-scale projects.

• Team Leadership & Development Evidence: Examples of how the candidate has managed, mentored, and developed multidisciplinary engineering teams, including performance improvement initiatives.

• Risk & Change Management Documentation: Demonstrations of how risks and opportunities were identified, managed, and reported, along with examples of change management processes implemented for design variations.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing or refining design review plans, ensuring their suitability and effectiveness.

• Examples of workflow design for managing the reception, distribution, and tracking of design submittals.

• Demonstrations of process implementation for assuring the safety and integrity of engineering deliverables.

• Documentation of processes used for liaising with clients and contractors to establish requirements and discuss technical solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role focused on mega-projects, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list achievements but demonstrate a deep understanding of operational processes, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership within a complex project delivery framework. The focus should be on showcasing a structured, systematic approach to design management and review.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience managing mega-projects in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the estimated annual salary range is likely between SAR 450,000 to SAR 700,000 (approximately USD 120,000 to USD 187,000). This range can vary significantly based on the specific project scope, candidate's precise experience, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the employee and potentially dependents.

• Relocation assistance and support for expatriate hires.

• Annual leave entitlement, typically in line with Saudi labor laws, often supplemented by company policy.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or project completion bonuses.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications relevant to project and design management.

• End-of-service benefits as per Saudi Arabian labor law.

• Company-provided accommodation or housing allowance, depending on contract terms.

• Transportation allowance or provision.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, often Monday to Friday, with potential for overtime or extended hours during critical project phases, particularly common in mega-project environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary and benefits for mega-projects in Saudi Arabia, especially for senior roles like Design Manager, are generally competitive and often include significant allowances and support structures to attract international talent. The provided range is an estimate based on market data for similar roles in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Egis Group operates within a broad spectrum of the built environment, including architecture, consulting, construction engineering, and mobility services. This role is situated within the construction and engineering services sector, with a focus on intelligent infrastructure and building development that prioritizes climate resilience and sustainable territorial development.

Company Size: Egis is a global entity with 22,500 employees worldwide and a significant presence in the Middle East with 3,500 employees across 8 countries. This indicates a large, well-established organization with robust operational structures and resources.

Founded: Egis has a long history, contributing to its deep understanding of local market conditions and established reputation. The company's longevity suggests a culture of stability, expertise, and long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a substantial, multidisciplinary team of design engineers and potentially support staff, reporting to senior project management or a program director.

• The reporting structure will involve close collaboration with project managers, construction managers, discipline leads, and client representatives.

Methodology:

• Egis emphasizes a data-driven approach to its operations, utilizing advanced analytics for project planning, risk assessment, and performance monitoring.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to managing complex projects efficiently, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.

• The company is committed to innovation and the development of cutting-edge solutions, which translates to an operational focus on efficient implementation of new technologies and sustainable practices.

Company Website: https://www.egis-group.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Egis's global reach and commitment to sustainability and innovation suggest a dynamic, forward-thinking operational culture. The "mega-project" focus in the Middle East implies a high-pressure, results-oriented environment where operational efficiency and technical excellence are critical success factors.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the design and engineering operations domain. The Design Manager is responsible for strategic oversight of design processes on mega-projects, managing significant teams and impacting project outcomes directly. It sits above individual contributor engineers and junior design leads, requiring a blend of technical expertise, managerial acumen, and strategic thinking.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Project Director or Program Manager, overseeing a large team of discipline-specific engineers and designers. They will also have significant interaction and reporting responsibilities to the client and key project stakeholders, ensuring alignment on technical progress and strategic decisions.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role is critical to the operational success of mega-projects. By ensuring the integrity, safety, and contractual conformance of designs, they directly influence project cost, schedule, quality, and risk profile. Effective design management operationalizes the project's vision, mitigating potential issues before they escalate into costly construction problems.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Project Leadership: Progression to roles such as Project Director, Program Manager, or Head of Engineering for larger regional portfolios, overseeing multiple mega-projects.

• Specialized Technical Leadership: Deepening expertise in specific areas like sustainable infrastructure design, complex structural engineering, or advanced BIM implementation, potentially leading specialized technical units.

• Operational Excellence Roles: Transitioning into roles focused on optimizing engineering and design processes across the organization, driving efficiency and innovation in project delivery methodologies.

• International Mobility: Opportunities to take on similar or advanced roles in other regions where Egis operates, leveraging their mega-project experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career trajectory for a Design Manager on mega-projects in the Middle East is typically one of increasing responsibility and scope. Growth is often tied to successful delivery of high-profile projects and the ability to manage increasingly complex technical and human resources.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and likely operates within a professional office environment that supports large-scale project management teams. This could be a dedicated project office, a regional Egis headquarters, or a shared workspace designed for collaborative project delivery.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Egis has a significant presence in the Middle East, so while this specific role is Riyadh-based, the company's broader network may offer opportunities for interaction with teams in other regional offices.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, fostering interaction among design engineers, project managers, and other project stakeholders.

• Access to necessary operations tools, design software, and project management platforms will be standard.

• Opportunities for team meetings, design review sessions, and cross-functional workshops will be frequent, emphasizing a highly interactive and communicative work setting.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of mega-projects, there may be expectations for flexibility and extended hours, especially during critical design phases, project milestones, or when responding to urgent client or contractor requests. This demands a proactive and adaptable approach to managing time and prioritizing tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment for mega-projects is often fast-paced and demanding. A willingness to adapt to evolving project needs and potentially work extended hours is crucial for success in this type of role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and experience against the core requirements, focusing on mega-project experience and Middle East track record.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions with senior engineering and project management personnel to assess technical design review capabilities, understanding of engineering principles, and familiarity with relevant codes and standards. Candidates may be asked to present specific case studies from their portfolio.

• Team & Leadership Assessment: Interviews with potential direct reports or peers to evaluate leadership style, team management approach, and ability to foster collaboration.

• Stakeholder Management & Risk Focus: Scenarios or questions designed to assess how the candidate handles complex stakeholder relationships, manages risks, and administers project changes.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Country Director, VP of Engineering) to confirm cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most impactful mega-project design review experiences.

Focus on projects that demonstrate complexity, scale, and your direct contribution.

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

  • Project context (type, scale, location, challenges).
  • Your specific role and responsibilities.
  • The design review process/methodology employed.
  • Key technical issues identified and your resolution approach.
  • Quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings achieved, schedule impacts avoided, safety improvements implemented).
  • Stakeholder engagement and communication strategies.

• Highlight Operations: Emphasize the operational aspects of your work – process implementation, risk management, team coordination, contractual adherence, and efficiency improvements.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to elaborate on your decision-making processes, how you managed conflicts, and the lessons learned from each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Candidates might be asked to conduct a mock design review of a specific element or scenario, or to outline a plan for managing design coordination on a hypothetical complex project.

• Be prepared to articulate your approach to risk identification and mitigation, stakeholder communication, and team motivation in challenging project environments.

• Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and effectively, focusing on the impact and operational value of your contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for senior roles on mega-projects is rigorous. A strong, well-documented portfolio that clearly demonstrates operational competence, technical depth, and leadership experience is essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard Computer-Aided Design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Bentley MicroStation) for reviewing and understanding technical drawings.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms (e.g., Autodesk BIM 360, Navisworks) for integrated design review, clash detection, and visualization.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools for scheduling, tracking, and resource allocation (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6).

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms facilitating document sharing, communication, and workflow management (e.g., SharePoint, Asana, Monday.com).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from design reviews, project schedules, and performance reports. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and reporting.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating or interpreting dashboards that visualize project progress, risks, and key performance indicators.

CRM & Automation:

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

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or processes that streamline design review submissions and approvals would be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of design and project management technologies is expected. The ability to leverage BIM for integrated design review and manage complex project data through various platforms is critical for operational efficiency on mega-projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality technical solutions and ensuring operational rigor in all processes.

• Safety & Integrity: Prioritizing the safety and integrity of engineering deliverables and project execution.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering an environment of open communication and effective cross-functional teamwork.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methods to improve design and project delivery processes.

• Client Focus: Dedication to meeting and exceeding client expectations through reliable and effective technical services.

Collaboration Style:

• The role demands a highly collaborative approach, working closely with diverse internal teams (engineering disciplines, project controls, commercial) and external stakeholders (clients, contractors, consultants).

• Emphasis on proactive communication, constructive feedback, and transparent information sharing to achieve collective project goals.

• A culture of continuous improvement, where processes are regularly reviewed and refined based on project learnings and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Egis's emphasis on sustainable development and innovation suggests a company culture that values forward-thinking solutions and responsible project execution. The operational culture for mega-projects in the region is often characterized by a strong sense of urgency and a collective drive towards achieving ambitious project milestones.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting demands of clients, contractors, and internal teams on large-scale, high-profile projects.

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Environments: Ensuring compliance with local codes, standards, and contractual obligations in the Middle East region.

• Leading Diverse Teams: Effectively managing and motivating a multidisciplinary team with varying backgrounds, expertise, and communication styles.

• Technical Complexity & Scale: Overseeing design reviews for intricate systems and massive structures, where even minor errors can have significant consequences.

• Pace of Mega-Projects: Adapting to the intense pace and potential for scope changes inherent in mega-project development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Pursuing certifications like PMP, PRINCE2, or specialized construction management credentials.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific engineering fields or advanced areas like BIM management, digital twins, or sustainable design strategies.

• Leadership & Executive Development: Participating in programs focused on strategic leadership, negotiation, and large-scale program management.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending events focused on mega-projects, infrastructure development, and engineering best practices in the Middle East.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the complexity and scale of mega-projects. Overcoming these requires strong operational leadership, technical acumen, and resilience. Growth opportunities are abundant for those who can deliver results in such environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to establishing and maintaining design governance on a mega-project. What are the key elements you ensure are in place?"

  • Preparation: Focus on process documentation, roles/responsibilities, review cycles, quality assurance checks, and how you ensure contractual alignment.

• "How do you manage conflicting technical requirements or priorities between different engineering disciplines during the design review process?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your conflict resolution techniques, emphasis on cross-discipline coordination meetings, data-driven decision-making, and escalation paths.

• "Walk me through a time you identified a significant risk in a design submittal. What was your process for assessment, reporting, and mitigation, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to detail a specific example, highlighting your analytical skills, communication, and proactive risk management.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Egis Group and our commitment to sustainable development and intelligent infrastructure?"

  • Preparation: Research Egis's recent projects, sustainability reports, and mission statement. Connect your experience to these values.

• "How would you foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within a large, multidisciplinary design team?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your leadership philosophy, team-building strategies, communication methods, and how you empower team members.

• "How do you ensure that technical solutions are not only sound but also cost-effective and maintainable in the long term?"

  • Preparation: Highlight your understanding of value engineering, lifecycle cost analysis, and how you incorporate these considerations into design reviews.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each case study, tell a compelling story that highlights the problem, your solution, and the impactful results.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the tangible benefits of your work (e.g., % reduction in rework, $ savings, schedule acceleration).

• Focus on "How": Explain your methodology, processes, and reasoning behind your decisions, showcasing your operational thinking.

• Visual Aids: If possible, use simplified diagrams or charts within your presentation to illustrate complex concepts or project flows.

• Engage the Interviewer: Treat it as a collaborative discussion, inviting questions and feedback throughout your presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize demonstrating not just technical knowledge but also operational leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex project dynamics within the context of mega-projects and the Middle East market.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your CV to prominently feature keywords related to "Design Management," "Technical Design Review," "Mega Projects," "Middle East Experience," "Risk Management," "Stakeholder Engagement," and "Leadership Skills." Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key mega-project design review case studies. Focus on demonstrating your operational processes, problem-solving abilities, and impact on project outcomes. Be ready to present this during interviews.

• Research Egis Group: Understand the company's mission, values, recent projects (especially in the Middle East), and commitment to sustainability and innovation.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, focusing on your experience with mega-projects, leadership, and stakeholder management. Practice articulating your approach to design governance and risk mitigation.

⚠️ 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.