Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Company: Egis Group Location: Riyadh, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia Job Type: Full-time Category: Operations - Design Management / Engineering Leadership Date Posted: October 6, 2025 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 quality standards.
• Lead and manage a diverse, multidisciplinary team of design engineers, fostering their technical growth and ensuring alignment with project objectives.
• Drive the successful delivery of complex mega-projects by effectively coordinating cross-discipline interfaces and ensuring the integrity of all engineering deliverables.
• Proactively identify, manage, and report on project risks and opportunities related to design coordination and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within the design and engineering function, requiring extensive experience in managing large-scale, complex projects and a strong understanding of contractual obligations and technical governance. The emphasis on "mega projects" and "Middle East experience" suggests a need for a candidate who can navigate large-scale infrastructure or development projects within a specific regional context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and day-to-day coordination for all contractor design review processes, ensuring contractual conformance and quality assurance.
• Develop, review, and maintain the design review plan, verifying its ongoing suitability and effectiveness throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage the reception, distribution, and tracking of all contractor design submittals, from initial design phases through to construction completion.
• Lead and coordinate cross-discipline engineering interfaces to ensure seamless integration and successful technical delivery of project components.
• Establish and maintain processes and skill sets within the team to guarantee the safety, integrity, and quality of all engineering deliverables.
• Develop and mentor a large, multidisciplinary team of design engineers, enhancing their technical capabilities and project understanding.
• Collaborate with the senior management team to strategically allocate design and engineering resources, initiating necessary adjustments to meet project demands.
• Provide effective leadership, direction, and guidance to staff, ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical services that meet project and client requirements.
• Manage the timely delivery of information required by contractors, clients, and other stakeholders, monitoring progress against agreed deadlines.
• Liaise with clients and contractors to clearly define requirements and to present and discuss technical solutions.
• Identify and report on risks and opportunities associated with design coordination, such as differing development timelines for inter-related design solutions.
• Identify, review, and advocate for design changes (variations), assessing their impact on technical capability, cost-effectiveness, scope, durability, and maintainability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on direct technical oversight of design reviews and the strategic management of engineering teams and project interfaces. The emphasis on contractual conformance, risk management, and stakeholder liaison indicates a need for strong project management and negotiation skills alongside technical expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: [Specific degree requirements are not explicitly stated, but a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical) is standard for such senior roles.]

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in engineering and design management.
• Demonstrated success in technical design review processes, specifically on large-scale "mega projects."
• Proven experience working on mega-projects or complex programs within the Middle East region.

Required Skills:

• Technical Design Review Expertise: Proficient in leading and executing comprehensive technical reviews of design submissions against project specifications and contractual obligations.
• Project Management Acumen: Strong understanding of project lifecycle, planning, execution, and control, with a focus on design and engineering phases.
• Risk and Opportunity Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design-related risks, and to capitalize on opportunities for project enhancement.
• Leadership and Team Development: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop large, multidisciplinary engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Excellent skills in building relationships, communicating effectively, and influencing a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including clients and contractors.
• Cross-Discipline Coordination: Expertise in managing and integrating design efforts across various engineering disciplines to achieve cohesive project outcomes.
• Contractual Governance: Deep understanding of contract requirements and the ability to ensure design activities remain compliant.
• Change Management: Experience in managing design variations and change orders, assessing their technical, cost, and schedule impacts.

Preferred Skills:

• Middle East Project Experience: In-depth knowledge of regional construction practices, regulations, and market dynamics.
• Quality Assurance & Control: Familiarity with implementing robust QA/QC processes for engineering deliverables.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex technical challenges and develop innovative, cost-effective solutions.
• Negotiation and Influencing: Skills to effectively negotiate with contractors and influence project stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ years of experience" combined with "mega projects" and "Middle East experience" strongly suggests this role is for a seasoned professional capable of handling significant project complexity and regional nuances. The emphasis on leadership and stakeholder management points to a need for strong interpersonal and strategic thinking abilities beyond pure technical design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Review Case Studies: Documented examples of complex design reviews conducted, detailing the scope, challenges, methodologies employed, and the positive impact on project outcomes (e.g., risk mitigation, cost savings, schedule adherence).
• Project Delivery Examples: Evidence of leading the successful delivery of large-scale projects, showcasing the candidate's role in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing design interfaces.
• Team Development Initiatives: Examples of strategies implemented to enhance the technical capabilities and performance of engineering teams.
• Risk & Change Management Documentation: Demonstrations of how risks and opportunities related to design were identified, managed, and reported, along with examples of change management processes executed on past projects.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to developing and implementing robust design review plans and processes.
• Experience in documenting and optimizing workflows for design submittal tracking and coordination is crucial.
• Familiarity with establishing and maintaining quality assurance procedures for engineering deliverables will be key.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should not only showcase completed projects but also the candidate's strategic approach to process management, team leadership, and risk mitigation within the design lifecycle. Demonstrating a structured approach to managing complex design reviews and team development is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the senior nature of this Design Manager role, the extensive experience required (10+ years on mega projects), and the location in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a competitive salary package is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar positions in major Middle Eastern cities, the estimated annual base salary range would be approximately SAR 350,000 - SAR 550,000 (approx. USD 93,000 - USD 147,000). This estimate may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the exact scope of the mega projects involved.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Covering the employee and potentially dependents, typical for international assignments and senior roles.
• Accommodation Allowance/Provided Housing: Common in the Middle East for expatriate or senior staff to offset living costs.
• Transportation Allowance/Company Vehicle: To facilitate travel for site visits and client meetings.
• Annual Leave: Generous paid time off, often including travel allowances for home leave for expatriates.
• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to project milestones and company profitability.
• Relocation Assistance: Support for moving expenses and settling into Riyadh.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and potentially professional certifications.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, project demands on mega projects may necessitate occasional overtime or weekend work, which would typically be compensated or managed through flexible scheduling and time-off policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on market research for senior engineering and project management roles in Riyadh, considering the specific demands of mega-projects. Benefits are standard for senior international positions in the region, aimed at attracting and retaining top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Consulting, Construction Engineering, and Mobility Services. Egis is a global leader focused on creating intelligent, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure and buildings, actively addressing the climate emergency. Company Size: Egis is a large global organization with 22,500 employees worldwide and a significant presence in the Middle East with 3,500 employees across 8 countries. This indicates a well-established corporate structure with robust resources and established processes. Founded: Egis has a long history, though the specific founding date is not provided. Its extensive experience and presence across over 100 countries, with a long track record in the Middle East, suggest a stable and experienced organization.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a substantial engineering department, potentially comprising multiple discipline leads and a large team of design engineers.
• Reporting will likely be to a Project Director or a senior executive overseeing the regional engineering operations, with close collaboration with other project management functions (e.g., Construction Management, Procurement, Contracts).
• Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, involving close work with project managers, construction teams, client representatives, and external contractors and consultants.

Methodology:

• Egis emphasizes creating "intelligent infrastructures and buildings" and responding to the "climate emergency," indicating a focus on innovation, sustainability, and data-driven design.
• The company's approach likely involves rigorous technical governance, risk management, and a commitment to quality and client satisfaction as evidenced by their track record on complex development projects.
• Operations within Egis are likely guided by global best practices, adapted to local market conditions, with a strong emphasis on project lifecycle management and stakeholder engagement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Egis positions itself as a forward-thinking, global entity committed to sustainable development. For operations professionals, this implies working within a structured, process-oriented environment that values technical excellence, innovation, and a commitment to long-term project success and societal impact. The Middle East operations are clearly a significant and strategic part of the group's global footprint.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design and engineering domain, often referred to as a Principal or Lead Engineer, or a specialized Project Management role focused on technical delivery. It requires a high degree of autonomy, strategic decision-making, and the ability to manage complex technical challenges and large teams.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or a senior executive responsible for engineering and technical services within the region. They will manage a team of design engineers and potentially discipline leads. Collaboration with other senior project stakeholders (e.g., Commercial Manager, Construction Manager) will be a key aspect of the role.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to the success of mega projects. Their ability to ensure technically sound, contractually compliant, and cost-effective designs directly influences project quality, schedule adherence, budget control, and overall client satisfaction. They are instrumental in mitigating design-related risks that could lead to significant cost overruns or project delays.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Project Leadership: Progression to roles such as Project Director, Program Manager, or Head of Engineering for larger regional portfolios.
• Specialized Technical Expertise: Deepening expertise in specific areas of mega-project design, such as sustainable infrastructure or complex urban developments.
• International Mobility: Opportunities to lead design efforts on projects in other regions where Egis operates.
• Operational Excellence Leadership: Transitioning into roles focused on improving overall engineering processes, systems, and best practices across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a career-defining role for senior engineering professionals. The growth trajectory is clearly towards broader project and program leadership, emphasizing strategic oversight and influence on major development initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is designated as "On-site." This suggests a primary work location within Egis's regional offices in Riyadh, supporting project execution.

Office Location(s): Egis has a significant presence in the Middle East, with offices likely in major cities. For this role, the primary base will be in Riyadh, which is a rapidly developing hub for major infrastructure and construction projects.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is expected to be collaborative, requiring constant interaction with internal project teams, external contractors, and client representatives.
• Access to necessary design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided.
• Opportunities for site visits to project locations will be integral to the role, offering a dynamic work experience.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, the demanding nature of mega-projects, especially in the construction phase, may require flexibility and occasional work outside standard hours to meet critical deadlines and milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation is crucial. Candidates should expect a traditional office-based role with significant project site engagement, reflecting the hands-on nature of managing large-scale construction projects in a specific geographic location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CVs and applications to assess experience against the minimum requirements, particularly mega-project and Middle East experience.
• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on technical design review methodologies, project management experience, risk assessment, and leadership capabilities. Candidates may be asked to elaborate on specific project challenges and solutions.
• Case Study Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio showcasing their experience with a specific mega-project, detailing their role in design review, team management, and problem-solving. This is a critical opportunity to demonstrate their technical and leadership impact.
• Stakeholder/Leadership Interview: Interviews with senior management and potentially HR to assess cultural fit, communication skills, strategic thinking, and leadership potential.
• Final Offer: Based on successful completion of all interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project presented, clearly state the scale of the project (e.g., budget, complexity), your specific responsibilities, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings achieved through design review, schedule adherence improvements, reduction in RFIs).
• Showcase Process Rigor: Detail your approach to design governance, review plans, risk management, and team development. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful to illustrate processes.
• Highlight Middle East Experience: If presenting a Middle East project, emphasize your understanding of local regulations, cultural nuances, and stakeholder dynamics.
• Tailor to the Role: Focus on aspects of your experience that directly align with the responsibilities of a Design Manager overseeing contractor reviews on mega projects.
• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss specific technical challenges encountered and how you led your team to find innovative and effective solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare to answer questions about how you would handle specific design review challenges, manage conflicting stakeholder demands, or address significant design risks.
• Leadership Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you motivate teams, resolve conflicts, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within an engineering department.
• Contractual Interpretation: Familiarize yourself with common contractual clauses related to design submittals, reviews, and variations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "mega projects" and "technical design review" means the portfolio and interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to manage complex technical workflows, contractual compliance, and large teams on a significant scale.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with platforms like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or Asana for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.
• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with common industry-standard CAD (e.g., AutoCAD) and BIM (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) software, particularly for reviewing and understanding complex 3D models and integrated designs.
• Document Control Systems: Experience with systems like Aconex, Procore, or similar platforms for managing project documentation, submittals, and communications.
• Collaboration Platforms: Tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or dedicated project collaboration portals for team communication and information sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, reporting, and creating custom tracking spreadsheets.
• Business Intelligence Tools (Potentially): Familiarity with BI tools for creating dashboards and visualizing project performance data, though direct use might be less common for a Design Manager than for dedicated analysts.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary CRM role, understanding how design data feeds into broader project management and client relationship systems may be beneficial.
• Experience with workflow automation tools for managing review cycles or approval processes would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is heavily weighted towards project management and document control, reflecting the operational demands of managing large-scale construction projects and their associated design documentation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to the highest standards of engineering design and review, ensuring safety, quality, and durability.
• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding contractual obligations and ethical standards in all design and review processes.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where multidisciplinary teams work together effectively, sharing knowledge and supporting each other.
• Innovation & Sustainability: Embracing new technologies and approaches to create intelligent, resilient, and climate-responsive infrastructure.
• Client Focus: Dedication to meeting and exceeding client expectations through proactive communication and high-quality deliverables.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Cross-Functional: Egis's emphasis on complex projects necessitates a highly collaborative approach, bridging gaps between design, construction, procurement, and client teams.
• Process-Driven: Collaboration will likely occur within established workflows and through structured meetings and communication channels, ensuring accountability and transparency.
• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and transparent communication to identify and resolve issues promptly, especially critical for managing interfaces on mega projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely to be professional, technically rigorous, and globally-minded, with a strong emphasis on project delivery and sustainable development. Candidates should be prepared for a structured, results-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Large, Diverse Teams: Leading and motivating a multidisciplinary team with varied expertise and potentially differing work styles.
• Navigating Mega-Project Complexity: Coordinating design efforts across numerous work packages and interfaces on extremely large and complex projects.
• Ensuring Contractual Adherence: Diligently tracking and enforcing contractual compliance in all design review activities across multiple contractors.
• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the expectations and requirements of clients, contractors, and internal project teams, often with competing priorities.
• Adapting to Regional Specifics: Understanding and applying local regulations, engineering standards, and cultural nuances within the Middle East context.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Leadership: Opportunities to gain experience in managing even larger and more complex programs or portfolios.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Deepening understanding of construction, commercial, and contractual aspects of mega-projects.
• Sustainable Design Practices: Engaging with Egis's commitment to climate-responsive design and advanced sustainable engineering solutions.
• Professional Networking: Building a strong network within the Middle East construction and engineering industry through project involvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges due to the scale and complexity of mega-projects but also offers substantial growth opportunities for ambitious engineering leaders.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design review process for a large-scale infrastructure project. What are the key phases and critical success factors?" (Focus on process, governance, and stakeholder involvement).
• "How do you ensure technical capability and quality across a multidisciplinary design team, especially when dealing with novel or complex engineering challenges?" (Focus on team management, technical oversight, and quality assurance).
• "Can you provide an example of a significant design risk you identified on a previous project and how you and your team managed it to mitigate potential negative impacts?" (Focus on risk management, problem-solving, and proactive measures).
• "How do you manage conflicting requirements or priorities among different stakeholders (e.g., client, contractors, internal teams) during the design phase?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Egis Group and our commitment to sustainability and intelligent infrastructure?" (Demonstrate research into the company's mission and values).
• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing culture within a diverse engineering team?" (Relate to Egis's values and teamwork expectations).
• "How do you ensure your team's work aligns with the project's overall objectives and Egis's strategic goals?" (Focus on alignment and impact).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the context, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the actions you took, and the measurable results achieved.
• Emphasize Leadership and Process: Highlight your leadership in managing teams and your systematic approach to design review and problem-solving.
• Quantify Impact: Use numbers and data wherever possible to demonstrate the value you brought to previous projects (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction percentages).
• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decisions, methodologies, and how you would handle hypothetical scenarios relevant to this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a robust understanding of design management principles, strong leadership capabilities, and specific experience relevant to mega-projects and the Middle East region. Quantifiable achievements and clear examples of problem-solving are crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.
• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your resume prominently highlights your 10+ years of experience, specifically detailing your involvement in "mega projects" and any experience within the Middle East. Use keywords from the job description such as "technical design review," "contractual conformance," "multidisciplinary team," and "risk management."
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your most impactful projects, focusing on design review processes, team leadership, and successful project delivery. Be ready to discuss specific case studies in detail during interviews.
• Research Egis Group: Understand the company's global presence, its focus on sustainability and intelligent infrastructure, and its significant operations in the Middle East. This will help you tailor your responses to align with their values and strategic objectives.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions related to leadership, technical problem-solving, stakeholder management, and risk assessment, drawing on your extensive project experience.

⚠️ 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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