Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Egis Group

Location: Riyadh, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Project Management / Engineering / Design Operations

Date Posted: November 07, 2025

Experience Level: 10+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and provide technical guidance for all contractor design review activities, ensuring strict contractual conformance and adherence to project specifications.

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams of design engineers, fostering technical capability development and ensuring the delivery of high-quality engineering deliverables.

• Manage cross-discipline interfaces from a technical design perspective to ensure the seamless integration of all project elements and successful project delivery.

• Establish and maintain robust processes for assuring the safety and integrity of all engineering deliverables, mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring technical excellence and compliance on large-scale infrastructure projects. The emphasis is on managing the design process, not necessarily hands-on design creation, but rather the oversight, review, and coordination of design work performed by contractors. The "Operations" aspect lies in managing the process of design delivery and review within a complex project environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• 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 process of receiving, distributing, and tracking design reviews of contractor submittals for the duration of the design and construction phases.

• Contribute to the successful delivery of mega projects by leading and coordinating cross-discipline interfaces from a technical design perspective.

• Ensure appropriate processes and skills are in place to guarantee the safety and integrity of all engineering deliverables and project components.

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

• Regularly engage with the project senior management team to determine resource allocation (design/engineering) and initiate necessary changes to support project objectives.

• Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to staff, ensuring the delivery of quality technical services that meet both project and client requirements.

• Identify, monitor, and manage 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 contractors to establish their requirements and discuss technical solutions, ensuring alignment and clarity.

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

• Identify, review, and advocate for design changes (variations) based on technical capability, cost-effectiveness, scope, durability, and maintainability of proposed design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process management, risk mitigation, and team leadership within a technical engineering context. The role requires a strategic approach to design governance and a deep understanding of project lifecycle management, particularly within the mega-project landscape of the Middle East.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical) or Architecture from an accredited institution.

Experience:

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

• Proven track record in technical design review on mega-scale infrastructure or building projects.

Required Skills:

• Technical Design Review: Expertise in evaluating contractor submittals for contractual conformance, technical accuracy, and constructability.

• Project Management: Strong understanding of project lifecycle, planning, execution, and monitoring, with a focus on design integration.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design-related risks and opportunities.

• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop large, multidisciplinary technical teams.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders.

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

• Collaboration: Proven ability to foster effective collaboration across different disciplines and with external parties.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience in effectively engaging with and managing the expectations of multiple stakeholders.

• Change Management: Proficiency in managing design variations and change orders, assessing their impact on scope, cost, and schedule.

• Contractual Awareness: Understanding of construction contracts and their implications for design review processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project) for tracking design progress.

• Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) and its application in design review and coordination.

• Knowledge of local Saudi Arabian building codes and standards.

• Experience in quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes within engineering projects.

• Proficiency in Arabic language, in addition to English.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for extensive "mega-project" experience, particularly in the Middle East, suggests a need for individuals who can navigate complex, high-stakes environments with diverse stakeholders and rigorous contractual obligations. Leadership of multidisciplinary teams implies a need for strong interpersonal and management capabilities beyond pure technical expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Review Case Studies: Showcase examples of complex design reviews conducted, detailing the process followed, challenges encountered, and the technical solutions or improvements recommended.

• Project Coordination Examples: Demonstrate instances where you successfully coordinated cross-discipline design interfaces, highlighting the systems or methodologies used to ensure seamless integration.

• Team Development Initiatives: Provide evidence of strategies implemented to enhance the technical capabilities and performance of design engineering teams.

• Risk and Change Management Documentation: Include examples of risk registers or change logs managed, illustrating your approach to identifying, assessing, and processing design-related risks and variations.

• Process Improvement Proposals: Present any proposals or implemented changes aimed at improving the efficiency, quality, or safety of design review processes.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in developing and implementing robust design review plans, outlining key stages, responsibilities, and review criteria.

• Showcase a structured approach to managing contractor submittals, including tracking mechanisms, approval workflows, and communication protocols.

• Illustrate methods for ensuring the safety and integrity of engineering deliverables, possibly through checklists, quality audits, or adherence to specific standards.

• Provide examples of how you have integrated stakeholder requirements and feedback into the design review process, ensuring alignment with client expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role on mega-projects, a portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to manage complex processes, lead teams, and deliver technically sound designs under stringent contractual and timeline pressures. The focus is on demonstrating structured approaches to design governance and risk management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for the employee and potentially dependents, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Accommodation Allowance/Provided Housing: Often provided for expatriate employees or as a significant allowance to cover living expenses in Riyadh.

• Transportation Allowance: To cover commuting costs or provide company transport.

• Annual Leave: Generous paid annual leave days, typically 25-30 days, plus public holidays.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for international relocation, including flights, shipping, and initial accommodation.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses based on individual and company performance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for further training, certifications, and participation in industry conferences.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Standard coverage provided by reputable organizations.

• End-of-Service Benefits: As per Saudi labor law, typically calculated based on salary and years of service.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, usually spread over five days (e.g., Sunday to Thursday), reflecting a typical business week in Saudi Arabia. However, given the demands of mega-projects, there may be an expectation for flexibility and occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary and benefits for senior roles in Saudi Arabia, especially on mega-projects, are often generous to attract top talent, particularly from international markets. The inclusion of housing and relocation support is common. The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Consulting, Construction Engineering, Mobility Services. Egis Group operates within the broader infrastructure development and urban planning sectors, focusing on creating sustainable and resilient built environments.

Company Size: Egis Group is a significant global entity with 22,500 employees worldwide. Within the Middle East, they have 3,500 employees across 8 countries. This indicates a large, established organization with a strong regional presence.

Founded: Egis Group has a long history, though the specific founding date isn't provided, its presence in over 100 countries and extensive project portfolio suggest decades of operation and evolution. This implies a culture that values experience, stability, and long-term strategic vision.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a substantial team of design engineers across various disciplines (civil, structural, architectural, MEP, etc.), reporting to a Project Director or a senior engineering manager.

• The team structure will involve direct reports from lead engineers for each discipline, who in turn manage their respective teams of engineers and technicians.

Methodology:

• Egis emphasizes creating "intelligent infrastructures and buildings" that respond to the "climate emergency" and contribute to "sustainable, resilient territorial development." This suggests a methodology that integrates sustainability principles, innovation, and data-driven decision-making into project execution.

• The company's approach likely involves rigorous project governance, adherence to international standards, and a focus on delivering value through expertise and cutting-edge innovations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Egis's global reach and focus on sustainable development suggest a corporate culture that values technical excellence, innovation, and a commitment to long-term societal impact. The "mega-project" context in the Middle East implies a fast-paced, demanding environment where efficiency, collaboration, and rigorous process management are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the technical management track of an engineering and consulting firm. It sits above individual contributor engineers and junior managers, requiring significant experience and leadership capabilities. The Design Manager is responsible for the technical integrity and coordination of a substantial portion of a project's design phase.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director, Program Director, or a Chief Engineer/Technical Director, depending on the overall project organizational structure. They will, in turn, manage a team of Lead Design Engineers and their respective engineering staff. This structure allows for clear lines of responsibility and reporting for design-related matters.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's operations have a direct and significant impact on project success. Effective design management ensures:

• Cost Control: Preventing costly rework due to design errors or omissions.

• Schedule Adherence: Ensuring timely design completion and approval to keep construction on track.

• Quality Assurance: Delivering designs that meet specified standards and client requirements.

• Risk Mitigation: Identifying and addressing potential design flaws before they manifest on-site.

• Client Satisfaction: Meeting and exceeding client expectations regarding technical solutions and project outcomes.

• Sustainability Goals: Integrating sustainable design principles and materials as per Egis's company ethos.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Project Leadership: Progression to Project Director or Program Director roles, overseeing larger, more complex projects or multiple projects.

• Technical Specialization: Becoming a subject matter expert (SME) in a specific engineering discipline or a particular type of mega-project (e.g., transportation, smart cities).

• Regional Management: Moving into roles managing design or engineering functions across a broader region or multiple countries within Egis's Middle East operations.

• Global Roles: Opportunities to contribute to Egis's global initiatives or projects in other regions.

• Business Development: Leveraging technical expertise to support business development efforts and client engagement for future projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager on mega-projects is typically geared towards broader project oversight and leadership. The role provides a strong foundation for managing complex technical undertakings and significant financial stakes, making it a stepping stone to higher executive management positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and will likely involve working within a modern, professional office environment typical of large engineering and construction firms. This environment is usually designed to facilitate collaboration, with meeting rooms, project planning areas, and individual workspaces.

Office Location(s): The primary work location will be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Egis has a significant presence in the Middle East, so international candidates may also interact with other regional offices during their tenure.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be dynamic and collaborative, requiring constant interaction with project teams, contractors, and clients. Dedicated project rooms or areas may be utilized for design review sessions and coordination meetings.

• Access to necessary technology, including high-performance workstations, design software, communication tools, and potentially secure project data management systems, is expected.

• Opportunities for interaction will be high, involving daily discussions with direct reports, regular meetings with senior management, and frequent engagements with external stakeholders. Site visits to project locations may also be part of the role.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. However, the demanding nature of mega-projects, especially those in the Middle East, often necessitates flexibility. Candidates should expect potential requirements for extended hours, evening work, or occasional weekend duties to meet critical project milestones and deadlines. This flexibility is crucial for effective design coordination and timely issue resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Riyadh location implies working within a professional, potentially multicultural environment. The emphasis on mega-projects suggests a fast-paced, deadline-driven atmosphere where adaptability and commitment to project success are highly valued.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by HR to assess basic qualifications and experience, particularly the 10+ years and mega-project/Middle East experience.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion with senior engineering leaders or project directors to evaluate your technical expertise, design review methodologies, risk management approach, and leadership capabilities. Expect questions on managing multidisciplinary teams and complex design challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present a selection of your work, focusing on case studies of mega-projects where you managed design reviews, coordinated interfaces, or resolved significant technical issues. Prepare to discuss your role, the processes used, and the outcomes achieved.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: An assessment of your soft skills, including communication, stakeholder management, problem-solving, and how you align with Egis's company culture and values, particularly regarding sustainability and collaboration.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a very senior executive (e.g., Regional Director, VP of Engineering) for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Select case studies that clearly demonstrate your contribution to project success, highlighting how your design management improved cost-effectiveness, schedule adherence, quality, or risk mitigation.

• Process-Oriented: For each case study, clearly outline the design review process, coordination methodologies, and risk management strategies you employed. Use diagrams or flowcharts where appropriate.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers and metrics to illustrate your impact (e.g., "reduced design change orders by 15%", "accelerated design approval by 3 weeks", "managed a team of 50+ engineers").

• Tailor to Egis: Research Egis's current projects and strategic focus (e.g., sustainability, smart infrastructure) and tailor your portfolio examples to align with their priorities.

• Highlight Middle East Experience: Explicitly showcase your understanding of regional challenges, regulations, and best practices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you must coordinate design inputs from multiple disciplines facing conflicting requirements or tight deadlines. Outline your approach to resolving these conflicts and ensuring timely delivery.

• Risk Identification Exercise: You might be asked to identify potential design risks on a given project type (e.g., a new metro line, a large commercial complex) and propose mitigation strategies.

• Stakeholder Management Challenge: Prepare to discuss how you would handle a situation where a key stakeholder (client or contractor) is resistant to a proposed design solution or process change.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this will be rigorous, focusing heavily on practical experience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases tangible results and a structured approach to design management is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: While not directly using CAD, a strong understanding of its output and capabilities is essential. Familiarity with platforms like AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, or Bentley Systems products (MicroStation) would be beneficial.

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

• Document Management Systems (DMS): Experience with platforms like Aconex, Procore, or similar systems used for managing project documentation, submittals, and communication on large construction projects.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or specialized project collaboration software for real-time communication and information sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• DMS Reporting Modules: Utilizing built-in reporting features of document management systems to track design review progress, RFI logs, and submittal status.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced use of Microsoft Excel for data analysis, tracking metrics, and creating custom reports on design progress, risks, and variations.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools (Potentially): Familiarity with BI tools like Power BI or Tableau could be an advantage for creating dashboards to visualize project design status and KPIs.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how client requirements are captured and managed is key. Familiarity with systems that track client interactions and project requirements would be helpful.

• Automation within design processes might involve understanding how BIM or other digital tools can automate clash detection, quantity take-offs, or other repetitive tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Design Manager on mega-projects is heavily weighted towards project management and document control systems critical for managing vast amounts of information and complex workflows. While direct hands-on use of design software might be limited, understanding its role and output is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A strong commitment to engineering quality, accuracy, and adherence to international standards.

• Collaboration: Fostering an environment where different disciplines work together seamlessly, sharing knowledge and resolving issues collectively.

• Integrity & Safety: Upholding the highest ethical standards and prioritizing the safety and integrity of all engineering deliverables and project components.

• Innovation & Sustainability: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to create intelligent, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, aligning with Egis's core mission.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client requirements, delivering value, and building strong, long-term relationships.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, from team management to design review outcomes, and driving projects to successful completion.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands a highly integrated collaboration style, working closely with project managers, construction teams, procurement, commercial departments, and client representatives. Open and regular communication is key.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging a culture where design processes are regularly reviewed, feedback is openly exchanged, and continuous improvement is sought.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where engineers and team members share best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights to elevate the overall capability of the team and project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Egis's emphasis on sustainability and resilience, combined with its global presence and focus on mega-projects, suggests a culture that values a blend of technical rigor, forward-thinking innovation, and strong ethical principles. Collaboration is likely viewed as essential for navigating the complexities of large-scale infrastructure development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the often-conflicting requirements and priorities of clients, contractors, regulatory bodies, and internal teams on mega-projects.

• Ensuring Contractual Conformance: Diligently reviewing designs against complex contractual obligations, specifications, and standards, often under tight deadlines.

• Coordinating Multiple Disciplines: Effectively managing the interfaces and interdependencies between numerous engineering disciplines (e.g., structural, MEP, architectural, geotechnical) to ensure a cohesive design.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Addressing unforeseen technical challenges that arise during the design phase, requiring innovative and practical solutions.

• Team Management and Development: Leading a large, potentially multicultural team of engineers, ensuring consistent performance, technical growth, and adherence to project standards.

• Adopting New Technologies: Integrating new design tools, BIM, or digital workflows into established project processes, managing resistance to change.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Mega-Projects: Gaining invaluable experience managing the design of iconic, large-scale infrastructure projects that shape urban landscapes.

• Advanced Project Management: Developing sophisticated skills in managing complex project lifecycles, risk, and stakeholder relations within a high-stakes environment.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills by managing large technical teams and influencing project direction.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to industry events, workshops, and specialized training programs to stay abreast of the latest engineering practices, technologies, and regional regulations.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Egis Group, offering insights into strategic decision-making and career progression.

• Specialization in Sustainable Design: Deepening expertise in sustainable engineering and resilient infrastructure development, aligning with Egis's core values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to mega-project environments, demanding resilience, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities are significant, offering pathways to higher leadership roles and specialized expertise within a globally recognized firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design review process for a complex infrastructure project. What are the key stages and your role in each?" (Focus on structured processes, contractual adherence, and risk identification.)

• "How do you ensure effective coordination and integration between multiple engineering disciplines (e.g., structural, MEP, architectural) on a large-scale project?" (Highlight communication protocols, clash detection, and collaborative tools.)

• "Tell me about a time you had to manage a significant design variation or change order. What was the situation, how did you assess its impact, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate analytical skills, cost-benefit assessment, and negotiation abilities.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Egis Group and our work in sustainable infrastructure development?" (Research Egis's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly in the Middle East.)

• "How do you ensure your team aligns with project goals and company values, especially concerning sustainability and client satisfaction?" (Connect your leadership style to Egis's stated values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an executive summary of your most impactful mega-project experience. Then, dive into 2-3 detailed case studies.

• Case Study Framework: For each case study, clearly define: Project Type & Scale, Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges (Technical/Process/Stakeholder), Your Strategy & Actions (Design Review, Coordination, Risk Management), Outcome & Impact (Quantifiable results if possible).

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, flowcharts, or simplified drawings to illustrate complex processes or interfaces. Avoid overwhelming with excessive detail.

• Conciseness: Practice your presentation to ensure it fits within the allocated time, focusing on the most critical aspects of your contributions. Be ready to answer in-depth questions on any part of your portfolio.

• Middle East Context: Explicitly mention how your experience in the region informs your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a robust understanding of design management principles within the context of large, complex projects, with a specific emphasis on the Middle East market and Egis's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

📌 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, specific mega-project involvement (naming them if possible), and any Middle East project experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "Technical Design Review," "Mega Projects," "Cross-Discipline Coordination," "Risk Management," and "Stakeholder Engagement."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your experience in managing design reviews and multidisciplinary teams on large-scale projects. Focus on demonstrating process, impact, and problem-solving.

• Research Egis: Familiarize yourself with Egis Group's global presence, their mission regarding sustainable development, and their key projects, especially in the Middle East. Understand their values and approach to engineering.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common interview questions, focusing on your experience with mega-projects, leadership style, technical problem-solving, and stakeholder management, particularly in a Middle Eastern context. Be ready to present your portfolio effectively.

⚠️ 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.