Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager
Company: JLL
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Construction & Real Estate Operations
Date Posted: 2025-10-06
Experience Level: 7-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end design management process for complex construction projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives and operational efficiency.
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, including architects and engineers, to foster cohesive and buildable design solutions.
• Implement rigorous design quality control and compliance checks against project specifications, building codes, and industry standards.
• Drive strategic communication and collaboration through facilitated design workshops and stakeholder reviews to ensure project buy-in and mitigate risks.
• Manage the design change management process, meticulously evaluating cost and schedule implications to maintain project financial health and timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities and qualifications clearly indicate a role within the construction and real estate operations domain, focusing on the strategic and managerial aspects of the design lifecycle within large-scale projects. This role requires a blend of technical design understanding and project management acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design management lifecycle for diverse construction projects, from initial concept development through to final project completion, with a strong emphasis on buildability and client requirement fulfillment.
• Orchestrate the activities of external design consultants, architects, and engineers, ensuring seamless integration and delivery of unified design outcomes.
• Conduct thorough reviews and validations of all design documentation to guarantee adherence to project specifications, prevailing regulations, and established JLL standards.
• Proactively organize and lead design workshops and formal review sessions with all relevant project stakeholders, fostering transparency and collaborative problem-solving.
• Administer the design change management protocol, meticulously assessing and documenting the financial and temporal impacts of proposed modifications.
• Partner with clients to develop and refine comprehensive design programs and project briefs, ensuring a clear roadmap for design execution.
• Guarantee the timely generation and distribution of all design packages, critical for enabling subsequent construction phases to commence without delay.
• Proactively identify potential design-related risks and meticulously develop and implement effective mitigation strategies to safeguard project objectives.
• Establish and maintain robust design quality control systems throughout the entire project lifecycle, ensuring consistent high standards.
• Act as a key liaison between the design and construction teams, facilitating effective communication to resolve technical challenges and ensure smooth project progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive and strategic approach to design management, requiring a candidate who can not only manage but also critically evaluate and influence design outcomes to ensure they meet both aesthetic and operational requirements within budget and schedule constraints.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field.
Experience: 7-10 years of progressive experience specifically in design management for construction projects, demonstrating a clear career progression within the field.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage the entire design process for construction projects, from inception to completion.
• Construction Methodologies: Deep understanding of various construction techniques, materials, and buildability principles to ensure practical and efficient design solutions.
• Building Codes & Standards: Comprehensive knowledge of local and international building codes, safety regulations, and industry-specific standards relevant to projects in Saudi Arabia.
• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to coordinate and communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and internal teams.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the capability to articulate complex technical design concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify design challenges and develop effective, practical solutions.
• Conflict Resolution: Demonstrated skill in mediating and resolving disputes or disagreements among project teams and stakeholders.
• Design Documentation Software Proficiency: Familiarity with industry-standard design and construction documentation software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, BIM platforms, project management software).

Preferred Skills:

• Sustainable Design Principles: Experience with and understanding of sustainable design practices, certifications (e.g., LEED), and their integration into project designs.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): Certification indicating a strong foundation in project management methodologies.
• Professional Architect (AIA) or equivalent: Licensure or professional designation demonstrating advanced expertise in architectural design and practice.
• LEED AP: Accreditation signifying expertise in green building design and practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for professional certifications like PMP, AIA, and LEED AP suggests that JLL values formalized expertise and a commitment to industry best practices. Candidates with these credentials will likely be viewed favorably, especially if they can demonstrate practical application of these principles in their previous roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 significant construction projects managed, detailing the scope of design responsibilities, key challenges encountered, and the solutions implemented.
• Design Process Documentation: Provide examples of how you have documented and managed design processes, including brief development, design reviews, and change order management.
• Stakeholder Management Examples: Illustrate instances where you successfully managed diverse stakeholder expectations and facilitated consensus on design decisions.
• Problem Resolution Examples: Highlight specific instances where you identified and resolved complex design or construction-related technical challenges.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in developing and implementing structured design management processes, including workflow design for design reviews, approvals, and information exchange.
• Showcase your approach to integrating design processes with construction timelines and operational requirements, ensuring a seamless transition from design to build phases.
• Provide evidence of how you establish metrics for design quality, timeliness, and compliance, and how you use this data for continuous process improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is critical. It should not just list projects but tell a story of how the candidate managed the design lifecycle, showcasing their strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver successful outcomes within complex project environments. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrable results and process adherence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 7-10 years of experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the estimated annual salary range is SAR 250,000 - SAR 380,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, the complexity of projects managed, and JLL's internal compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision for employees and potentially dependents.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions or options for a pension or provident fund, aligned with Saudi Arabian labor laws.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays as per Saudi labor regulations.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications (e.g., PMP, LEED), and attendance at industry conferences to enhance skills in design management and construction.
• Performance Bonuses: Potential for discretionary bonuses based on individual and company performance.
• Relocation Assistance: If applicable, support for candidates relocating to Riyadh.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with potential for occasional overtime during critical project phases. Flexibility may be offered based on project demands and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on research of similar roles in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, considering factors like experience level, industry (real estate/construction services), and typical compensation structures for international firms. Actual compensation will be determined by JLL's specific pay scales and negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Services and Investment Management. JLL operates globally, providing a wide range of services including property management, leasing, capital markets, and project management. Company Size: JLL is a large, multinational corporation with over 100,000 employees globally. This means access to extensive resources, established processes, and a broad network of professionals. Founded: JLL was founded in 1783, signifying a long history of stability, expertise, and adaptation within the real estate industry.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of JLL's Project and Development Services (PDS) division, which manages construction and development projects for clients.
• The team structure is typically hierarchical, with clear reporting lines to senior project directors or country heads.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with project managers, construction managers, architects, engineers, procurement specialists, and client representatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: JLL emphasizes using data analytics to inform strategic decisions, optimize project performance, and provide clients with actionable insights.
• Client-Centric Approach: A core methodology involves understanding client needs deeply and tailoring services to achieve their specific business objectives.
• Global Best Practices: JLL leverages its international presence to implement and adapt global best practices in project management, design, and construction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: JLL's global presence and long history indicate a stable yet dynamic work environment that values expertise, innovation, and client service. The scale of the organization offers significant opportunities for professional development and exposure to diverse, high-profile projects, particularly in emerging markets like Saudi Arabia.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior management level within the operations framework of construction and real estate development. It requires a blend of technical design expertise and robust project management capabilities, indicating a key contributor role with significant responsibility. The scope extends beyond mere execution to strategic input on design direction and risk mitigation. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Senior Project Director or Head of Project Management within JLL's regional operations. They will, in turn, manage and guide a team of design consultants, architects, and engineers assigned to specific projects. This structure facilitates oversight and ensures alignment with broader organizational and client objectives. Operations Impact: The Design Manager directly influences project outcomes by ensuring designs are aligned with client business goals, are constructible, cost-effective, and meet regulatory and quality standards. Their work is fundamental to the successful execution of real estate projects, impacting client satisfaction, project profitability, and JLL's reputation for delivering high-quality developments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership Roles: Progression to roles such as Senior Design Manager, Director of Design Management, or Head of Project Development Services within JLL, potentially managing larger portfolios or regional operations.
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like sustainable design, BIM implementation, or complex project typologies (e.g., healthcare, hospitality).
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into broader project management, development management, or client relationship management roles, leveraging a holistic understanding of the real estate lifecycle.
• International Assignments: Potential for roles in other JLL global offices, offering exposure to different markets and project types.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for advancement within JLL's extensive global structure. The emphasis on strategic oversight and stakeholder management prepares individuals for higher-level leadership positions. Growth is likely to be tied to successful project delivery and the development of strong client relationships.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, indicating a need for physical presence at project sites, client offices, and JLL's local operational hub. This suggests a dynamic environment that blends office-based strategic planning with on-the-ground project oversight. Office Location(s): Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is a rapidly developing economic center with numerous large-scale construction and real estate projects. JLL's presence in Riyadh likely includes modern office facilities and direct access to project locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The JLL Riyadh office likely serves as a central point for project teams to convene, strategize, and coordinate. Expect a professional environment with shared workspaces designed for collaboration.
• Technology-Enabled: Access to JLL's suite of project management software, communication tools, and design platforms will be essential for daily operations.
• Project Site Integration: Significant time will be spent visiting active construction sites, requiring an understanding of site safety protocols and the ability to work effectively in diverse field conditions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, aligning with business hours in Saudi Arabia. However, the nature of construction project management often requires flexibility, with potential needs to attend site meetings or address urgent design issues outside of regular hours, especially during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role in Riyadh is crucial. It implies a hands-on management style, requiring regular interaction with project teams, consultants, and construction sites. Candidates should be prepared for a demanding but rewarding environment where direct oversight and engagement are key to project success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager to explore your experience in design management, project examples, and understanding of construction processes. Expect questions on how you handle challenges, manage teams, and ensure design quality.
• Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio, detailing a complex design challenge you managed, your approach, and the outcome. This will assess your problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and communication clarity.
• Stakeholder/Team Interview: Interviews with key team members, potentially including senior project directors or client representatives, to evaluate cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to integrate into the JLL team.
• Final Interview: A concluding discussion, possibly with senior leadership, to finalize an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose projects that best demonstrate your leadership in design management, problem-solving capabilities, and successful project outcomes. Focus on complexity, scale, and innovation.
• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the design solutions implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, client satisfaction).
• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps chronologically or by project type. Use clear headings, concise descriptions, and visual aids (drawings, renders, site photos) where appropriate.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your systematic approach to design management, including how you handled stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and quality control.
• Tailor to JLL: Research JLL's recent projects and values. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to align with their strategic priorities and operational methodologies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical design challenges related to constructability, budget constraints, regulatory changes, or conflicting stakeholder requirements.
• Articulate PM Methodologies: Understand and be ready to discuss how you integrate design management with broader project management frameworks (e.g., PMP principles).
• Demonstrate Communication: Practice explaining complex technical details and project strategies clearly and concisely, as you might need to present to diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus heavily on practical application of design management principles. Candidates should be prepared to go beyond theoretical knowledge and provide concrete examples of their experience, supported by a well-structured portfolio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Proficiency with Building Information Modeling (BIM) software such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or similar platforms for design coordination, clash detection, and visualization.
• CAD Software: Strong familiarity with AutoCAD and other Computer-Aided Design tools for reviewing and understanding technical drawings.
• Project Management Software: Experience with JLL's potential standard platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Procore, or similar for scheduling, task management, and progress tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Usage of tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or JLL's internal communication systems for team coordination and information sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools for analyzing project data, including cost reports, schedule variances, and design compliance metrics.
• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating and interpreting project dashboards that visualize key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design progress and quality.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design impacts client relationships and project pipelines is beneficial. Experience with client management systems may be a plus.
• Document Management Systems: Proficiency with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation, ensuring version control and accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong technical aptitude with industry-standard design and project management software is essential. The ability to leverage technology for efficient collaboration, data analysis, and process automation will be a key differentiator. Familiarity with BIM is increasingly critical for modern construction projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, consultants, and project teams, aligning with JLL's global reputation.
• Excellence: A commitment to delivering superior quality in design management and project execution, striving for best-in-class outcomes.
• Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective success is prioritized over individual achievement.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance design and construction processes.
• Client Focus: Placing the client's needs and objectives at the forefront of all decisions and actions, aiming to exceed expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking out and engaging with project stakeholders to ensure alignment and address potential issues early.
• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent and consistent communication channels, encouraging feedback and constructive dialogue.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with construction, procurement, and finance teams to ensure design decisions are integrated with overall project strategy and operational efficiency.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of learning by sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned from design management experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: JLL's values emphasize professionalism, client satisfaction, and collaborative problem-solving. Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with these principles, showcasing how they contribute to a positive and productive team environment focused on delivering exceptional results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements of clients, regulatory bodies, and internal JLL teams.
• Managing Design Scope Creep: Controlling project scope to prevent uncontrolled expansion that can impact budget and timelines, requiring strong change management protocols.
• Ensuring Constructability on Challenging Sites: Addressing site-specific constraints, local labor conditions, and material availability to ensure designs are practical and executable.
• Adapting to Evolving Regulations and Technologies: Staying current with changes in building codes, sustainability standards, and new design/construction technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Construction Training: Access to JLL's internal training programs and external courses to deepen expertise in areas like advanced BIM, sustainable building technologies, and international construction practices.
• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone management and leadership skills through JLL's dedicated programs, preparing for senior roles.
• Industry Certifications Support: Financial and logistical support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications (PMP, LEED AP, etc.).
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by experienced JLL leaders or to mentor junior team members, fostering knowledge transfer and professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a dynamic market like Saudi Arabia. The emphasis on continuous learning and development ensures that individuals can stay at the forefront of the industry and advance their careers within JLL.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully managed a complex design change that had significant cost and schedule implications. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.)
• "How do you ensure that design solutions are not only aesthetically pleasing but also constructible and cost-effective in a market like Saudi Arabia?" (Highlight your understanding of local context, buildability, and value engineering.)
• "Walk us through your process for managing a team of diverse design consultants to achieve a unified project vision." (Emphasize your leadership, coordination, and communication strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about JLL's work in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, and how does your experience align with our project portfolio?" (Research JLL's recent projects in the region.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with construction teams to ensure a smooth handover from design to execution?" (Demonstrate your understanding of the design-build interface and your proactive communication style.)
• "Describe a situation where you had to resolve a conflict between different project stakeholders regarding a design decision." (Showcase your conflict resolution skills and ability to find mutually agreeable solutions.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project presented, frame it as a narrative. Start with the client's objective, describe the challenges, detail your strategic design management approach, present the solutions, and conclude with the measurable results and lessons learned.
• Visual Aids: Use high-quality visuals (renderings, drawings, site photos, process diagrams) to illustrate key points. Keep text on slides concise and focus on verbal explanation.
• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate impact (e.g., % cost savings, % schedule improvement, number of design reviews conducted, reduction in RFIs).
• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities and contributions, differentiating them from the broader project team's efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will be highly beneficial for behavioral questions. For the portfolio presentation, focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a clear understanding of how design impacts project success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the JLL careers portal via the provided link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in design management for construction projects, emphasizing your 7-10 years of experience, specific project types, and key responsibilities that align with the job description. Use keywords such as "Design Management," "Construction Projects," "Stakeholder Management," "Building Codes," and "BIM."
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant projects. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the project scope, your role, challenges, solutions, and measurable outcomes. Be ready to present these effectively.
• Research JLL: Familiarize yourself with JLL's global operations, their work in Saudi Arabia, and their company values. Understand their approach to project and development services.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions related to design management, project execution, team leadership, and problem-solving, using specific examples from your 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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