Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Company: Mace Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Job Type: Full-time Category: Construction & Project Management / Design Operations Date Posted: 22 November 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years Postgraduate Experience Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the coordination of design activities to achieve business plan objectives, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budget constraints.
• Lead and mentor a team of design management professionals, guiding their daily activities and fostering a high-performance culture within project teams.
• Act as a key liaison between diverse stakeholders, ensuring all project briefs and evolving requirements are meticulously captured and integrated throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide essential operational support for design processes, maintaining robust governance and management systems to ensure project integrity and compliance.
• Analyze and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and management review data, presenting actionable insights to stakeholders to inform strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into project coordination, operational support, and stakeholder management within a construction context. This suggests the role requires a blend of design oversight and robust project operations execution, particularly for large-scale, high-profile projects like stadiums and event venues. The emphasis on KPIs, governance, and operational support aligns with a Revenue Operations or Project Operations function within a large consultancy or construction firm.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate comprehensive design activities, ensuring alignment with overarching business plans, project milestones, and budgetary controls.
• Lead and guide the daily operations of design management resources, fostering efficient workflows and collaborative team dynamics.
• Ensure all project briefs from various stakeholders are clearly defined, understood, and successfully integrated into the design deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide critical operational support for design processes, including the implementation and maintenance of robust governance frameworks and management systems.
• Analyze and present Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and management review data, translating complex information into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders.
• Contribute to business development and work-winning initiatives by showcasing design management expertise and project delivery capabilities.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination and timely delivery of integrated project components.
• Champion sustainability initiatives and drive the achievement of net-zero carbon goals within all design processes and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process execution, stakeholder alignment, and performance measurement, which are core to operations roles. The inclusion of "operational support" and "governance and management systems" further solidifies this operational aspect of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject (e.g., Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management) is essential.

Experience:

• A minimum of 12+ years of postgraduate professional experience in design management, project coordination, or a related field is essential.
• Proven experience in managing design for stadiums, major events, or sports venues is a mandatory requirement.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to oversee and coordinate complex design processes from inception to completion.
• Project Coordination: Expertise in managing multiple workstreams, timelines, and resource allocation to ensure project success.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong capability in liaising with diverse internal and external stakeholders, managing expectations, and ensuring alignment.
• Operational Support: Experience in providing practical operational support for project delivery, including process implementation and system maintenance.
• Governance & Compliance: Understanding and application of governance frameworks and management systems within project environments.
• KPI Analysis & Reporting: Proficiency in analyzing Key Performance Indicators and presenting data-driven insights to stakeholders.
• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Demonstrated ability to lead, guide, and develop design teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Sustainability Championing: Commitment to integrating sustainability principles and driving net-zero carbon goals into design processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered or professional membership (e.g., RIBA, ICE, RICS, PMI) is advantageous.
• Experience in international project delivery, particularly in the Middle East.
• Familiarity with advanced design software and project management platforms.
• Business development acumen and experience in proposal development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "12+ years postgraduate professional experience" and specific sector experience (stadiums, events) indicates a senior-level operational role, requiring strategic thinking and proven execution capabilities. The inclusion of "governance and management systems" and "operational support" points towards a need for process orientation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documentation showcasing successful coordination of design activities for large-scale projects, particularly stadiums or major event venues.
• Case studies demonstrating effective stakeholder engagement and requirements management throughout project lifecycles.
• Examples of implemented governance and management systems used to ensure project compliance and operational efficiency.
• Evidence of KPI analysis and reporting, illustrating how data was used to drive project decisions and outcomes.
• Documentation of contributions to business development and work-winning initiatives, highlighting strategic input.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed workflows for design coordination and integration with construction phases.
• Methodologies for managing stakeholder requirements and design revisions.
• Frameworks for establishing and maintaining project governance and operational management systems.
• Protocols for KPI tracking, data analysis, and performance reporting to senior management and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with significant operational responsibilities, a portfolio demonstrating process management, stakeholder alignment, and data-driven decision-making is crucial. This section outlines the types of evidence candidates should prepare to showcase their operational execution capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the senior experience level (12+ years postgraduate), specialized industry experience (stadiums/events), and location (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), a competitive salary package is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with similar profiles in major construction projects in Saudi Arabia, the estimated annual base salary range would typically fall between SAR 450,000 to SAR 700,000 (approximately USD 120,000 to USD 186,000). This range does not include potential bonuses, allowances (housing, transport, education), or other benefits.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employee and dependents.
• Relocation assistance and support for expatriate employees.
• Housing and transportation allowances.
• Annual leave and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Contribution to retirement or social security schemes as per local regulations.
• Life insurance coverage.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, often spread over 5 days.
• Due to the nature of large-scale project delivery, there may be an expectation for flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines and critical milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on research for senior construction and project management roles in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, considering the significant experience and specialized sector requirements. Benefits are typical for international assignments in the region within large multinational corporations like Mace.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Engineering Consultancy Company Size: Mace is a global company with over 6,000 employees, indicating a large, established organization with significant project portfolios and established operational structures. Founded: Mace was founded in 1990, signifying decades of experience in delivering complex projects worldwide.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project management or operations team, reporting to a Project Director or Senior Operations Manager.
• The role involves leading a team of design management resources, implying direct reports and responsibility for their performance and development.
• Close collaboration with various internal departments (e.g., Project Controls, Commercial, Health & Safety) and external entities (clients, consultants, contractors) is expected.

Methodology:

• Mace emphasizes a project delivery methodology that integrates consultancy expertise with construction execution, focusing on unlocking potential and redefining boundaries.
• The company's values (Safety First, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity) strongly influence its operational approach, prioritizing safety, client satisfaction, ethical conduct, and employee development.
• A data-driven approach to performance management, evidenced by the KPI analysis responsibility, is integral to their operational framework.

Company Website: https://careers.macegroup.com/gb/en

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's established presence and global scale suggest a structured operational environment with defined processes and a strong emphasis on corporate values, which are critical for candidates seeking roles in operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design operations function of a major project. It requires a blend of technical design oversight and strong operational management capabilities, positioning it as a key contributor to project success and business objectives.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a senior project leader (e.g., Project Director, Programme Manager) and is responsible for managing a team of design management professionals. This structure allows for direct influence on project strategy and execution.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring that project designs are not only technically sound but also delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget. Their operational oversight directly impacts project profitability, client satisfaction, and the company's reputation for delivering complex, high-profile projects. Success in this role can lead to greater project leadership opportunities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Leadership: Progression to Project Director or Programme Manager roles, overseeing larger and more complex multi-disciplinary projects.
• Operational Specialization: Transition into broader operational leadership roles within Mace, focusing on optimizing delivery processes across multiple projects or business units.
• International Assignments: Opportunities to lead design operations for major projects in other global locations where Mace operates.
• Expertise Development: Deepening specialization in specific areas like sustainable design, digital construction, or event venue design management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path clearly indicates progression from a specialized management role to broader project or operational leadership, aligning with typical growth trajectories for experienced operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a dynamic work environment that combines office-based project coordination and stakeholder management with potential site visits to understand project progress and challenges firsthand. The project is focused on major sporting events, suggesting a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Office Location(s): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This location is central to significant development projects, offering exposure to a rapidly evolving infrastructure landscape.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, requiring close interaction with project teams, clients, and consultants.
• Access to project management software, design tools, and communication platforms will be essential for efficient workflow management.
• The environment will demand adaptability and resilience, given the scale and high visibility of the projects involved.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday, is the baseline.
• However, given the demands of major project delivery, especially around critical milestones or event preparations, flexibility and a willingness to work extended hours or weekends may be required to meet deadlines and ensure successful outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and project focus suggest a demanding but rewarding environment where operational efficiency is paramount to success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the essential qualifications and experience, particularly the 12+ years and stadium/event experience.
• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior project lead, focusing on your background, experience in design management, project coordination, and leadership capabilities. Expect behavioral questions related to stakeholder management and problem-solving.
• Technical/Case Study Interview: This stage may involve a deep dive into your experience with specific projects, or a case study related to design coordination challenges, stakeholder conflict resolution, or KPI analysis. Your portfolio will be a key discussion point here.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or client representative, focusing on strategic fit, cultural alignment with Mace's values, and overall suitability for leading high-profile projects.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that directly demonstrate experience in stadium/event design management and large-scale construction projects.
• Highlight Operational Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role in coordinating design activities, managing stakeholders, implementing governance, and using KPIs to drive outcomes. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence).
• Showcase Process: Include examples of your process documentation, such as workflow charts for design approvals, stakeholder communication plans, or KPI dashboards.
• Demonstrate Leadership: Include evidence of team leadership, mentoring, and fostering collaboration.
• Tailor to Mace: Research Mace's values and current projects; subtly align your portfolio presentation with their strategic goals, such as sustainability and net-zero carbon targets.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach complex design coordination challenges, manage conflicting stakeholder demands, or improve design process efficiency.
• Practice articulating your approach to managing project risks related to design, and how you use data and KPIs to monitor and mitigate them.
• Prepare examples of how you have championed sustainability or net-zero carbon initiatives in previous roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior operations-focused role like this will heavily scrutinize practical experience and demonstrated ability to manage complex processes and stakeholders, making the portfolio review critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard platforms such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Oracle Aconex, or similar for project scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.
• Design Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like BIM 360, Autodesk Construction Cloud, or similar for managing Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes, design reviews, and document control.
• Communication & Collaboration Tools: Expertise in Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and email for effective stakeholder communication and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• ERP/Financial Systems: Familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems for budget tracking and cost management (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Power BI, Tableau, or Excel for creating dashboards and presenting KPIs and management review data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding CRM principles for client relationship management and stakeholder tracking can be beneficial.
• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or methodologies that can streamline design approval processes or reporting tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in project management and design collaboration tools is essential for this role, reflecting the operational demands of coordinating complex projects. The ability to leverage data visualization tools for reporting on KPIs is also a key operational skill.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A deep commitment to ensuring a safe working environment for all team members and adherence to all health and safety regulations.
• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations through high-quality deliverables and strong relationship management.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, ensuring fiscal and legislative compliance, and making sound, responsible decisions.
• Create Opportunity: Actively mentoring, coaching, and developing team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and personal growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A proactive approach to collaborating with diverse project teams (commercial, technical, site operations) and external partners to achieve unified project goals.
• Process-Oriented Communication: Clear, concise, and data-backed communication to facilitate efficient decision-making and problem-solving.
• Feedback Culture: Encouraging open feedback loops within the team and with stakeholders to drive continuous process improvement and learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's explicitly stated values are critical for cultural fit. Candidates should demonstrate how their operational approach aligns with these values, particularly in how they manage teams, engage clients, and ensure integrity in project delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse and often conflicting demands of numerous stakeholders on high-profile projects.
• Complex Design Coordination: Ensuring seamless integration of design elements across multiple disciplines in large-scale, intricate projects like stadiums.
• Driving Sustainability Goals: Translating net-zero carbon targets and sustainability principles into practical design solutions and project execution.
• Adapting to Project Dynamics: Navigating the fast-paced and often unpredictable nature of major event-related construction projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Pursuing further qualifications in project management or specific construction disciplines.
• Leadership Development Programs: Engaging in Mace's internal leadership training to enhance management and strategic planning skills.
• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of the latest advancements in design technology, sustainable construction, and project delivery methodologies through industry events and continuous learning.
• Mentorship: Benefiting from and contributing to mentorship programs within Mace, fostering knowledge transfer and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding these challenges and growth avenues is crucial for candidates to assess their fit and development potential within the role and the company's operations framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed conflicting design requirements from multiple high-profile stakeholders. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on stakeholder management, negotiation, and process resolution.)
• "How would you implement and monitor KPIs to ensure design activities are on track for a major stadium project, considering budget and timeline constraints?" (Focus on operational metrics, data analysis, and proactive management.)
• "Walk me through your process for ensuring design compliance with sustainability and net-zero carbon targets on a large construction project." (Focus on process integration, technical knowledge, and strategic implementation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Mace's values (Safety First, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity) align with your approach to managing design operations?" (Prepare specific examples for each value.)
• "Describe your experience leading and developing multidisciplinary design teams. How do you foster a collaborative and high-performance culture?" (Focus on leadership style and team development.)
• "What is your understanding of the operational challenges in delivering major sporting venues, and how would you mitigate them?" (Demonstrate industry insight and operational foresight.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each key project, clearly state the project type, your role, the core challenge, your operational approach, the key stakeholders involved, and the quantifiable results achieved.
• Emphasize Process & Data: Highlight specific processes you implemented for coordination, governance, and reporting. Showcase how you used KPIs to track progress and make informed decisions.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate success – e.g., "Reduced design review cycles by 15%," "Ensured on-time delivery of critical design packages, saving X weeks on the critical path," "Managed a design budget of Y, achieving Z% efficiency."
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your contributions, the tools you used, and the rationale behind your decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on translating the job description's operational requirements into concrete examples of past performance, demonstrating strategic thinking and execution capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Mace careers portal, ensuring your CV is up-to-date and highlights your relevant experience.
• Tailor your CV and cover letter: Emphasize your 12+ years of postgraduate experience, specific stadium/event/sports venue project experience, and your ability to manage design operations, coordinate activities, engage stakeholders, and analyze KPIs.
• Prepare your portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest projects that best showcase your design management, project coordination, and operational leadership skills, with a focus on quantifiable achievements and process documentation.
• Research Mace: Understand the company's values, recent projects, and strategic goals, particularly regarding sustainability and large-scale developments in the Middle East.
• Practice interview responses: Rehearse answers to potential interview questions, focusing on using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear, concise, and impactful examples of your operational expertise.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly salary and benefits, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the interview process.