Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager
Company: Mace
Location: Riyadh, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
Job Type: Full-time, Regular
Category: Project Management / Design Operations
Date Posted: 2025-08-22
Experience Level: 10+ Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end design process for major sports stadium and associated projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and client briefs.
• Drive operational efficiency and business improvement through effective design management systems and proactive stakeholder engagement.
• Lead and mentor design management teams, fostering a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement in all project phases.
• Coordinate seamlessly with construction, commercial, program, and procurement functions to ensure integrated project delivery and adherence to contractual standards.
• Provide critical operational support and present key performance indicators (KPIs) to stakeholders, facilitating data-driven decision-making and continuous project enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Design Manager in this context extends beyond traditional design oversight. It encompasses significant operational responsibilities, focusing on the management of design processes as a core operational function. The emphasis on coordinating with multiple departments (construction, commercial, procurement) and driving business improvement highlights its strategic operational impact. The requirement for KPI presentation underscores the data-driven nature of this operations role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain robust design management systems, ensuring strict compliance with Mace's business, legal, and contractual standards.
• Proactively drive change initiatives and business improvement strategies within the design function to deliver tangible added value for clients.
• Lead and coordinate all design phases of major sports stadium projects, ensuring effective integration with construction, commercial, programme, and procurement teams.
• Execute elements of the annual business plan, consistently meeting project deadlines, budget targets, and quality benchmarks.
• Direct the daily activities of design management teams, ensuring the delivery of high-quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
• Guarantee that all stakeholder briefs and project requirements are comprehensively met and incorporated throughout the design lifecycle.
• Provide essential operational support and guidance to deployed design management resources, ensuring their effectiveness and adherence to Mace standards.
• Prepare and present Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and performance data to stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making and strategic adjustments.
• Actively support business development efforts by contributing to work-winning activities, including proposal development and client engagement.
• Cultivate strong, collaborative stakeholder relationships and leverage internal knowledge networks to foster continuous improvement in design and project delivery operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed indicate a strong focus on operational management within the design domain. This includes system management, process improvement, team leadership, and performance reporting, all critical components of effective operations. The role requires a blend of technical design understanding and robust managerial and operational execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering from a recognized institution.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in design management, with a significant portion dedicated to handling the design process for stadium projects or other large-scale, complex infrastructure developments.
• Proven track record in managing design lifecycle, including conceptualization, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and site support.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in managing all facets of the design process, from initiation to completion, ensuring quality, compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including clients, contractors, consultants, and internal teams, effectively managing expectations and communication.
• Construction Coordination: Deep understanding of the interplay between design and construction, with the ability to coordinate effectively with construction, commercial, procurement, and program management teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Business Improvement: Demonstrated capability to identify opportunities for process optimization, drive change, and implement business improvements that deliver added value to clients and the organization.
• Project Delivery: Strong experience in overseeing the delivery of complex projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards, with a focus on operational efficiency.
• Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage design management teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Adaptability & Proactivity: A flexible and proactive approach to work, with the ability to anticipate challenges, adapt to changing project requirements, and take initiative.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design and operational concepts clearly to various audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Operational Support: Experience in providing operational support for deployed resources and ensuring the smooth functioning of design management processes.
• KPI Presentation: Proficiency in developing and presenting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and performance data to stakeholders for strategic decision-making.
• Client Focus: A strong commitment to client satisfaction, understanding their needs and ensuring deliverables consistently meet or exceed expectations.
• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of integrity and ensuring compliance with all business, legal, and contractual obligations.
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset geared towards continuous learning and improvement, seeking out best practices and implementing them within the team and processes.
• Budget Management: Experience in managing project design budgets and controlling costs effectively.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design-related risks throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level and specific project type (stadiums) suggest a need for seasoned professionals adept at managing high-stakes, complex projects. The emphasis on adaptability, proactivity, and strong communication points to the need for individuals who can navigate dynamic environments and collaborate effectively across diverse teams, which is typical for senior operations and project management roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of two comprehensive case studies detailing the management of the design process for significant stadium or large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of design management systems, including implementation, maintenance, and compliance with business and contractual standards.
• Highlight your approach to driving business improvement and delivering added value through optimized design processes and resource management.
• Illustrate your experience in coordinating design phases with construction, commercial, programme, and procurement teams, emphasizing integrated project delivery.
• Present evidence of your leadership in managing design teams, including examples of quality assurance and timely output delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of process documentation related to design phase coordination, stakeholder brief management, and operational support for design resources.
• Include documentation illustrating the development and presentation of KPIs and performance data to stakeholders for decision-making.
• Detail your methodology for ensuring compliance with business, legal, and contractual standards within design management systems.
• Showcase your approach to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and implementing best practices within design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, particularly one involving large-scale projects, a portfolio demonstrating end-to-end design process management, cross-functional coordination, and operational efficiency is crucial. The ability to articulate process improvements and present data-driven insights (KPIs) will be key indicators of success in this operations-centric role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: SAR 34,000 - SAR 44,000 per month.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and potentially dependents.
• Paid time off, including annual leave and public holidays, in line with Saudi Arabian labor law.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications relevant to design management and project delivery.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates relocating to Saudi Arabia.
• Support for visa acquisition and processing for employment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Access to Mace's global network and resources, fostering career growth and knowledge sharing.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Flexibility may be required to meet project demands, including occasional work outside standard hours or on weekends, especially during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is SAR 34,000 - SAR 44,000 per month. This range is considered competitive for a senior Design Manager role in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, particularly within the construction and project delivery sector, given the project's scale and complexity. Benefits typically include health insurance, leave entitlements, and professional development opportunities, standard for multinational corporations like Mace.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction and Consultancy Services, specializing in large-scale infrastructure and sports facilities. Company Size: Mace is a global company with a significant workforce, indicating a structured organizational environment with established processes and a diverse talent pool. Founded: Mace was founded in 1990, bringing decades of experience and a strong reputation in the construction and consultancy industry.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project management or delivery team, potentially overseeing a dedicated design management sub-team.
• Reporting structure would typically be to a Project Director or Programme Manager, with dotted-line reporting to functional heads within Mace.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close working relationships with construction managers, commercial managers, procurement specialists, HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) officers, and client representatives.

Methodology:

• Mace emphasizes a data-driven approach to project management and design, utilizing KPIs and performance metrics to guide decisions and ensure continuous improvement.
• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, with a focus on efficient design processes, timely coordination, and risk mitigation.
• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated into design management systems and project execution to enhance productivity and reduce errors.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's global presence and long history suggest a professional and structured work environment. The company's values (Safety First, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity) provide insight into the expected behaviors and operational priorities. The emphasis on continuous improvement and creating opportunities for people to excel indicates a supportive culture for professional growth within operations roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior Manager (MoS Level 4, MoS Class E3) with an indicated 15+ years of experience requirement (though the AI-derived is 10+). This signifies a leadership position with significant responsibility for managing complex operational processes and team performance.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior project leadership figure, likely a Project Director or Programme Manager. They will also manage a team of design professionals and coordinate with peers in other functional areas (construction, commercial, etc.), indicating a collaborative management structure.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role directly impacts project success by ensuring that the design is technically sound, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with client objectives. Effective design operations are critical for controlling project scope, managing risks, and ultimately achieving successful project delivery, which translates to client satisfaction and Mace's profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to higher leadership roles within Mace's project management or operations divisions, such as Head of Design Management, Programme Director, or country-specific operations leadership.
• Specialization Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific types of mega-projects (e.g., sports venues, large-scale infrastructure) or specific operational disciplines within design management.
• Global Mobility: As a global firm, Mace offers opportunities to work on projects in different regions, expanding international experience and exposure to diverse operational challenges.
• Cross-Functional Training: Possibility to gain experience and training in related operational areas like construction management, commercial operations, or procurement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's senior classification and the company's global nature suggest significant potential for career advancement within operations management. The emphasis on managing complex projects and driving business improvement aligns with typical pathways to senior leadership positions in the construction and project management sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, indicating a traditional office environment within a project site or a dedicated project office in Riyadh. This facilitates direct interaction with project teams and site activities. Office Location(s): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This location places the role within a dynamic and rapidly developing region, particularly for large-scale infrastructure and sports projects.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a professional office setting, equipped with standard office technology and potentially specialized design software access.
• Collaboration will be a key aspect, with opportunities for frequent face-to-face discussions and joint problem-solving sessions with project management teams, consultants, and contractors.
• The environment is expected to be fast-paced and demanding, typical of major construction project delivery, requiring resilience and strong organizational skills.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• However, given the nature of major construction projects, there may be an expectation for flexibility, including occasional overtime or weekend work to meet critical project deadlines and milestones. This flexibility is often a characteristic of senior operational roles in this industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in Riyadh suggests an immersive project environment. The workspace context implies a need for strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, essential for effective operations management in a project setting. The potential need for schedule flexibility is common for leadership roles in project-driven organizations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications for essential qualifications and experience.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (Pierrette Joumaa) to assess technical expertise, leadership style, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your experience in stadium design management and operational oversight.
• Technical/Panel Interview: May involve interviews with senior project stakeholders or a panel, focusing on specific operational challenges, design coordination strategies, and problem-solving approaches.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, highlighting key projects, your role in managing design processes, and demonstrating quantifiable achievements and process improvements.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or director to confirm suitability for the role and Mace's organizational culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project phase or by skill demonstrated (e.g., design coordination, stakeholder management, process improvement).
• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions and the measurable impact they had (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, stakeholder satisfaction metrics). Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for case studies.
• Highlight Operational Efficiency: Showcase examples where you implemented process improvements, optimized workflows, or managed design systems effectively to enhance overall project operations.
• Stakeholder Engagement Examples: Include evidence of your stakeholder management skills, such as communication strategies, conflict resolution, and successful collaboration outcomes.
• Conciseness and Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and understand, with clear descriptions and high-quality visuals where appropriate. Focus on relevance to stadium projects and operational management.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions that present hypothetical design management or operational challenges and ask how you would address them. Prepare examples of how you've overcome similar situations.
• Process Optimization: Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you have improved design processes, managed risks, or enhanced team efficiency.
• KPI Discussion: Prepare to discuss how you would establish, track, and report on KPIs relevant to design management operations.
• Company & Culture Alignment: Research Mace's values and recent projects. Be prepared to articulate how your working style and values align with the company's culture and how you contribute to "creating opportunity."

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior operations role like this will likely be thorough, assessing both technical competence and leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates operational impact and process management skills will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks) is essential for understanding and managing design outputs.
• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or project-specific collaboration portals for team communication and document sharing.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and versioning project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex).

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, reporting, and creating dashboards.
• Power BI / Tableau: Experience with business intelligence tools for creating visual reports and dashboards to present KPIs and performance data to stakeholders.
• Data Analysis Tools: Potentially exposure to specialized data analytics tools for deeper insights into project performance and design trends.

CRM & Automation:

• While less directly applicable to design management, understanding CRM principles for client relationship management and familiarity with basic automation concepts for workflow efficiency can be beneficial.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems or specific construction management software that integrates various project functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong command of project management and design-related software. Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools is also crucial, as the Design Manager is expected to present KPIs and performance data. Familiarity with document management and collaboration platforms is also key for efficient operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First - Going Home Safe and Well: A paramount value, expecting the Design Manager to champion safety protocols within design processes and ensure the well-being of their team.
• Client Focus - Deliver on Our Promise: A commitment to understanding client needs, ensuring design deliverables meet expectations, and building lasting client relationships through reliable performance.
• Integrity - Always Do the Right Thing: Upholding ethical standards, ensuring compliance with all regulations, and influencing positive outcomes within the project and industry.
• Create Opportunity - For Our People to Excel: Fostering a culture of continuous improvement, supporting professional development, and encouraging team members to grow and excel in their roles.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The Design Manager must foster seamless collaboration with construction, commercial, procurement, and other project teams to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Process Review Culture: Encouraging open feedback and constructive criticism regarding design processes and deliverables to promote continuous improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in and promoting knowledge sharing within the design team and across project functions to build collective expertise and improve operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's core values are integral to its operational culture. The Design Manager is expected to embody these values, particularly in promoting safety, client satisfaction, integrity, and professional development within their team and through their operational practices.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse and often competing requirements of multiple stakeholders on a large-scale project.
• Ensuring Design Quality under Pressure: Maintaining high standards of design excellence and accuracy while adhering to tight project schedules and budgets.
• Coordinating Diverse Teams: Facilitating effective communication and collaboration between design consultants, construction teams, and other project functions in a potentially complex contractual environment.
• Adapting to Evolving Project Requirements: Responding effectively to changes in project scope, technical specifications, or regulatory requirements throughout the design and construction phases.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Techniques: Gaining exposure to and training in advanced project management methodologies and tools used by Mace for mega-projects.
• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Mace's internal leadership training and development programs, focusing on strategic thinking, team management, and executive presence.
• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, LEED) that enhance expertise in project delivery and sustainable design practices.
• Exposure to Global Best Practices: Learning from Mace's extensive international experience and applying global best practices in design management and construction operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges typical of large-scale international projects, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement in operations and project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a major stadium project. How do you ensure operational efficiency and compliance across all design phases?" (Prepare to discuss your systematic approach, key controls, and stakeholder engagement strategy).
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How have you successfully managed conflicting stakeholder requirements on a complex project? Provide an example of a challenging stakeholder relationship you navigated and the outcome." (Focus on communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills).
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a scenario where a critical design element is found to be non-compliant late in the design phase. How would you address this operationally, considering the impact on schedule and budget?" (Demonstrate your analytical skills, decision-making process, and ability to find practical solutions).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mace Values: "How do you embody Mace's value of 'Create Opportunity' in your leadership style and team management?" (Connect your experiences to fostering growth and continuous improvement).
• Team Dynamics: "Describe your experience working within a multidisciplinary project team. How do you ensure effective collaboration between design, construction, and commercial functions?" (Highlight your ability to integrate different operational perspectives).
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design management operations? What KPIs do you typically track, and how do you present them to senior leadership?" (Be ready to discuss metrics related to quality, timeliness, budget, and stakeholder satisfaction).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate the design management processes you implemented for each project, emphasizing how you ensured quality, efficiency, and compliance.
• Quantify Results: Use data to demonstrate the impact of your work. For instance, "Reduced design review cycles by 15% through implementation of a new digital workflow" or "Ensured 98% stakeholder satisfaction with design deliverables via proactive communication."
• Visual Aids: Use diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate complex processes or coordination efforts.
• Storytelling: Frame your project experiences as narratives, highlighting challenges faced and how your operational expertise led to successful outcomes.
• Project Relevance: Prioritize examples that are most relevant to stadium or large-scale infrastructure projects and demonstrate your capabilities in managing complex design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of design operations management, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to drive process improvements. Using concrete examples from your portfolio, quantified with data, will be crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Mace careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in stadium design management, large-scale project coordination, and operational process improvements. Select case studies that best demonstrate your ability to manage design phases, integrate with construction, and deliver value.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 10+ years of experience, focusing on achievements and responsibilities directly relevant to design operations, team leadership, and stakeholder management. Use keywords such as "Design Management," "Project Delivery," "Stakeholder Engagement," and "Process Improvement."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on operational challenges and solutions. Prepare to discuss your approach to managing design processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and presenting KPIs. Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough to ensure clarity and impact.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Mace, its projects, and its company values. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their operational philosophy and cultural expectations, particularly in relation to safety, client focus, integrity, and creating opportunities.

⚠️ 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.