Design Manager - Dry Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Dry Services
Company: Parsons Corporation
Location: SA - Riyadh, Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Engineering & Design Management (Infrastructure Operations)
Date Posted: December 9, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design management and assurance of all dry services, including electrical systems, telecommunications, and other utilities, for critical infrastructure components of the Qiddiya Project.
• Drive the end-to-end design process for the Wadi Bridge and Ring Roads, ensuring seamless integration of dry services with structural, architectural, and wet services disciplines.
• Uphold rigorous quality standards and ensure strict compliance with project specifications, local regulations, and international best practices throughout the design lifecycle.
• Act as a key liaison, facilitating effective communication and coordination between design consultants, reviewers, contractors, and stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the infrastructure operations domain, emphasizing the management of design processes for essential utility systems. The focus on "Dry Services" indicates a specialization in non-water-related utilities, crucial for large-scale development projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive design assurance and process coordination for all dry services, encompassing electrical systems, telecommunications, and associated utilities.
• Ensure all design deliverables meticulously adhere to project specifications, stringent quality standards, and prevailing local regulatory requirements.
• Oversee and orchestrate timely and accurate submission of design documents for approval by coordinating efforts among design consultants, design reviewers, and contractors.
• Facilitate seamless integration of dry services with other project disciplines, such as wet services, structural, and architectural, through effective collaboration.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all dry services design-related inquiries, fostering clear and efficient communication channels between consultants, reviewers, and project stakeholders.
• Maintain alignment of dry services design strategies with the overarching master plan and strategic objectives of the Qiddiya Project.
• Manage the rigorous design review process to guarantee accuracy, superior quality, and full compliance with project specifications and established standards.
• Implement and enforce Qiddiya's quality control protocols, ensuring strict adherence to local codes and relevant international standards.
• Proactively identify and efficiently resolve design discrepancies or conflicts to prevent project delays and maintain design integrity.
• Develop and diligently maintain detailed design schedules, ensuring the punctual delivery of all dry services design packages.
• Monitor the performance of design consultants and contractors, promptly addressing any identified delays or emergent issues.
• Identify potential risks associated with dry services design and proactively develop robust mitigation strategies.
• Engage closely with clients, consultants, and contractors to address design-related queries and resolve concerns effectively.
• Provide consistent and detailed updates on design progress, challenges encountered, and resolutions implemented to senior management and clients.
• Manage client expectations throughout the design process, ensuring satisfaction with the final design outcomes.
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of all design and assurance documentation, including technical approval stage gates and final approvals.
• Prepare detailed, insightful reports on design progress, key issues, and implemented resolutions for both internal and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities highlight a senior-level design management role with a strong emphasis on process control, quality assurance, and cross-functional team leadership within a complex infrastructure project context. The role requires a blend of technical expertise and project management acumen.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 to 12 years of progressive experience in design management, with a specialized focus on dry services within major infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully managing the end-to-end design process for large-scale infrastructure, mixed-use developments, or significant urban planning projects.
• Prior experience working on projects within the Middle East region, with a strong understanding of local construction practices, regulatory frameworks, and utility standards, is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in leading and overseeing design processes for electrical, telecommunications, and other dry utility systems.
• Project Management: Proficiency in scheduling, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder coordination for complex infrastructure projects.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: A deep understanding of quality control methodologies and ensuring adherence to project specifications, local codes, and international standards.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong grasp of dry services design principles, construction methodologies, and intricate utility coordination requirements.
• Leadership & Communication: Exceptional ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, foster collaboration, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Proven capability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex design challenges and project issues efficiently.
• Software Proficiency: Familiarity and practical experience with essential design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools, alongside project management software.
• Organizational Skills: Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organizational capabilities to manage extensive documentation and project timelines.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced management and decision-making capabilities for high-stakes projects.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple competing priorities and consistently meet stringent deadlines.
• A proactive and results-oriented approach to anticipating and resolving design challenges before they impact project timelines.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to evaluate design options and project risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of specialized engineering knowledge in dry services and robust project management capabilities. The preference for Middle East experience and specific software proficiencies are key indicators of the role's demands within the Qiddiya Project context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing the end-to-end design management of significant dry services projects (e.g., extensive electrical distribution networks, complex telecommunications infrastructure).
• For each case study, clearly articulate the project's scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the design challenges encountered, and the innovative solutions implemented.
• Quantify the impact of your design management efforts, using metrics such as cost savings achieved, schedule adherence, reduction in design revisions, and successful integration of utilities.
• Include examples of design coordination processes, highlighting how you managed interdisciplinary dependencies and resolved conflicts between dry services and other project components.
• Demonstrate proficiency in managing design documentation, including review cycles, approval workflows, and the implementation of quality assurance procedures.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of established design management workflows, including methodologies for design initiation, development, review, approval, and handover.
• Illustrate your approach to process optimization, detailing how you have streamlined design processes to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve project delivery timelines.
• Showcase experience with system implementation and integration, particularly concerning the deployment of new design technologies or project management systems.
• Detail your methods for tracking and measuring process performance, including the use of KPIs and reporting mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement in design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, demonstrating not just technical design ability but also sophisticated project and process management skills. Candidates should prepare to walk through their portfolio, explaining their strategic approach to managing complex design processes and achieving measurable outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated annual salary range for this Design Manager position in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is between SAR 350,000 and SAR 550,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering and design management roles on mega-projects in the region, considering the required experience level (10-12 years), specialized skills, and the significant scope of the Qiddiya Project.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Retirement savings plan or end-of-service benefits, in accordance with Saudi labor laws and company policy.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities, including training programs, workshops, and potential for certifications.
• Relocation assistance and potential housing/transportation allowances for expatriate hires.
• Access to company-provided resources, including advanced design software and project management tools.
• Opportunities for career advancement within Parsons' global network, particularly on large-scale, high-profile projects.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, from Sunday to Thursday. However, given the demands of a major project like Qiddiya, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, which could involve occasional overtime or working outside standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on regional market data for similar roles and experience levels in Saudi Arabia's construction and infrastructure sector. Benefits are typical for large international engineering firms operating in the region and are designed to attract and retain top talent for demanding projects.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Consulting Services, with a strong focus on infrastructure and technology solutions. Parsons is a major player in global infrastructure development, including transportation, defense, and environmental sectors. Company Size: Parsons Corporation is a large, multinational company, typically employing over 15,000 people globally. This signifies a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and a wide array of career development opportunities. Founded: Parsons was founded in the 1940s, bringing decades of experience and a legacy of innovation to its projects. This long history suggests a stable company with established processes and a deep understanding of the engineering and construction industry.

Team Structure:

• The operations team within the Qiddiya Project is likely structured hierarchically, with the Design Manager reporting to a Senior Design Manager or a Project Director.
• The team will comprise specialists from various disciplines (electrical, telecommunications, structural, civil, architectural, wet services) working collaboratively under a unified project management framework.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring close interaction with project controls, procurement, construction management, and client representatives to ensure integrated project delivery.

Methodology:

• Parsons emphasizes a data-driven approach to project execution, utilizing advanced analytics and reporting tools to monitor progress, identify risks, and inform decision-making.
• Workflow planning and optimization are central to their operations, focusing on efficiency, quality, and timely delivery through structured methodologies and best practices.
• Automation and efficiency practices are increasingly integrated into their processes, leveraging technology to streamline tasks, improve accuracy, and enhance overall project performance.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, established engineering firm, Parsons offers a structured yet dynamic work environment. The Qiddiya Project, being a flagship initiative, implies a high-performance culture focused on delivering complex infrastructure with a strong emphasis on collaboration and technological integration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and design management track. It requires significant technical expertise, proven leadership capabilities, and extensive experience in managing complex design processes for large-scale infrastructure projects. The scope of responsibility extends beyond technical design to encompass team leadership, stakeholder management, and ensuring compliance with stringent project requirements.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will typically report to a Senior Design Manager or a Project Director, who oversees the overall design and engineering strategy for a specific project segment. This position will also have direct reports or lead teams of engineers and designers responsible for specialized dry services. Close coordination with other discipline managers (e.g., Wet Services Design Manager, Structural Design Manager) and the construction management team is expected.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role is pivotal in ensuring the successful conceptualization and development of essential dry services infrastructure for the Qiddiya Project. Their effectiveness directly impacts the project's overall timeline, budget, quality, and functionality, contributing significantly to the realization of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives through the creation of world-class entertainment and lifestyle destinations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific dry services (e.g., smart city utilities, advanced telecommunications networks) and gain exposure to cutting-edge design technologies and methodologies.
• Leadership Development: Potential to advance to Senior Design Manager or Project Director roles, overseeing larger project scopes, managing bigger teams, and taking on greater strategic responsibilities.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Possibility to transition into broader project management roles or gain experience in other infrastructure sectors where Parsons operates globally.
• Professional Certifications: Support and encouragement to pursue relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, chartered engineer status) and attend industry conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a major global engineering firm, particularly within the high-growth infrastructure sector of Saudi Arabia. The emphasis is on developing both technical leadership and strategic project management skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is primarily on-site at the Qiddiya Project location, involving a mix of office-based work for design coordination, planning, and reporting, and regular site visits for inspection, progress monitoring, and issue resolution. Office Location(s): The primary work location is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, specifically within the Qiddiya development area. This is a new, large-scale entertainment and sports city being developed outside Riyadh.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be collaborative, requiring close interaction with a diverse team of engineers, designers, project managers, and potentially client representatives.
• Access to state-of-the-art design software, BIM platforms, project management tools, and communication technologies will be provided to facilitate efficient workflow and collaboration.
• Opportunities for direct engagement with construction teams and site personnel will be frequent, fostering a practical, hands-on approach to design management.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is typically Sunday to Thursday, aligning with local business practices. However, the demanding nature of mega-projects like Qiddiya may necessitate flexibility, with potential requirements for occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet critical project milestones and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role demands a significant on-site presence, reflecting the hands-on nature of managing a large infrastructure project. The environment is expected to be fast-paced, collaborative, and focused on achieving ambitious project goals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications to assess alignment with the core requirements, focusing on experience in design management for dry services and large infrastructure projects.
• Technical Interview: A discussion with hiring managers and senior technical leads to delve into your experience with electrical and telecommunications design, utility coordination, and familiarity with relevant codes and standards. Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, detailing your approach to design management, problem-solving, and impact on project outcomes. This is a critical stage for demonstrating your practical experience and strategic thinking.
• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: An assessment of your leadership style, communication skills, collaborative approach, and how you align with Parsons' company values and the project's demanding work culture.
• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion with senior project leadership, potentially followed by an offer of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful projects. For each, detail the project's scale, your specific role, key challenges, innovative solutions, and quantifiable results (e.g., % efficiency gain, cost savings, schedule adherence).
• Focus on Dry Services: Emphasize projects involving extensive electrical systems, telecommunications networks, or integrated utility management. Highlight your expertise in managing these specific "dry" services.
• Demonstrate Process Mastery: Clearly explain your design management methodologies, including how you handle design reviews, approvals, stakeholder communication, and risk mitigation. Use flowcharts or diagrams where appropriate.
• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the tangible impact of your work. This is crucial for showcasing value to the hiring team.
• Tailor to Qiddiya: Research the Qiddiya Project's vision and scale. Be prepared to articulate how your experience and skills directly align with its unique requirements and challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario Questions: Anticipate questions asking how you would approach specific design challenges related to integrating utilities in a complex road and bridge network, managing conflicting design requirements, or ensuring compliance with evolving standards.
• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would manage difficult stakeholders, resolve inter-departmental conflicts, or communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Process Optimization Examples: Be ready to describe instances where you improved design workflows, implemented new technologies, or streamlined approval processes to enhance efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong emphasis is placed on practical application and demonstrable results through the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to articulate their thought process, problem-solving strategies, and impact on project success with specific examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD and BIM software is essential. This includes AutoCAD for drafting, Revit for Building Information Modeling and 3D design, and potentially other specialized tools for electrical design (e.g., ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory) and telecommunications planning.
• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project scheduling, resource management, and progress tracking is expected.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with collaborative tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and meeting facilitation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret and utilize data from design submissions and project reports. While not explicitly stated as a requirement for hands-on analysis, understanding data-driven decision-making is key.
• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating clear, concise reports using tools like Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and potentially integrated project management reporting dashboards to communicate design status, risks, and progress to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing large volumes of design documents, ensuring version control, and facilitating access for authorized personnel (e.g., Aconex, Procore, or similar enterprise-level solutions).
• Workflow Automation: While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how workflow automation can streamline design approval processes or data management is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools crucial for managing complex design processes in large infrastructure projects. Proficiency in BIM and project management software is critical, alongside strong document management capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all design and management activities, ensuring transparency and honesty in dealings with all stakeholders.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to drive efficiency and enhance design quality.
• Excellence: A commitment to delivering superior quality in all aspects of work, striving for best-in-class outcomes in design, execution, and project delivery.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility are paramount for achieving collective success.
• Safety: Prioritizing the health and safety of all personnel involved in project activities, from design conception through to construction and operation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands a highly collaborative approach, working seamlessly with diverse engineering disciplines, construction teams, and client representatives to achieve integrated project goals.
• Process Review & Feedback: Actively participating in design review meetings, providing constructive feedback, and being open to receiving and incorporating feedback from peers and superiors to refine designs and processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of knowledge sharing by documenting lessons learned, sharing best practices, and mentoring junior team members to foster continuous improvement within the design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons' values align with typical expectations for large-scale engineering projects, emphasizing a professional, collaborative, and quality-focused culture. The emphasis on safety and integrity is particularly important in the context of mega-infrastructure development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Integration: Managing the intricate integration of diverse dry services (electrical, telecommunications, IT) within a large-scale, multi-faceted infrastructure project like Qiddiya, ensuring seamless compatibility and functionality.
• Pace and Scale: Navigating the demanding pace and immense scale of the Qiddiya Project, requiring constant adaptation to changing requirements and maintaining efficiency under pressure to meet aggressive deadlines.
• Regulatory Navigation: Ensuring strict adherence to evolving local regulations and international standards in Saudi Arabia, which can be complex and require continuous monitoring and expert interpretation.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Effectively managing the expectations and requirements of numerous stakeholders, including clients, government bodies, multiple consultants, and contractors, to achieve consensus and drive project forward.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Enhancement: Gaining in-depth experience with advanced utility design concepts, smart city technologies, and integrated systems for mega-projects.
• Industry Exposure: Access to participation in leading industry conferences, workshops, and seminars focused on infrastructure development, engineering innovation, and project management best practices.
• Leadership Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by seasoned project directors and senior leaders within Parsons, fostering leadership potential and strategic thinking.
• Global Project Experience: Potential to gain exposure to Parsons' diverse global portfolio, offering insights into international project management and engineering standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent to mega-projects but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development within a leading global engineering firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy & Methodology: Be prepared to discuss your strategic approach to managing the design lifecycle of dry services for a project of Qiddiya's magnitude. Detail your methodology for ensuring quality, compliance, and timely delivery, using specific examples of process improvements you've implemented.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Prepare to articulate how you foster collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders. Discuss your strategies for resolving conflicts, communicating complex technical information effectively, and ensuring alignment on project goals.
• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: Anticipate questions requiring you to walk through a complex design problem you encountered and how you solved it, focusing on your analytical process and the efficiency gains achieved. Be ready to discuss how you identify and mitigate risks in design processes.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations Culture: Research Parsons' mission, values, and recent projects. Be prepared to discuss how your work ethic and professional approach align with their emphasis on integrity, innovation, and excellence.
• Team Dynamics & Collaboration: Discuss your preferred team environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive team dynamic. Explain how you would integrate with the existing Qiddiya project team and foster collaboration among design disciplines.
• Operations Impact Measurement: Be ready to discuss how you measure and report on the success of design management operations, focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) and demonstrating the impact on project outcomes such as budget, schedule, and quality.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation with a clear narrative – introduce the project, outline the challenges, detail your strategic approach and actions, and conclude with the quantifiable results and lessons learned.
• Visual Aids: Use high-quality visuals, diagrams, and concise data points to support your presentation. Ensure clarity and professionalism in all visual materials.
• Interactive Demonstration: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your portfolio projects, demonstrating a deep understanding of the technical and managerial aspects of your contributions. Engage the interviewers by asking clarifying questions.
• Operations Strategy Articulation: Clearly articulate the operational strategies you employed, such as risk management frameworks, quality assurance protocols, and communication plans, and how they led to successful project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thorough preparation, focusing on demonstrating practical experience, strategic thinking, and alignment with Parsons' values, will be key to success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Parsons careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your most relevant experience in dry services design management for large-scale infrastructure projects. Highlight specific case studies demonstrating your ability to manage electrical, telecommunications, and utility integration.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10-12 years of experience, emphasizing keywords such as "Design Management," "Dry Services," "Electrical Engineering," "Telecommunications," "Utility Coordination," "Project Management," and "Qiddiya Project" (if applicable). Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with specific examples of design challenges, problem-solving, and process improvements. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and collaborative approach in detail.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Parsons Corporation, its history, values, and its role in the Qiddiya Project. Understand the project's vision and objectives to better align your application and interview responses with the company's strategic goals.

⚠️ 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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