Design Manager - Master Plan

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Master Plan Company: WSP Location: Riyadh, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia Job Type: Full-Time Category: Project Management / Design Management (Infrastructure & Urban Development) Date Posted: January 14, 2026 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the design aspects of legacy projects undergoing business plan revisions, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Oversee the execution of new Local Design Consultant (LDC) contracts, fostering strong partnerships and ensuring compliance with WSP standards.
• Manage master planning changes and land use adjustments for complex urban development projects, driving efficient and sustainable outcomes.
• Direct the design and development of small-scale vertical assets, including public buildings and amenities, to enhance project value and user experience.
• Ensure timely and high-quality delivery of multiple concurrent projects, maintaining rigorous design quality and effective coordination across all workstreams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the management of design for urban development and infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on master planning and the integration of vertical assets. The "legacy projects" aspect suggests a need for experienced professionals who can navigate existing frameworks while implementing updates and revisions. The core function is to bridge strategic business plan revisions with tangible design execution through LDC management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end design process for a portfolio of legacy projects, ensuring adherence to revised business plans and project scope.
• Lead the selection, onboarding, and ongoing management of Local Design Consultants (LDCs), defining clear deliverables, timelines, and quality expectations.
• Oversee and approve master plan revisions, land use adjustments, and zoning changes, ensuring compliance with local regulations and strategic development goals.
• Direct the design development for public buildings, community amenities, and other small-scale vertical assets, ensuring functional, aesthetic, and sustainable integration within the master plan.
• Implement robust design quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes to ensure all design outputs meet WSP's stringent standards and client requirements.
• Facilitate effective communication and coordination among LDCs, internal WSP teams, clients, and other stakeholders to resolve design conflicts and ensure project alignment.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks and issues related to design, and develop proactive mitigation strategies to ensure timely delivery.
• Review and approve design submissions, ensuring they meet technical specifications, budget constraints, and project timelines.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and business development efforts related to master planning and design management for new and existing projects.
• Mentor and guide junior design staff and LDCs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on project management within the design lifecycle. The emphasis on managing LDCs and concurrent projects indicates a need for strong contract management, negotiation, and delegation skills. The "legacy projects" context implies a requirement for adaptability and the ability to work within established, potentially complex, project histories.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or a related design/construction field.
• Master's degree in a relevant discipline is highly preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in design management, master planning, or urban development.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple concurrent design projects, preferably in large-scale urban development or infrastructure sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in managing external consultants, particularly Local Design Consultants (LDCs) in the Middle East region, is essential.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Comprehensive understanding of architectural, urban planning, and landscape design principles and processes.
• Master Planning: Expertise in developing and revising large-scale master plans, including land use planning, zoning, and infrastructure integration.
• Project Management: Strong skills in project planning, execution, monitoring, and control, with a focus on design deliverables and timelines.
• Contract Management: Proficiency in managing consultant contracts, including scope definition, performance monitoring, and dispute resolution.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and internal teams.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with relevant design software and project management tools used in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.
• Quality Assurance: Experience in establishing and implementing design QA/QC protocols to ensure high-quality outputs.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design-related project risks.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Saudi Arabian urban planning regulations, building codes, and approval processes.
• Experience with public building and amenity design.
• Familiarity with sustainability principles and green building certifications (e.g., LEED, Estidama).
• Experience in a consulting engineering firm environment.
• Proficiency in Arabic language for local stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a senior-level candidate with extensive practical experience in managing complex design projects, particularly within the context of urban development and consultant management. The specific mention of LDCs and "legacy projects" points to a need for candidates who can navigate regional nuances and adapt to evolving project requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: A curated selection of past projects showcasing successful master plan development, land use planning, and the design of public buildings/amenities. Each case study should detail the scope, your role, challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.
• Consultant Management Examples: Evidence of experience managing Local Design Consultants (LDCs) or similar external design partners, demonstrating your approach to contract oversight, performance evaluation, and quality control.
• Design Quality Assurance Framework: Documentation or examples of processes implemented to ensure design quality, including review checklists, coordination meetings, and issue resolution strategies.
• Master Plan Revision Examples: Visualizations or documentation illustrating instances where you have managed significant master plan revisions or land use adjustments, highlighting the strategic rationale and implementation steps.
• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Examples of how you have identified and mitigated design-related risks in previous projects, showcasing proactive problem-solving.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to managing design workflows from inception through to construction documentation, including clear stages for review and approval.
• Provide examples of process optimization in design management, such as improved coordination protocols, streamlined approval pathways, or enhanced communication strategies.
• Showcase your ability to document and standardize design processes to ensure consistency and efficiency across multiple projects and consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, particularly one involving consultant management and complex urban projects, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate the candidate's strategic thinking, process implementation, and ability to drive tangible results in design execution and quality. The emphasis is on showcasing the how behind successful project delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the location (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), experience level (10+ years), and the nature of the role with a major international firm (WSP), a competitive salary is expected. A typical range for a Design Manager with this experience in Riyadh would likely fall between SAR 30,000 to SAR 50,000 per month, depending on the specific qualifications, project complexity, and negotiation.
• This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering and design management roles in the GCC region, considering the cost of living and demand for specialized skills in large infrastructure projects.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Covering the employee and potentially dependents, often including international coverage.
• Annual Leave: Generous paid annual leave, typically 25-30 days, plus public holidays.
• Accommodation Allowance or Housing: A monthly allowance or company-provided housing.
• Transportation Allowance: For commuting to and from the office/project sites.
• Relocation Assistance: Support for international relocation, including flights, shipping, and initial accommodation.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and attending industry conferences.
• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses based on individual and company performance.
• End-of-Service Benefits: As per Saudi Labor Law.
• Life and Disability Insurance.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Sunday to Thursday.
• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, including occasional evening or weekend work, especially leading up to critical design milestones or during intense project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary and benefits for expatriate roles in Saudi Arabia are often structured to be competitive and may include allowances for housing, transport, and relocation. The specific figure is an informed estimate based on industry data for senior roles in major consulting firms within the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Design, and Consultancy (Architecture, Engineering, Construction - AEC) Company Size: WSP is a global leader in the consulting and engineering sector, employing over 65,000 people worldwide. This signifies a large, established organization with extensive resources, diverse expertise, and a broad international reach. Founded: WSP has a long history, with roots dating back to 1883. The current WSP Global was formed through a series of mergers and acquisitions, notably the acquisition of URS Corporation in 2014 and Golder Associates in 2020. This history points to a company with a strong legacy of technical excellence and a forward-looking approach to growth and innovation.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect 1: The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project management or engineering division within WSP's Middle East operations, potentially specializing in infrastructure, urban development, or master planning. The team will comprise project managers, discipline engineers, architects, planners, and support staff.
• Operations Team Aspect 2: Reporting will typically be to a Project Director or a Senior Manager responsible for a portfolio of projects or a specific business unit. The Design Manager will, in turn, lead and supervise Local Design Consultants and potentially a small internal design coordination team.
• Operations Team Aspect 3: Cross-functional collaboration is paramount. The Design Manager will work closely with WSP's technical specialists (e.g., transportation, utilities, environmental), commercial teams, legal departments, and client representatives to ensure integrated project delivery.

Methodology:

• Operations Process 1: WSP emphasizes a data-driven approach to problem-solving and decision-making. This role will involve analyzing project data, design feedback, and performance metrics to inform strategic and tactical design decisions.
• Operations Process 2: The company promotes a structured methodology for project delivery, adhering to international standards and best practices in project and design management. This includes rigorous planning, risk assessment, and quality control frameworks.
• Operations Process 3: WSP is committed to innovation and sustainability. The role will involve exploring and implementing efficient design solutions, potentially leveraging digital tools and sustainable design principles to enhance project outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: WSP's global presence and commitment to innovation suggest a dynamic work environment that values technical expertise, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The "legacy projects" context implies a need for a candidate who can respect established processes while driving forward-looking design solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the design and project management spectrum. It requires significant autonomy, decision-making authority, and the ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects and external relationships. It sits above individual contributor roles and below executive leadership, focusing on the successful execution of specific project portfolios.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level project executive (e.g., Project Director, Senior Program Manager) responsible for the overall success of the legacy project portfolio. They will, in turn, manage and direct the work of external Local Design Consultants (LDCs) and may have direct reports within WSP's design coordination team.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to the success of the legacy projects. Effective master planning and design management directly influence project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, buildability, sustainability, and long-term value. Poor design management can lead to significant cost overruns, schedule delays, and quality issues, impacting WSP's reputation and profitability. Conversely, excellent design leadership can enhance project value, client satisfaction, and secure future opportunities for WSP.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Progression could involve managing larger, more complex master planning programs, leading design for entire new developments rather than specific portfolios, or moving into a broader Program Management role.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead larger teams, mentor junior professionals, and take on more strategic business development responsibilities within WSP's Middle East operations.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like sustainable urban design, smart city integration, or large-scale infrastructure master planning, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.
• Global Mobility: With WSP's international presence, there may be opportunities to transfer to other regions or lead projects globally, depending on business needs and individual career aspirations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager at a firm like WSP is typically one of increasing responsibility and strategic influence. The role offers a significant opportunity to shape urban landscapes and build a strong reputation in the field of master planning and design management within a globally recognized organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, likely within a WSP office that supports its extensive project portfolio in the region. This would typically be a modern, professional office environment designed to foster collaboration and productivity.

Office Location(s): The job listing specifies "ROSHN Front - King Khalid International Airport, Unit No.1 7851, 3532, 13413, Riyadh." This indicates a specific, potentially high-profile office location within Riyadh.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: Expect a collaborative workspace where interaction with project teams, engineers, planners, and potentially client representatives is frequent. Open-plan areas or shared project rooms may be utilized.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to WSP's standard suite of project management software, design collaboration platforms, BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools, and communication systems will be provided. This is essential for managing LDCs and internal teams effectively.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with a diverse, international team of professionals, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and best practices in design and project management. Regular project meetings, design reviews, and team briefings will be part of the daily routine.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week (Sunday-Thursday) provides a structured framework. However, the demands of managing concurrent projects and consultant deliverables may necessitate flexibility, with potential for extended hours during critical design phases or to accommodate time zone differences if collaborating with international teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific office location suggests a modern facility, likely equipped with the necessary technology to support complex design management and collaboration. The work environment will be professional and demanding, reflecting the scale and importance of WSP's projects in Saudi Arabia.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: An HR or Talent Acquisition specialist will review applications, focusing on meeting the minimum experience and qualification criteria.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director or Senior Program Manager) to assess technical expertise, experience with master planning, LDC management, and overall fit for the role and WSP's culture. Expect questions about your approach to managing concurrent projects and design quality.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present and discuss your portfolio. This is a critical stage to demonstrate your capabilities, project experience, and problem-solving skills. Be prepared to walk through specific case studies.
• Technical/Panel Interview: Potentially a broader interview with other senior team members or discipline leads to further assess technical depth, problem-solving abilities, and cultural alignment. This might include scenario-based questions related to design challenges or consultant management.
• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion to confirm mutual fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most relevant projects that best showcase your experience in master planning, LDC management, and public building/amenity design. Prioritize projects from similar geographical regions or with comparable complexity.
• Structure Your Narratives: For each project, clearly outline: the challenge, your specific role and responsibilities, the solutions/strategies you implemented (especially regarding design management and LDC oversight), key decisions made, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., quality improvements, cost savings, timely delivery).
• Highlight LDC Management: Explicitly detail your experience in selecting, contracting, managing, and evaluating Local Design Consultants. Showcase your approach to ensuring their performance and adherence to standards.
• Visual Aids: Use high-quality visuals (maps, renderings, site plans, photos) to illustrate your projects. Ensure any diagrams related to processes or workflows are clear and easy to understand.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate your impact. For example, "Reduced design review cycles by 15%," or "Successfully managed a portfolio of 4 concurrent projects valued at $X million."
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decisions, methodologies, and how you handled specific challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready to discuss hypothetical situations, such as how you would handle a dispute with an LDC, manage a significant design change request midway through a project, or ensure design quality across multiple consultants working on different project phases.
• Master Planning Strategy: Prepare to discuss your approach to developing or revising master plans, considering factors like land use, infrastructure, community needs, and sustainability.
• Process Improvement: Think about examples where you have improved design management processes, consultant engagement, or quality control mechanisms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this will be rigorous. The portfolio review is a critical component, serving as the primary evidence of your capabilities. Tailor your presentation to directly address the requirements of managing master plans and LDCs for legacy projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard platforms such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.
• Design Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Autodesk BIM 360, Bentley ProjectWise, or similar for managing design documents, facilitating collaboration, and version control amongst LDCs and internal teams.
• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with enterprise-level document control systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, financial tracking, and report generation.
• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with tools like Power BI or Tableau for creating dashboards and visualizing project performance metrics, design progress, and budget adherence.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how project data flows from CRM (if applicable to client management) into project management systems is beneficial.
• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or processes used within large engineering firms to streamline approvals and administrative tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: A Design Manager must be adept at leveraging technology to manage complex projects and diverse teams. The ability to utilize project management and collaboration software effectively is non-negotiable, as is a strong command of analytical tools for reporting and decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality design and project outcomes that meet or exceed client expectations and industry standards.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, consultants, and colleagues, fostering trust and transparency.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and cross-functional cooperation, recognizing that successful project delivery relies on collective effort and shared knowledge.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance design solutions and project efficiency.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, delivering on commitments, and being accountable for project success and failures.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Communicative: A collaborative style that involves proactive communication with all stakeholders, ensuring alignment, transparency, and swift resolution of issues.
• Partnership-Oriented: Fostering a partnership approach with Local Design Consultants, treating them as integral parts of the project team rather than just vendors, to achieve shared goals.
• Constructive Feedback: Engaging in constructive dialogue, providing clear and actionable feedback to consultants and team members to drive continuous improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture of knowledge sharing within WSP, encouraging the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions across projects and disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: WSP's global presence implies a culture that balances diverse perspectives with a unified commitment to professional standards. Values like integrity, collaboration, and excellence are likely to be deeply ingrained, reflecting the company's long history and its role in shaping the built environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple LDCs: Effectively overseeing the performance, quality, and coordination of 3-4 concurrent Local Design Consultant contracts, each with its own scope and deliverables, requires strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Legacy Project Complexity: Navigating existing project frameworks, historical data, and potentially outdated designs while implementing business plan revisions and master plan changes can be intricate.
• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Reconciling the diverse interests and requirements of clients, internal WSP departments, regulatory bodies, and the end-users of the developments.
• Cultural and Regulatory Nuances: Adapting design management approaches to specific local cultural contexts and regulatory environments in Saudi Arabia.
• Ensuring Design Quality: Maintaining high standards across all design workstreams, especially when relying on external consultants, requires robust QA/QC processes and diligent oversight.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project & Program Management: Opportunities to engage in WSP's internal training programs for advanced project management techniques, risk management, and leadership development.
• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications relevant to design management, master planning, or project management (e.g., PMP, RPP, LEED AP).
• Exposure to Mega-Projects: Gaining experience on significant urban development projects in Saudi Arabia, which are often at the forefront of global development trends.
• Mentorship: Access to experienced senior leaders within WSP who can provide guidance and career advice.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working closely with a wide range of WSP's technical experts (e.g., transportation, water, environmental) to broaden understanding of integrated project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are also rich with opportunities for professional growth. Overcoming these hurdles will build a strong foundation for further advancement within WSP or the broader AEC industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing multiple Local Design Consultant contracts concurrently. How do you ensure quality, timely delivery, and effective communication across all of them?" (Focus on your process for oversight, performance metrics, and communication protocols.)
• "How would you approach managing design changes for a legacy project that requires significant master plan revisions? What are the key considerations and steps you would take?" (Emphasize your strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and risk assessment methodology.)
• "Walk us through a complex design management challenge you've faced, perhaps involving public buildings or amenities. What was the situation, what actions did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Quantify outcomes where possible.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about WSP and our work in the Middle East? How do you see your skills aligning with our company values and the specific needs of this role?" (Research WSP's recent projects in Saudi Arabia and their stated values.)
• "How do you foster a collaborative environment when working with external consultants and diverse internal teams?" (Provide examples of your communication style and approach to building relationships.)
• "How do you ensure that design decisions align with the broader business objectives and financial constraints of a project?" (Discuss your understanding of the link between design and business outcomes.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with an Overview: Briefly introduce your portfolio and highlight the 2-3 most relevant projects that directly address master planning and LDC management.
• Deep Dive into Key Projects: For each selected project, clearly articulate the context, your specific role, the design challenges, your management strategies (especially concerning LDCs), and the quantifiable results. Use visual aids effectively.
• Process Focus: Explain the design management processes you implemented, including quality assurance, risk mitigation, and coordination mechanisms. Show, don't just tell, your structured approach.
• LDC Management Emphasis: Dedicate specific talking points to how you managed consultants, from selection and contracting to performance monitoring and issue resolution.
• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your decision-making process, problem-solving techniques, and your understanding of the Riyadh/Saudi Arabian context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation for this role requires a dual focus: demonstrating deep technical expertise in master planning and design management, and showcasing strong leadership and consultant management capabilities. Your portfolio is your primary tool for this demonstration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official WSP careers portal via the provided link.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of experience in Design Management, Master Planning, and managing Local Design Consultants (LDCs). Use keywords from the job description such as "legacy projects," "business plan revisions," "land use adjustments," and "vertical assets." Quantify achievements with numbers and metrics wherever possible.
• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a professional portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects. Focus on case studies demonstrating master plan development, land use adjustments, the design of public buildings/amenities, and, crucially, your experience managing LDCs. Ensure it's well-organized, visually appealing, and includes clear explanations of your role and the outcomes achieved.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research WSP's global presence, their specific projects in the Middle East (particularly Saudi Arabia), and their company values. Understand their approach to sustainability and innovation. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method, focusing on scenarios related to design management, consultant oversight, and handling complex project challenges. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly.

⚠️ 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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