Senior Design Manager - Fit-out

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - Fit-out

Company: Mace

Location: Riyadh, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Construction Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-01-19

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage design and fit-out operations for significant commercial projects in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• Drive strategic leadership across all project phases, ensuring seamless coordination between design, construction, commercial, procurement, and program management teams.

• Oversee the main contractor's performance in fit-out works, ensuring adherence to project specifications and quality standards.

• Develop and present Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and management review data to senior project and functional leadership.

• Contribute to business development by supporting work-winning efforts and driving growth initiatives within the region.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Construction Management and Design Operations due to its focus on overseeing the design lifecycle for fit-out projects and managing the associated teams and contractors. The "Senior" designation and 10+ years of experience suggest a significant level of responsibility, strategic input, and team leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic design leadership and manage all project design stages, ensuring alignment with overall project objectives and client requirements.

• Coordinate closely with construction, commercial, procurement, and program management teams to ensure integrated project delivery.

• Lead and manage LDC (Likely "Lead Design Consultant" or similar project-specific designation) design teams, overseeing daily operations and performance across multiple projects.

• Directly manage fit-out works, overseeing the main contractor's performance to ensure timely and quality delivery of interior spaces.

• Develop, track, and present Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and management review data to project and functional leadership, highlighting project status, risks, and opportunities.

• Contribute to business growth by supporting work-winning efforts, including proposal development and client engagement.

• Identify and deliver relevant training programs to enhance the skills and performance of the design and project teams.

• Initiate and implement improvements in project delivery plans, design management tools, and overall design processes to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Champion Mace's commitment to net zero carbon goals, technical excellence, and cross-functional collaboration, leveraging internal knowledge bases and Centre of Excellence (CoE) resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic oversight, team management, contractor management, and process improvement, typical of a senior role in construction project management with a strong design component. The mention of "LDC design teams" and "main contractor" indicates a hierarchical management structure within the project.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in design management, with a significant focus on interior or fit-out projects.

• Proven track record of managing design delivery for complex commercial projects.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in managing the end-to-end design process for interior fit-out projects, from concept to completion.

• Fit-Out Project Leadership: Proven ability to lead and deliver high-quality fit-out works, including expert oversight of main contractors.

• Team Leadership & Management: Demonstrated success in leading, motivating, and developing multidisciplinary design and project teams.

• GCC Market Expertise: In-depth knowledge of design standards, construction practices, and regulatory requirements within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Saudi Arabia.

• Strategic Planning & Coordination: Ability to develop and implement strategic design plans and effectively coordinate across diverse project teams (construction, commercial, procurement, program).

• KPI Development & Reporting: Proficiency in defining, tracking, and presenting project KPIs and management review data to senior stakeholders.

• Business Development Support: Experience in contributing to work-winning efforts and supporting business growth initiatives.

• Process Improvement: Ability to identify and implement enhancements to design management processes, tools, and delivery plans.

Preferred Skills:

• Net Zero Carbon & Sustainability: Understanding and application of net zero carbon goals and sustainable design principles in fit-out projects.

• Technical Excellence: Commitment to achieving high standards of technical execution and quality in all design and construction phases.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong aptitude for fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across different departments and project functions.

• Contractor Management: Advanced skills in managing and driving performance of main contractors and subcontractors.

• Procurement & Commercial Acumen: Understanding of procurement strategies and commercial aspects related to design and fit-out works.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, on-the-ground experience in the GCC, particularly Saudi Arabia, for fit-out projects. The "10+" years of experience, combined with "Senior" in the title, points towards a role requiring strategic thinking, leadership, and significant project execution capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Case Studies: Showcase successful management of end-to-end design processes for interior fit-out projects, detailing project scope, challenges, and outcomes.

• Contractor Oversight Examples: Provide documentation or descriptions of how you have effectively managed and driven performance of main contractors in fit-out scenarios, including quality control and schedule adherence.

• Team Leadership & Development: Evidence of leading design teams, including examples of training initiatives, performance management, and fostering a collaborative team environment.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Document instances where you have identified and implemented improvements in design management processes, tools, or workflows, demonstrating measurable impact.

• KPI Reporting Samples: Examples of KPI dashboards or management review presentations that effectively communicate project status, risks, and performance to senior leadership.

Process Documentation:

• Design Delivery Workflows: Clear documentation of established workflows for managing design development, approval, and handover processes for fit-out projects.

• Contractor Management Protocols: Established protocols for onboarding, managing, and evaluating the performance of main contractors, including communication plans and issue resolution procedures.

• Cross-functional Integration Plans: Demonstrated processes for integrating design management with construction, commercial, procurement, and program teams to ensure cohesive project execution.

• Risk Management Frameworks: Documented frameworks for identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio should clearly demonstrate strategic oversight, leadership impact, and the ability to manage complex processes and stakeholders. The emphasis is on tangible results and a structured approach to design and fit-out project delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the Senior Design Manager title, 10+ years of experience, and location in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (a major economic hub with significant construction activity), a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the GCC, the annual base salary range is estimated to be between SAR 350,000 to SAR 550,000 (approximately USD 93,000 to USD 147,000). This range can fluctuate based on the specific project scope, Mace's internal grading, and the candidate's precise experience and qualifications.

• Note: This is an estimated range and actual compensation will be determined based on Mace's compensation structure, candidate experience, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for the employee and potentially dependents, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for international candidates moving to Saudi Arabia, potentially including flights, temporary accommodation, and shipping.

• Accommodation Allowance: A housing stipend or company-provided housing to offset living costs.

• Transportation Allowance: Support for commuting to project sites.

• Annual Leave: Generous paid annual leave entitlement, typically 25-30 days per year.

• Flight Tickets: Annual return flight tickets to the employee's home country.

• End-of-Service Benefits: Accrual of benefits as per Saudi labor law upon contract termination.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuous learning relevant to design management and construction.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to project success and company profitability.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, often spread over 5 days (e.g., Sunday to Thursday), aligning with the standard business week in Saudi Arabia.

• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, leading to occasional overtime, especially during critical phases of design delivery or contractor management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates for Riyadh are based on recent market data for senior construction and project management roles in the region. Benefits are standard for expatriate packages in Saudi Arabia, designed to attract and retain international talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Consultancy. Mace operates at the intersection of construction excellence and strategic consultancy, working on large-scale international projects.

Company Size: Mace is a global company with a significant workforce, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and resources. The specific project in Riyadh will involve working within a defined project team structure.

Founded: Mace was founded in 1990. This history suggests a company with established practices, a strong market presence, and a developed corporate culture.

Team Structure:

• Project-Specific Integrated Teams: You will be part of an integrated team working on a commercial fit-out project in Riyadh. This team likely includes Mace representatives, client representatives, and potentially other delivery partners.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The role reports to senior project leadership within Mace's Riyadh operations and likely oversees a team of design managers or coordinators.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: A key aspect of Mace's culture is cross-functional collaboration. This Senior Design Manager will work closely with construction managers, commercial managers, procurement specialists, and program managers to ensure holistic project delivery.

Methodology:

• Integrated Project Delivery: Mace emphasizes integrated approaches, bringing together all stakeholders early in the project lifecycle to optimize outcomes.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The responsibility to present KPIs and management review data underscores a commitment to performance measurement and data-informed decisions.

• Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement: A core value is to "Create opportunity - For our people to excel," which translates into actively seeking and implementing improvements in project delivery plans, tools, and processes.

• Sustainability Focus: A strong emphasis on Net Zero Carbon goals and technical excellence guides project execution and design decisions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's values (Safety first, Client focus, Integrity, Create opportunity) are integral to their operations. Understanding these values is crucial for cultural fit. The emphasis on integrated teams and cross-functional collaboration is standard for large-scale construction and consultancy firms.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Level. This role represents a significant step in a design management career, requiring strategic oversight, extensive experience, and the ability to lead complex projects and teams. It positions the individual as a key contributor to Mace's success in the Saudi Arabian market.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will typically report to a Project Director or Senior Project Manager within Mace. They will, in turn, lead and manage a team of design professionals, including potentially junior design managers, coordinators, and specialists.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on project success by ensuring that design intent is translated effectively into high-quality fit-out execution. This influences project timelines, budget adherence, client satisfaction, and the overall quality and functionality of the finished commercial spaces. Strategic input from this role can also influence future business wins and Mace's reputation in the region.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to Project Director or a broader regional design leadership role within Mace, overseeing multiple projects or a larger portfolio.

• Specialization Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of fit-out design, sustainability, or advanced project management methodologies.

• International Mobility: As Mace is a global organization, successful performance in this role could open doors to similar senior positions in other regions.

• Mentorship and Training: The role involves leading training initiatives, providing opportunities to develop coaching and mentorship skills, which are crucial for leadership advancement.

• Strategic Contribution: Involvement in work-winning efforts and business growth initiatives offers exposure to strategic planning and business development within the construction and consultancy sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation and the specific responsibilities suggest a role that is a critical step towards executive-level positions within the construction and project management industry. The emphasis on leadership and strategic contribution highlights the growth potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site, requiring significant presence at the project location in Riyadh. While Mace may have a local office in Riyadh, the day-to-day will involve site visits, meetings with contractors, and coordination within the project environment.

Office Location(s): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is a major metropolitan area with significant ongoing development and infrastructure projects.

Workspace Context:

• Dynamic Site Environment: Expect a fast-paced, often demanding, on-site environment where collaboration with construction teams and contractors is paramount.

• Technology Integration: Access to project management software, BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools, and communication platforms will be essential for managing design documentation, progress tracking, and stakeholder communication.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Frequent interaction with diverse teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, commercial teams, and client representatives, fostering a collaborative and sometimes challenging work dynamic.

• Focus on Project Delivery: The workspace is geared towards achieving project milestones, problem-solving on the fly, and ensuring quality and safety standards are met.

Work Schedule:

• The standard 40-hour work week (Sunday-Thursday) is the baseline.

• However, the nature of construction and fit-out projects often necessitates flexibility, with potential for extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases to meet deadlines and ensure continuous progress. This is common in the GCC construction industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is critical. Candidates should be prepared for a hands-on, project-focused environment with extensive interaction with construction sites and contractor teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications against the core requirements (GCC experience, degree, years of experience).

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Project Director or Senior Manager) focusing on technical expertise, leadership experience, and fit-out project management skills. This may involve discussing past projects and challenges.

3. Technical/Panel Interview: A more in-depth interview, potentially with a panel including other senior managers or subject matter experts. This stage will delve into specific design management processes, contractor management strategies, and problem-solving scenarios.

4. Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present a portfolio showcasing relevant projects, design management methodologies, and evidence of leadership and process improvement. This is a crucial step for assessing practical experience and impact.

5. Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with senior leadership, to assess cultural fit and alignment with Mace's values, followed by a potential offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., commercial fit-out) or by key responsibility areas (e.g., Design Leadership, Contractor Management, Process Improvement).

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state the scope, your role, key challenges, the solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, quality enhancements, safety records).

• Highlight GCC Experience: Specifically showcase projects executed within the GCC, demonstrating your understanding of regional nuances.

• Process Explanation: Be prepared to articulate your design management processes, workflow optimization strategies, and how you manage and motivate teams and contractors. Use diagrams or flowcharts where appropriate.

• Mace Values Alignment: Frame your experiences to reflect Mace's values (Safety, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity).

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions asking how you would handle specific project challenges, such as contractor disputes, design clashes, budget overruns, or client change requests. Prepare using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Design Process Scenarios: Be ready to discuss your approach to design reviews, value engineering, and ensuring constructability.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you have led teams through difficult periods, resolved conflicts, and fostered a positive and productive work environment.

• Sustainability Integration: Be prepared to discuss how you incorporate net-zero carbon goals and sustainability into fit-out design and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only technical competence but also leadership capabilities, problem-solving skills, and alignment with Mace's core values. A strong, well-prepared portfolio is essential for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with platforms like Oracle Aconex, Procore, Asite, or similar for document control, project planning, and progress tracking.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks for design coordination, clash detection, and visualization.

• Design Software: Familiarity with industry-standard architectural and engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp) is beneficial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Effective use of Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel/Google Sheets: Advanced skills for data analysis, KPI tracking, and reporting.

• Power BI/Tableau: Experience in creating dashboards and visual reports for management reviews.

• Project Reporting Tools: Familiarity with specific reporting modules within project management software.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design inputs feed into commercial and client management systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with contract management systems and procurement platforms is also advantageous.

• Automation in design processes might involve leveraging BIM tools for automated documentation or scripting.

📝 Enhancement Note: A Senior Design Manager must be proficient in the digital tools used for modern construction project management, particularly those related to design coordination, document control, and reporting. BIM proficiency is increasingly critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First - Going Home Safe and Well: A paramount value. Expect a strong emphasis on safety protocols, risk assessments, and a proactive approach to ensuring the well-being of all personnel on site and in design processes.

• Client Focus - Deliver on Our Promise: A commitment to client satisfaction through high-quality deliverables, strategic project outcomes, and building enduring client relationships. Expect a focus on understanding and meeting client expectations for fit-out projects.

• Integrity - Always Do the Right Thing: Upholding ethical standards, compliance with regulations, and influencing positive outcomes within the industry. Expect transparency and ethical conduct in all dealings with contractors and stakeholders.

• Create Opportunity - For Our People to Excel: A culture of continuous improvement, learning, and development. Expect opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and contributing to innovation within design and project delivery processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated and Proactive: Mace promotes an integrated approach where teams work cohesively from the outset. Expect a collaborative style that encourages open communication and early problem-solving.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Emphasis on breaking down silos between design, construction, commercial, and program teams to ensure seamless project execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to leverage internal knowledge bases and CoE resources, fostering a culture where best practices are shared and applied.

• Performance-Oriented: A focus on driving results and achieving project objectives, balanced with a supportive approach to team development and well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding and embodying Mace's core values will be critical for success and integration into the team. The collaborative style is designed to manage the inherent complexities of large construction projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Contractor Performance: Ensuring that the main contractor consistently meets Mace's and the client's standards for quality, safety, and schedule in a demanding fit-out environment.

• Navigating GCC Regulations: Adapting to and ensuring compliance with Saudi Arabian construction and design regulations, which can differ significantly from other regions.

• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the diverse needs and expectations of clients, internal stakeholders, and various contractor teams on a large-scale project.

• Integrating Sustainability Goals: Effectively embedding net-zero carbon principles and sustainability initiatives into the practicalities of commercial fit-out projects.

• Remote Project Management: While based on-site, managing documentation and communication with global or regional support teams and ensuring consistent application of Mace's standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Techniques: Gaining exposure to Mace's proprietary methodologies and best practices in large-scale project and design management.

• Sustainability in Construction: Deepening expertise in implementing net-zero carbon strategies within fit-out projects.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Mace's internal leadership training and development resources.

• Industry Exposure: Working on high-profile projects in a rapidly developing market like Saudi Arabia offers significant career-building experience.

• Cross-Cultural Competency: Enhancing skills in managing diverse teams and working within an international context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to large construction projects in international markets. Mace's commitment to learning and development suggests that these challenges are viewed as opportunities for professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a complex commercial fit-out project in a new market like Saudi Arabia." (Focus on phased approach, stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation.)

• "How do you ensure a main contractor delivers high-quality fit-out works on time and within budget? Provide a specific example." (Highlight your oversight methods, contract management, performance tracking, and problem-solving.)

• "Discuss a time you had to implement significant process improvements within a design management team. What was the outcome?" (Showcase initiative, analytical skills, and impact on efficiency or quality.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Mace and our values? How do you see yourself embodying 'Safety First' or 'Client Focus' in your daily work?" (Research Mace's website, values, and recent projects. Prepare specific examples.)

• "Describe your experience working in a cross-functional team environment. How do you foster collaboration with construction, commercial, and procurement teams?" (Highlight communication skills, teamwork, and ability to build consensus.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Impactful: Prepare a presentation (e.g., PowerPoint, PDF) that highlights 2-3 key projects in detail. Focus on your specific role, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results.

• Visual Appeal: Use high-quality images, drawings, or renderings where appropriate to showcase design quality and project scope.

• Process Walkthrough: Be ready to articulate your end-to-end design management process, from initiation to handover.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle conflict, and how you measure success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only technical expertise but also leadership potential, strategic thinking, and a strong cultural alignment with Mace's values. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase practical experience and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Mace Careers portal link provided.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in design management for interior and fit-out projects, specifically mentioning your work within the GCC and any Saudi Arabian experience. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a professional portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects, emphasizing your leadership, process management, and contractor oversight capabilities. Be ready to present this during the interview process.

• Research Mace: Familiarize yourself with Mace's company values, recent projects (especially in the Middle East), and their approach to sustainability and safety.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, focusing on examples that demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving, and project delivery skills.

⚠️ 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.