Senior Design Manager - Architecture (Q-RB)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - Architecture (Q-RB)

Company: JASARA PMC

Location: Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Architecture Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-18

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees consultant-led architectural design processes from inception through to construction documentation, ensuring stringent adherence to QIC requirements.

• Provides crucial design governance and fosters robust multidisciplinary coordination, ensuring architectural vision is seamlessly integrated with structural, MEP, and landscape engineering.

• Acts as the primary design interface, managing consultant engagements and enforcing design governance protocols for quality assurance and constructability.

• Collaborates closely with Development and Commercial teams to align design solutions with approved budgets and value engineering targets, ensuring cost-effectiveness.

• Upholds rigorous quality control by reviewing architectural and multidisciplinary submissions, proactively resolving interface issues to minimize rework and clashes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly focused on the operational aspects of architectural design, emphasizing governance, coordination, and quality assurance rather than direct design production. The "Q-RB" designation likely refers to specific project or client requirements (e.g., Quality, Regulatory, or a specific project framework) that candidates must be familiar with.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Stewards the architectural design process across all project phases, ensuring all consultant-led outputs meet QIC standards, approved design briefs, and defined Scopes of Work.

• Orchestrates and monitors architectural design activities, ensuring alignment and integration with structural, MEP, landscape, and other specialist consultant inputs.

• Manages the consultant interface, ensuring compliance with project-specific guidelines, technical standards, and contractual obligations.

• Implements and enforces comprehensive design governance processes, including structured design reviews, change management protocols, and multidisciplinary coordination sessions.

• Conducts thorough reviews of architectural and multidisciplinary submissions, drawings, and detailed design packages to verify completeness, coordination, and constructability.

• Chairs multidisciplinary coordination meetings, tracks action items across all design disciplines, and resolves interface issues to maintain project timelines.

• Partners with Development and Commercial teams to ensure design solutions are cost-aligned with approved budgets and value targets, actively participating in value engineering initiatives.

• Assesses the buildability, sequencing, and coordination of detailed design packages, leveraging strong construction knowledge to ensure practical, construction-ready deliverables.

• Assists Development teams in the preparation and refinement of design briefs, Scopes of Work, and project guidelines, ensuring clarity and alignment from the outset.

• Evaluates technical aspects of consultant procurement submissions and contributes to tender evaluations for design services.

• Monitors consultant performance, ensuring deliverables are coordinated, compliant, and aligned with project objectives, supporting commercial management of design contracts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, stakeholder coordination, and quality assurance within the design lifecycle. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate experience in managing external design consultants and ensuring the operational readiness of design packages for construction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Architecture or a closely related field.

Experience: A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in architectural design management, with a significant portion dedicated to large-scale projects or programs.

Required Skills:

• Architectural Design Management: Proven ability to oversee and manage the entire architectural design lifecycle for complex projects.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Expertise in integrating and coordinating architectural design with structural, MEP, landscape, and other engineering disciplines.

• Design Governance & Quality Assurance: Strong understanding and practical application of design governance frameworks, quality control processes, and technical assurance.

• Consultant Management: Demonstrated experience in managing, evaluating, and directing external architectural and engineering consultants.

• Buildability & Constructability Assessment: Deep knowledge of construction methods and sequencing, enabling practical assessment of design outputs for execution.

• Revit Proficiency: Advanced user-level proficiency in Revit for design review and coordination purposes.

• AutoCAD Proficiency: Comprehensive understanding and application of AutoCAD for architectural documentation and review.

• Adobe Suite Proficiency: Skill in utilizing Adobe Creative Suite for presentation, documentation, and visual communication.

• Sustainable Design Practices: In-depth knowledge of sustainable design principles, codes, and their application in architectural projects.

• Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to diverse stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams.

• Leadership & Team Management: Proven track record of leading and motivating design teams and consultants.

Preferred Skills:

• Value Engineering: Experience in conducting and implementing value engineering exercises to optimize project costs and performance.

• Project Coordination & Planning: Advanced skills in project coordination, scheduling, and proactive issue resolution.

• Familiarity with Saudi Building Codes (SBC) and QIC Standards: Specific knowledge of local regulatory requirements and client-specific quality standards.

• Familiarity with BIM Workflows: Understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM) implementation and coordination protocols beyond basic Revit use.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of technical architectural knowledge, project management acumen, and proficiency in essential design software. The emphasis on "Q-RB" likely implies a need for familiarity with specific quality assurance frameworks or client-mandated standards, which candidates should be prepared to discuss.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Governance Frameworks: Showcase examples of implemented design governance processes, including structured review stages, sign-off procedures, and compliance checks.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination Case Studies: Present detailed case studies demonstrating how complex interdisciplinary conflicts were identified, managed, and resolved through effective coordination.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance Reports: Include anonymized examples of quality assurance reports, compliance checklists, or review summaries that highlight meticulous attention to detail and adherence to standards.

• Buildability & Constructability Assessments: Provide examples of how design reviews incorporated buildability assessments, with clear documentation of potential construction challenges identified and solutions proposed.

• Consultant Performance Management: Illustrate experience in managing consultant performance, potentially through anonymized performance review summaries or contract management examples related to design deliverables.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Documented experience in designing, refining, and implementing efficient workflows for architectural design review and consultant management.

• Implementation & Automation: Examples of how processes were implemented across teams or how automation (even basic scripting or template usage) was leveraged to improve design review efficiency.

• Measurement & Analysis: Evidence of how the effectiveness of design processes and consultant deliverables was measured, analyzed, and reported, focusing on metrics related to coordination, compliance, and constructability.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, the portfolio should strongly emphasize process-oriented achievements. Candidates should prepare to present case studies that highlight their ability to implement and manage robust design processes, ensure quality, and drive efficient coordination among multiple stakeholders and design disciplines.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Design Manager with 15+ years of experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the estimated annual salary range is likely between SAR 450,000 to SAR 700,000 (approximately USD 120,000 to USD 187,000). This range accounts for the senior level, specialized architectural expertise, and the strategic importance of the role within a major project context.

Benefits:

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

• Annual Leave: Generous paid annual leave, typically 25-30 days per year, in line with Saudi labor law and company policy.

• Housing Allowance: A significant allowance or company-provided housing to cover accommodation costs in Riyadh.

• Transportation Allowance: Provision for travel expenses, potentially including a car or a dedicated transportation allowance.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for international candidates, including visa processing, flights, and initial accommodation.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual performance-based bonuses tied to project success and individual contributions.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and potentially support for professional certifications.

• End-of-Service Benefits: Gratuity payment upon completion of service, as per Saudi labor law.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, given the project-driven nature of the role, some flexibility and occasional overtime may be required to meet critical deadlines, particularly during intense review periods or before major submission dates.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on research into comparable roles in Riyadh for senior-level design and project management positions within large infrastructure and construction firms. Benefits are typical for expatriate or senior roles in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing comprehensive support for employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Project Management (specifically focused on large-scale infrastructure and urban development projects). JASARA PMC operates within a dynamic sector crucial for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Company Size: JASARA PMC is a significant player in the region's project management landscape, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand professionals. This scale suggests a structured environment with established processes and a diverse, multinational workforce.

Founded: JASARA PMC was established to support the ambitious development agenda of Saudi Arabia, indicating a focus on growth, innovation, and contributing to national strategic objectives. This founding context implies a culture geared towards ambitious goals and impactful projects.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated design management team, potentially comprising junior design managers, architects, and coordinators.

• This team will operate within a larger project delivery framework, reporting to a Design Director or Head of Design, and collaborating closely with Project Directors, Engineering Managers, and Construction Managers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizes the use of project data, performance metrics, and technical analysis to inform design decisions and quality assessments.

• Process-Centric Approach: Focuses on establishing and adhering to robust design management processes, governance frameworks, and quality control protocols to ensure consistency and reliability.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Encourages a team-oriented approach to identifying and resolving design and construction challenges, fostering open communication and shared responsibility.

Company Website: https://jasarapmc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: JASARA PMC's involvement in major Saudi Arabian development projects suggests a high-performance culture focused on delivering complex, large-scale initiatives. The Senior Design Manager role is integral to ensuring the quality and constructability of these ambitious urban and infrastructure projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, signifying a leadership role responsible for a critical function within the project lifecycle. It requires extensive experience and the ability to manage complex design processes and external consultants. The role is pivotal in ensuring the technical integrity and deliverability of architectural designs.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager typically reports to a Design Director or Head of Design, who oversees the entire design department or program. They will also work closely with Project Directors and Construction Managers, ensuring seamless integration between design intent and site execution. This structure emphasizes a hierarchical yet collaborative environment.

Operations Impact: The role has a profound impact on project success by:

• Ensuring Design Quality: Upholding architectural standards and client requirements directly influences the final built environment.

• Controlling Costs: Proactive identification of design conflicts and value engineering efforts prevent costly rework and scope creep.

• Minimizing Delays: Effective coordination and timely review of submissions prevent bottlenecks in the construction schedule.

• Enhancing Buildability: Ensuring designs are practical for construction improves site efficiency and safety.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Design Director, Head of Design, or Program Design Manager roles, overseeing larger design portfolios or entire projects.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like sustainable design, complex typologies (e.g., healthcare, cultural institutions), or advanced BIM management.

• Cross-Functional Transition: Potential to move into broader project management, development management, or technical advisory roles within the company or the wider industry.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior architects and design managers, developing the next generation of design leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant career progression within large-scale project management and construction. The emphasis on operational excellence in design management positions candidates for leadership roles in major development initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a professional, corporate office environment, likely within a project management office (PMO) or a dedicated JASARA PMC office in Riyadh. This setting is designed for focused work, team collaboration, and client interactions.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This implies working within a dynamic urban development hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office will foster a collaborative atmosphere, with dedicated meeting rooms, project war rooms, and open-plan areas designed for multidisciplinary team interaction.

• Technology-Enabled: Expect access to modern office technology, high-speed internet, and robust IT infrastructure supporting design software and communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with project managers, engineers, commercial teams, and external consultants, facilitating real-time problem-solving and decision-making.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. However, given the demands of major construction projects, there may be an expectation for flexibility to attend critical meetings, site visits, or respond to urgent design queries outside of standard hours, especially during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in Riyadh underscores the importance of direct collaboration and engagement with project teams and stakeholders in a fast-paced development environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CVs and portfolios to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions with hiring managers and potentially the Design Director or senior project leaders to evaluate technical expertise, design management philosophy, and problem-solving capabilities. Expect questions on managing consultants, design governance, and buildability assessments.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a curated selection of their work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate their experience in managing complex architectural designs, multidisciplinary coordination, and quality assurance.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of leadership style, communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and cultural alignment with JASARA PMC's values and project environment.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or key stakeholders to make the final hiring decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process & Governance: Highlight your role in establishing and managing design processes, governance frameworks, and quality control measures, rather than just showcasing attractive designs.

• Demonstrate Coordination: Use specific examples to illustrate how you have successfully coordinated diverse design disciplines and resolved interface issues. Quantify the impact where possible (e.g., reduction in clashes, time saved).

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Present case studies that detail challenges faced (e.g., design conflicts, budget constraints, constructability issues) and your strategic approach to resolving them.

• Highlight QIC Compliance: If possible, demonstrate experience with similar quality assurance frameworks or client-specific standards relevant to "Q-RB."

• Conciseness & Clarity: Prepare a concise presentation that clearly articulates your contributions, the methodologies used, and the outcomes achieved.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to managing difficult consultants, resolving design disputes, or responding to urgent design changes.

• Process Design Exercise: You might be asked to outline a design governance process for a specific project phase or to propose solutions for improving multidisciplinary coordination.

• Technical Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of architectural principles, construction methods, and relevant building codes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing heavily on practical experience in managing the operational aspects of architectural design delivery, particularly within large-scale, quality-focused projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for reviewing BIM models, coordinating disciplines, and understanding spatial relationships. Advanced proficiency is expected for effective design oversight.

• AutoCAD: Crucial for reviewing 2D drawings, understanding technical details, and ensuring consistency with architectural plans.

• Adobe Suite (Acrobat, InDesign, Photoshop): Used for document review, markups, creating presentation materials, and visual communication of design intent and issues.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: For data analysis, tracking consultant submissions, managing action logs, and generating reports on design progress and compliance.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project): While not directly used for design production, understanding how architectural timelines integrate into overall project schedules is key. Familiarity with how design deliverables impact project sequencing is important.

• BIM Collaboration Platforms (e.g., BIM 360, Navisworks): Increasingly important for managing and coordinating BIM models across disciplines, identifying clashes, and facilitating communication. Proficiency in using these platforms for review and coordination is highly advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems (DMS): Experience with systems like SharePoint, Aconex, or similar platforms for managing project documentation, drawings, and correspondence is critical.

• Workflow Automation Tools: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with any tools or methods used to automate review processes, track submissions, or manage action items would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools used for design review, coordination, and project documentation management, rather than direct design creation. Proficiency in BIM-related software and document control systems is particularly important for ensuring efficient operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Excellence: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality architectural designs that meet or exceed project specifications and client expectations.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards, transparency in dealings with consultants and stakeholders, and maintaining a high level of professional conduct.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where all team members and consultants work together effectively towards shared project goals.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Continuously seeking ways to improve design processes, streamline workflows, and enhance the constructability and cost-effectiveness of designs.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, ensuring deliverables are met on time and to standard, and proactively addressing challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with all project disciplines to ensure holistic design development and seamless integration of architectural elements.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and frequent communication channels with consultants, project management teams, and commercial departments to preempt issues and facilitate swift decision-making.

• Constructive Feedback: Providing clear, actionable, and constructive feedback to consultants during design reviews, focused on achieving project objectives and improving deliverables.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across the design team and with other project stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at JASARA PMC likely values a results-oriented, collaborative approach to complex project delivery. The emphasis on quality, integrity, and efficiency aligns with the operational demands of large-scale infrastructure projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Consultant Teams: Navigating different working styles, technical capabilities, and contractual obligations of multiple external design consultants.

• Ensuring Design Integration: Achieving seamless coordination across numerous specialized engineering disciplines on complex, large-scale projects.

• Balancing Quality, Cost, and Schedule: Meeting stringent quality standards and client briefs while adhering to budget constraints and aggressive project timelines.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards: Staying abreast of new design technologies, sustainable practices, and evolving regulatory requirements (e.g., QIC standards, Saudi Building Codes).

• Remote Oversight (if applicable): While this role is on-site, managing quality and design intent across potentially distributed teams or off-site fabrication elements can present challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM & Digital Construction: Deepening expertise in BIM coordination, clash detection, and digital project delivery workflows.

• Specialized Project Typologies: Gaining experience in unique and complex project types within the company's portfolio (e.g., healthcare, transportation, cultural landmarks).

• Leadership & Program Management: Developing skills in managing larger design programs, leading bigger teams, and contributing to strategic project planning.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing relevant certifications in project management, design management, or sustainable design to enhance professional credentials.

• Cross-Disciplinary Understanding: Broadening knowledge in structural, MEP, and infrastructure engineering to enhance holistic project oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in major project management organizations, requiring strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding leadership capabilities and technical specialization within the construction and development sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to establishing and enforcing design governance on a large-scale project with multiple consultant teams. What are the critical components of your framework?" (Focus on process, reviews, compliance checks, and stakeholder buy-in).

• "Walk me through a complex multidisciplinary coordination challenge you faced. How did you identify the issue, what steps did you take to resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study highlighting your problem-solving and communication skills).

• "How do you ensure that architectural designs are not only aesthetically compliant but also constructible and cost-effective? What specific checks and balances do you implement?" (Emphasize buildability assessments, value engineering integration, and collaboration with construction teams).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about JASARA PMC and our role in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030? How does this role contribute to those objectives?" (Research the company's projects and strategic goals).

• "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you foster collaboration among diverse disciplines and external consultants?" (Focus on communication, transparency, and shared goals).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project phase, key responsibility area (governance, coordination, QA), or specific case studies.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your interventions (e.g., number of clashes resolved, percentage reduction in design changes, time saved in review cycles).

• Visual Aids: Utilize clear diagrams, flowcharts, and anonymized examples of drawings or reports to illustrate your points effectively.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, responsibilities, and decision-making authority within each project or case study presented.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your methodologies, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong operational understanding of architectural design management, emphasizing process, governance, and stakeholder coordination within the context of large-scale construction projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager - Architecture position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight your 15+ years of experience in architectural design management, emphasizing roles involving consultant oversight, multidisciplinary coordination, and quality assurance. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant projects, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your process management, governance implementation, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach. Ensure it showcases your ability to manage design from an operational perspective.

• Research JASARA PMC: Understand their key projects, their role in Saudi Arabia's development, and their commitment to quality and innovation.

• Practice your presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions, especially those related to design governance, coordination challenges, and constructability. Prepare specific examples to illustrate your experience.

⚠️ 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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