Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Mace

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Design Management & Construction Consultancy

Date Posted: 2026-09-16

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site (with potential for Hybrid arrangements)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive design management processes for a landmark program involving premium buildings and supporting infrastructure, ensuring design excellence across all project stages.

• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary design consultants, driving alignment with overall program objectives, budget, quality standards, and delivery requirements.

• Review and optimize design proposals for functionality, constructability, and value, facilitating technical reviews and stakeholder engagement.

• Manage design risks, interfaces, and change control, ensuring seamless integration with project management, commercial, procurement, and construction teams.

• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior design management team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and compliance with industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) context for a prestigious private estate development. The Senior Design Manager will be a key technical lead, responsible for the strategic direction and execution of design across multiple complex packages, requiring strong client-facing and leadership capabilities. The emphasis on "premium buildings and supporting infrastructure" suggests a focus on high-quality finishes, complex architectural designs, and intricate MEP/structural systems.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design management lifecycle for multiple concurrent building and infrastructure packages, from concept through to construction.

• Orchestrate and direct multidisciplinary design consultants (architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers, landscape architects, etc.) throughout all design phases.

• Validate that all designs are fully coordinated, buildable, compliant with local regulations and international standards, and precisely align with the project brief and stakeholder requirements.

• Critically review and challenge design submissions to enhance quality, optimize functionality, accelerate program delivery, and maximize project value.

• Actively facilitate design workshops, technical review meetings, and crucial stakeholder consultations to ensure consensus and progress.

• Diligently monitor design progress against established deliverables, key performance indicators (KPIs), and program milestones, reporting variances and proposing corrective actions.

• Proactively identify, assess, and manage design-related risks, issues, and critical interfaces across the project portfolio.

• Liaise effectively with project management, commercial, procurement, construction, and client representatives to ensure holistic and successful project delivery.

• Administer and manage the change control process related to design development, scope amendments, and value engineering initiatives.

• Conduct thorough reviews of consultant deliverables, technical submissions, specifications, drawings, and design reports, providing constructive feedback and approvals.

• Contribute to procurement activities by providing technical evaluations for consultant and contractor tenders and proposals.

• Provide effective leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior design management staff, fostering their professional development.

• Ensure rigorous adherence to all relevant codes, standards, governance frameworks, and industry best practices throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a need for strong technical oversight, coordination prowess, and a deep understanding of the entire design lifecycle within a large-scale development context. The emphasis on "review and challenge design proposals" indicates a requirement for critical thinking and the ability to add significant value beyond mere coordination. Managing change control and supporting procurement also point to a need for commercial and contractual awareness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or a closely related engineering or construction discipline. Experience:

• Extensive professional experience in design management, preferably within a Project Management Consultancy (PMC), developer, or client-side organization.

• Proven track record of successfully delivering high-end residential, hospitality, mixed-use developments, or significant estate-level projects.

• Demonstrated experience in managing international design consultants and specialist technical designers.

• Significant experience working on major projects within the Middle East region is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• Design Management Expertise: Comprehensive understanding and practical application of design management principles, processes, and best practices across all project stages.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Proven ability to effectively coordinate and integrate the work of diverse design disciplines (architecture, structural, MEP, façade, interiors, landscape, etc.) to achieve design coherence.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional skills in engaging, influencing, and managing expectations of a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.

• Technical Review & Challenge: Ability to critically assess design proposals, identify potential issues, and propose value-adding solutions related to constructability, cost, program, and performance.

• Risk & Issue Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks and resolving complex technical issues.

• Contractual & Commercial Awareness: Understanding of consultant and contractor agreements, change control procedures, and their impact on design delivery.

• Leadership & Mentoring: Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior design professionals, fostering team development and high performance.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional membership with a recognized industry body such as RIBA, CIOB, PMI, ICE, or IStructE.

• Experience with specific design governance, design assurance, and quality management frameworks.

• Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) workflows and their application in design coordination and delivery.

• Proficiency in Middle Eastern building codes, regulations, and construction practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ years" experience level, combined with the requirement for managing international consultants and delivering high-end projects, implies a need for a seasoned professional. The emphasis on Middle East experience strongly suggests familiarity with local market conditions, regulatory frameworks, and common project challenges in the region. Professional memberships are preferred, indicating a desire for candidates who are recognized experts in their field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant projects demonstrating leadership in design management for complex, high-value developments (e.g., luxury residential, hospitality, mixed-use).

• Include examples of detailed design coordination plans, design interface matrices, and cross-disciplinary clash resolution strategies.

• Present evidence of design optimization initiatives, detailing the challenge, proposed solution, and quantifiable benefits (e.g., cost savings, program acceleration, improved functionality).

• Demonstrate experience with design governance frameworks, including design review checklists, approval processes, and quality assurance procedures.

• Provide examples of risk registers and issue logs specifically related to design development, illustrating mitigation strategies and resolution approaches. Process Documentation:

• Detailed documentation of the design management process implemented on past projects, including workflow diagrams, RACI charts, and key stage gate reviews.

• Examples of standardized templates for design meeting minutes, progress reports, technical queries, and request for information (RFI) logs.

• Evidence of implementing and managing design assurance processes, including design reviews, peer reviews, and independent checks.

• Case studies illustrating the management of design changes, including impact assessments, approvals, and record-keeping.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical application of design management principles. Candidates should highlight their strategic approach to process implementation, problem-solving capabilities, and the tangible impact of their design leadership on project outcomes. The focus should be on leadership and strategic oversight rather than purely technical design execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

An estimated annual salary range for a Senior Design Manager in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with 10+ years of experience, typically falls between SAR 450,000 to SAR 700,000 (approximately USD 120,000 to USD 187,000). This range can vary based on the specific company, the complexity and scale of the project, and the candidate's precise qualifications and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Inclusive Working Environment: Commitment to a safe, diverse, and inclusive workplace culture.

• Continuous Improvement Culture: Opportunities for professional development and engagement in ongoing learning initiatives.

• Flexible Working Options: Potential to discuss flexible working arrangements where suitable for the role.

• Hybrid Working Options: Possibility of hybrid work arrangements, balancing on-site presence with remote flexibility.

• Visa Sponsorship: The role requires necessary visa criteria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, implying sponsorship is provided for eligible candidates.

• Project-Specific Allowances: Likely to include standard expatriate benefits such as accommodation allowance, transportation allowance, and potentially education allowances for dependents, depending on company policy for this specific project.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, project demands may require occasional extended hours or weekend work, particularly during critical design phases or deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on industry benchmarks for senior-level construction and consultancy roles in Riyadh, considering the high cost of living and demand for specialized skills. Benefits are derived from the job description's mention of company values and specific work arrangement options, supplemented by standard expatriate packages common for large-scale projects in Saudi Arabia. Visa sponsorship is explicitly mentioned.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Consultancy. Mace operates at the intersection of construction expertise and consultancy services, aiming to unlock potential in projects and people. They are involved in high-profile, complex projects globally.

Company Size: Mace is a global company with a significant workforce, likely employing thousands of individuals across various regions and sectors. This scale provides opportunities for diverse project involvement and career advancement.

Founded: Mace was founded in 1990. Its history is rooted in delivering complex projects and evolving its service offerings to include strategic consultancy alongside construction.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect: The design management team is part of a larger Project Management Consultancy (PMC) structure. It includes a dedicated Senior Design Manager leading a team that coordinates with other PMC functions like Project Controls, Commercial Management, Construction Management, and Site Supervision.

• Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Program Director or Project Director, with direct line management responsibility for junior design managers, coordinators, and potentially specialists.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Highly collaborative, requiring constant interaction with architectural teams, engineering disciplines, client representatives, contractors, and statutory authorities.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Designs are reviewed and challenged based on data-driven assessments of constructability, cost, performance, and compliance.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Establishing and refining design management workflows to ensure efficiency, clarity, and timely delivery.

• Automation & Efficiency Practices: While not explicitly stated for this role, modern PMC operations often leverage BIM and digital tools for coordination and clash detection, driving efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's emphasis on values like "Safety first," "Client focus," "Integrity," and "Create opportunity" suggests a corporate culture that prioritizes professional conduct, client satisfaction, ethical practices, and employee development. The context of a "landmark programme" and "prestigious private estate" indicates a high-stakes environment demanding exceptional performance and meticulous attention to detail.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the design management function. It signifies a transition from hands-on design coordination to strategic oversight, team leadership, and significant client interface. The scope includes managing multiple complex workstreams simultaneously.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will report to a senior program or project leader (e.g., Program Director, Project Director) and will manage a team of design managers and coordinators. This position is critical in the PMC hierarchy, bridging client expectations and consultant execution.

Operations Impact: The role has a profound impact on project success by ensuring designs are technically sound, cost-effective, compliant, and delivered on time. Effective design management directly influences project budget, schedule, quality, and overall client satisfaction, thereby contributing significantly to Mace's reputation and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to move into Program Design Management roles, overseeing design across larger multi-project programs, or transitioning into broader Project Director roles.

• Industry Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific high-end development sectors (e.g., luxury hospitality, ultra-prime residential) or specialized technical areas.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to further develop leadership and strategic management skills through mentoring, advanced training, and taking on increasingly complex projects and teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the responsibilities outlined indicate a clear path for career progression within Mace, potentially leading to Director-level positions or specialized expert roles within the consultancy arm. The emphasis on leadership and mentorship suggests development opportunities focused on people management and strategic influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site, working within the project's Management Consultancy (PMC) office located at the project site or a dedicated project hub in Riyadh. The environment is expected to be dynamic and fast-paced, typical of large-scale construction projects.

Office Location(s): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The specific office will be co-located with the project team, facilitating close coordination with site operations and stakeholders.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will likely be an open-plan or shared office environment designed to foster collaboration among the PMC team members, including project managers, engineers, commercial specialists, and other design managers.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office infrastructure, project management software, communication tools, and potentially BIM viewing software. Reliable IT infrastructure will be crucial for managing digital design information.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with multidisciplinary teams, consultants, and client representatives will be integral to the daily work routine.

Work Schedule: While standard hours are 40 per week, the demanding nature of major projects, especially in the Middle East, often requires flexibility. Adherence to project deadlines may necessitate working beyond standard hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, particularly during critical review periods or when facing project challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation and the mention of "Hybrid working options" suggest a primary requirement for physical presence in Riyadh to manage the project effectively, with potential flexibility for certain tasks or meetings. The environment is likely to be high-pressure but also highly rewarding, given the prestige of the project.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications for basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Program Director or Senior Project Manager) focusing on technical expertise, design management methodology, and leadership experience.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio of work or discuss a hypothetical design management challenge related to the project's context. This assesses problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and communication abilities.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key team members and potentially client representatives to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to manage diverse stakeholders.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview with senior leadership to confirm suitability and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific skills (e.g., coordination, risk management, value engineering). Use clear headings and concise descriptions.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced design clashes by 30% through enhanced coordination," or "Achieved a 5% cost saving through design optimization."

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Include case studies that illustrate how you have overcome significant design challenges. Detail the problem, your approach, the solution implemented, and the outcome.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, managing consultants, and influencing design decisions. Use action verbs and focus on your strategic contributions.

• Tailor to the Role: Ensure your portfolio examples directly relate to the requirements of this Senior Design Manager role, focusing on high-end developments and PMC environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would manage conflicting design requirements between MEP and structural teams, or how you would ensure architectural intent is maintained during detailed engineering.

• Stakeholder Conflict Resolution: Anticipate questions about managing disagreements between client expectations and consultant proposals, or resolving issues with contractors regarding design buildability.

• Design Governance & Quality: Understand how to implement and enforce design governance processes to ensure quality and compliance on a large-scale project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily emphasize practical experience, leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage complex, high-stakes design processes. A well-curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates these attributes will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard PM software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project) for schedule monitoring and control.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and document sharing.

• Design Review Software: Familiarity with tools for mark-up and commenting on drawings and models (e.g., Bluebeam Revu, Autodesk BIM 360/ACC).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear, concise reports on design progress, risks, and issues using tools like Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, or dedicated reporting modules within PM software.

• Dashboarding Tools: Experience with creating or interpreting dashboards (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to visualize design status and KPIs.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level document control systems (e.g., Aconex, SharePoint) for managing vast amounts of project documentation.

• BIM Software (as a user/reviewer): While not a BIM modeller, understanding BIM workflows and familiarity with viewing/navigating models in software like Autodesk Navisworks or Revit is highly advantageous for coordination and clash detection.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, a Senior Design Manager in a PMC role is expected to be proficient in standard project management and collaboration tools. A strong understanding of BIM processes and how they integrate into design management is increasingly critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value, expecting all team members to prioritize well-being and ensure safe practices in all project activities, including design reviews and site coordination.

• Client Focus: A commitment to delivering on promises, owning the quality of design outcomes, and building enduring client relationships through excellent service and results.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, ensuring compliance with all regulations, and influencing positive outcomes within the construction and design industry.

• Create Opportunity: Fostering a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging professional development, and supporting team members in excelling and advancing their careers.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A highly integrated approach, working seamlessly with various PMC disciplines and external consultants to achieve unified project goals. Emphasis on proactive communication and early problem-solving.

• Process Review Culture: Openness to reviewing and refining design management processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, encouraging feedback from team members and stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across the team and project to elevate overall performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's stated values are central to their operations. Candidates should demonstrate how their approach to design management aligns with these values, particularly client focus, integrity, and creating opportunities for growth and continuous improvement within their teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing conflicting demands from clients, consultants, and contractors on a high-profile project.

• Complex Design Interfaces: Ensuring seamless integration of multiple building and infrastructure designs, each with its own specialists and requirements.

• Fast-Paced Project Environment: Meeting aggressive program timelines while maintaining design quality and compliance, especially in a Middle Eastern context.

• Navigating Local Regulations & Standards: Ensuring designs adhere to Saudi Arabian building codes, cultural sensitivities, and client-specific requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to lead larger, more complex design programs, potentially managing teams of Senior Design Managers.

• Industry Conference & Certification: Support for attending relevant industry events and pursuing advanced certifications in project management or design management.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Access to mentorship from senior Mace leadership and development programs focused on enhancing strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles on large-scale international projects. Mace's emphasis on "Create Opportunity" suggests a commitment to supporting employees through these challenges by providing learning and development resources.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing design risk on a project of this scale and complexity. How do you ensure risks are identified early and mitigated effectively?" (Focus on proactive identification, risk registers, mitigation strategies, and cross-functional input).

• "How do you ensure effective communication and coordination among multiple international design consultants, especially when there are differing opinions or technical challenges?" (Highlight communication protocols, facilitation skills, conflict resolution, and leveraging technology like BIM).

• "Walk me through a challenging design change you managed. What was the situation, how did you assess the impact, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a specific, quantifiable example demonstrating change control process, stakeholder management, and impact analysis). Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Mace's core values (Safety First, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity) align with your personal work philosophy and approach to design management?" (Research the values and prepare specific examples of how you embody them).

• "Describe your experience leading and mentoring junior design professionals. How do you foster their development and ensure high performance within your team?" (Focus on leadership style, coaching techniques, and performance management).

• "How do you ensure the design process contributes to the overall project objectives, including budget adherence and program milestones?" (Emphasize your understanding of the broader project context and how design impacts these key areas). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The STAR Method: For case studies, structure your presentation using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to clearly articulate your contributions and their impact.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality visuals (renderings, diagrams, charts) from your portfolio to illustrate complex concepts and design outcomes. Ensure they are clear and relevant.

• Focus on Leadership & Strategy: While technical details are important, emphasize your strategic decision-making, leadership in managing teams, and your role in driving successful design outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Be ready to discuss the tangible benefits your design management efforts brought to past projects – cost savings, schedule improvements, enhanced functionality, or quality enhancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical design management expertise, strong leadership and communication skills, and a strategic understanding of how design contributes to overall project success within a PMC framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight extensive experience in design management, particularly within PMC, consultancy, or client-side roles. Quantify achievements and emphasize leadership in high-end development projects.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a comprehensive portfolio that showcases your leadership in managing multidisciplinary design teams, coordinating consultants, and delivering complex projects. Include case studies demonstrating design optimization, risk mitigation, and stakeholder management.

• Interview Preparation: Rehearse answers to common interview questions focusing on design management methodologies, leadership, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss specific project examples.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mace's projects, values, and their approach to consultancy and construction. Understand the specific context of landmark projects in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

⚠️ 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.