Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager, Sports and Venues

Company: Mott MacDonald

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Management / Project Management (Built Environment)

Date Posted: November 4, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the multidisciplinary design delivery for complex sports, entertainment, and venue projects within Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East region.

• Drive design planning, coordination, and assurance across all project stages, from concept to tender and construction support, ensuring alignment with project briefs, programs, and budgets.

• Act as a pivotal interface between clients, internal discipline teams, architects, specialist consultants, venue operators, and other key stakeholders to achieve integrated design outcomes.

• Establish and maintain critical design management documentation, including design management plans, programmes, responsibility matrices, and interface registers, to ensure clear accountability and effective coordination.

• Oversee design progress, resource allocation, and fee budgets, proactively identifying and escalating risks, constraints, and necessary corrective actions to the Project Director.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager, focusing specifically on the Sports and Venues sector. The responsibilities indicate a strong emphasis on project lifecycle management, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of complex technical and operational requirements for large-scale public assembly venues. The "10+" years of experience and the focus on complex projects suggest a leadership role with significant responsibility for design strategy and execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the coordination of multidisciplinary design activities for high-complexity sports and venue projects, ensuring seamless integration of architectural, structural, building services, and specialist design inputs.

• Manage the full spectrum of design delivery through appointed project stages (pre-concept, concept, schematic, detailed design, tender, construction support), defining clear responsibilities, interfaces, deliverables, and review requirements.

• Serve as a primary point of contact and liaison between the client, Mott MacDonald's internal design teams, project management personnel, and external specialist consultants.

• Develop, implement, and rigorously maintain the Design Management Plan, Design Programme, Responsibility Matrix, Deliverable Register, Interface Register, and Decision Log to ensure structured project execution.

• Lead and facilitate design coordination meetings, driving the timely resolution of multidisciplinary design challenges and conflicts.

• Monitor design progress against agreed scope and programme, manage resource requirements, and track fee budgets, escalating any risks, constraints, or necessary corrective actions promptly to the Project Director.

• Identify, document, and assess the implications of design and scope changes on fees, resources, interfaces, and programme, supporting formal change control submissions and approvals.

• Coordinate and oversee interdisciplinary technical reviews, design assurance processes, stage-gate submissions, and the close-out of review comments, ensuring technical integrity and compliance.

• Champion design solutions that consider the entire lifecycle of the venue, focusing on operational requirements, future adaptability, and long-term value creation for stakeholders.

• Collaborate with relevant specialists to ensure critical aspects like spectator safety, accessibility, crowd movement, and operational efficiency are embedded within the design.

• Coordinate specialized venue interfaces, including fields of play, seating bowls, sightlines, athlete facilities, event overlays, hospitality, back-of-house operations, media, broadcasting, and technology systems.

• Engage actively with clients, venue operators, user groups, and commercial stakeholders to define and refine the design brief, ensuring operational and sports-specific requirements are integrated throughout design development.

• Work closely with digital and BIM teams to leverage advanced coordination and information management techniques for efficient multidisciplinary design delivery.

• Promote sustainable, efficient, and resilient design outcomes, coordinating buildability reviews and construction interfaces as appointed, while mentoring junior design managers and coordinators.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive and strategic approach to design management, emphasizing not just technical coordination but also financial oversight, risk management, and stakeholder alignment. The specific mention of venue-specific interfaces and lifecycle considerations indicates a need for deep industry understanding beyond general project management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A relevant degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related built-environment discipline. Experience:

• Substantial experience leading design management on large, complex, multidisciplinary building projects.

• Proven track record in managing design programmes, consultant interfaces, coordinated submissions, and comprehensive review close-outs.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and effectively coordinate multiple design disciplines and specialist consultants.

• Experience in managing design development, key deliverables, and technical reviews, utilizing tools like responsibility matrices, interface registers, and formal design assurance processes.

• Ability to articulate how client and operational requirements directly influence design decisions, with a solid understanding of buildability, procurement, construction processes, and whole-life performance metrics.

• Experience in direct client engagement and collaborative work with consultants and project stakeholders.

• Proven capability in identifying, managing, and mitigating design risks, interfaces, constraints, and dependencies.

• Experience in monitoring design resources and fee budgets, identifying scope changes, and actively supporting formal change control procedures within a consultancy or comparable delivery environment. Required Skills:

• Advanced Multidisciplinary Design Coordination and Management.

• Comprehensive Design Programme and Schedule Management.

• Robust Design Assurance and Quality Control Methodologies.

• Exceptional Stakeholder Management and Client Engagement Skills.

• Proficiency in Risk Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation.

• Strong understanding of Change Control Processes and Documentation.

• Financial Acumen for Budget and Resource Monitoring.

• Effective Communication, Facilitation, and Decision-Making Support.

• Collaborative Teamwork across Multidisciplinary and Multicultural Teams.

• Understanding of Digital Design Coordination and BIM principles. Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrable experience in design management for stadiums, arenas, sports facilities, entertainment venues, or other complex high-occupancy buildings, with documented success in resolving venue-specific design and operational interfaces.

• Prior experience on major projects or programmes within the Middle East region.

• Experience collaborating directly with venue operators and specialized sports or event consultants.

• In-depth knowledge of spectator experience, venue operations, crowd movement dynamics, and safety regulations.

• Familiarity with specialist venue interfaces such as hospitality, media and broadcasting, technology, security systems, etc.

• Experience coordinating with Saudi Arabian or other Middle East authority requirements and relevant international standards.

• Experience managing projects with significant sustainability, legacy, or operational performance objectives.

• Professional membership or chartered status with a relevant industry body (e.g., RIBA, ICE, RICS).

• Experience supporting bid processes, client engagement, and the development of new project opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical design management expertise and strong leadership/communication skills. The preferred skills clearly indicate a specialization in sports and venues, making candidates with direct experience in this niche highly desirable. The mention of Middle East experience and authority requirements is crucial for this specific role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of successfully managed complex, multidisciplinary design projects, detailing your specific role and contributions.

• Present case studies demonstrating your ability to develop and implement comprehensive Design Management Plans, including programme, budget, and resource management.

• Include documentation illustrating your experience with interface management, risk registers, and design assurance processes on past projects.

• Provide evidence of your stakeholder management capabilities, highlighting how you've effectively engaged with clients, consultants, and operators to achieve project objectives.

• Demonstrate your understanding of how client and operational requirements were integrated into design decisions, supported by specific project examples. Process Documentation:

• Detailed examples of Design Management Plans and their implementation across various project phases.

• Workflow charts or diagrams illustrating multidisciplinary design coordination processes and issue resolution mechanisms.

• Documentation of experience with design assurance frameworks, stage-gate reviews, and technical review close-outs.

• Records of managing design programmes, interface registers, and change control documentation for large-scale projects.

• Evidence of experience in coordinating architectural, structural, MEP, and specialist consultant inputs to achieve integrated project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, particularly in specialized sectors like Sports and Venues, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only list past projects but also critically analyze the candidate's approach to design management processes, demonstrating their strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage complex interdependencies. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable achievements and demonstrable impact on project delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: SAR 45,000 - SAR 70,000 per month (approximately USD 12,000 - USD 18,700 per month, or USD 144,000 - USD 224,000 annually).

• Methodology: This estimate is based on senior-level engineering and project management roles in the construction and infrastructure sector in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, considering the high demand for specialized expertise in major projects. Mott MacDonald is a global consultancy, and local market rates for experienced professionals in this specialized field typically fall within this range. Factors such as exact years of experience, specific project portfolio, and negotiation will influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Annual Leave: Competitive annual leave entitlement in line with local market policy.

• Maternity & Paternity Leave: Enhanced maternity and paternity leave provisions beyond statutory requirements where applicable.

• Professional Development: Support for professional membership subscriptions and institutional fees.

• Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance and life insurance coverage, with standard and potentially enhanced options depending on local policy.

• Career Growth: Access to learning and career development opportunities through diverse project exposure, internal technical networks, and structured development programs.

• Inclusive Culture: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, fostering a supportive and valued work environment.

• Ownership & Rewards: As an employee-owned business, opportunities for annual bonus participation and potential for long-term benefits tied to career growth and business performance, subject to local plans and eligibility.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours based on project demands and deadlines. Flexibility may be offered in discussion with the Project Director, balancing project needs with individual work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for a senior role in a high-cost-of-living city like Riyadh, within a major global consultancy. The benefits package reflects standard offerings for such positions, with a particular emphasis on professional development and the unique employee ownership model of Mott MacDonald.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Management, and Development Consultancy. Mott MacDonald operates across a broad spectrum of sectors, with a significant presence in infrastructure, buildings, energy, transportation, water, and environmental services. The Sports and Venues division is a specialized unit focused on high-profile public assembly and entertainment facilities.

Company Size: Over 20,000 employees globally, indicating a large, well-established organization with extensive resources and a vast network of expertise.

Founded: Mott MacDonald is an employee-owned business with a long history, fostering a culture of shared success and long-term commitment. The company's structure as an employee-owned entity often translates into a strong sense of collective responsibility and investment in employee development.

Team Structure:

• The Sports and Venues team in Riyadh likely comprises a mix of design managers, project managers, discipline engineers, architects, and technical specialists, potentially augmented by regional and global experts.

• Reporting structure will place the Senior Design Manager under a Project Director for Sports and Venues, with direct management of design coordinators and significant collaboration with discipline leads.

• Cross-functional collaboration is inherent, requiring close working relationships with clients, architects, specialist consultants, venue operators, BIM teams, and other project stakeholders. Methodology:

• Mott MacDonald emphasizes a data-driven approach to design and project delivery, leveraging analytics to inform decisions and optimize outcomes.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central, with a focus on establishing efficient processes for design coordination, risk management, and stakeholder communication.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly through the adoption of digital design tools and BIM workflows to enhance collaboration and information management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's employee-owned structure is a key differentiator, suggesting a culture that values long-term commitment, employee well-being, and shared success. The company's global reach provides opportunities for diverse project experiences and knowledge sharing, while the specialized Sports and Venues division offers a focused career path for individuals passionate about this sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Senior Management position within the Design Management function. It implies a significant level of autonomy, responsibility for complex projects, and the ability to influence design strategy and delivery. It sits at a leadership level, often a stepping stone to Project Director or Head of Design roles within specialized divisions.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager reports to the Project Director, Sports and Venues. This indicates a hierarchical structure where strategic direction and overall project accountability lie with the Project Director, while the Senior Design Manager is responsible for the execution of the design management aspects of the project.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on project success by ensuring that the design is technically sound, operationally viable, cost-effective, and meets client objectives. Effective design management is critical to controlling project scope, budget, and schedule, and ultimately influences the functionality, safety, and long-term value of the venue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specialized venue design, complex stakeholder management, and advanced design coordination methodologies through leading high-profile projects.

• Industry Specialization: Become a recognized expert in sports and venue design management within the Middle East region, potentially leading to specialized consulting roles or business development opportunities.

• Leadership Potential: Progress to Project Director roles, overseeing larger programmes of work, managing P&L responsibilities, and taking on greater strategic leadership within Mott MacDonald's Sports and Venues division. Mentoring junior staff also provides leadership development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career trajectory for this role is clearly defined, moving from senior technical management to broader project leadership and strategic influence. The emphasis on mentorship and specialization within the Middle East market offers distinct growth pathways.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Riyadh, implying a professional office environment typical of a global engineering consultancy. This setting is designed for collaboration, client meetings, and focused work on project documentation and coordination.

Office Location(s): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This location is strategic for Mott MacDonald's operations in the region, particularly given the significant development in sports and entertainment infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Accessibility and proximity to key stakeholders and project sites would be considerations.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative workspace designed to facilitate interaction between design teams, project managers, and visiting consultants. Expect modern office facilities equipped for technical work.

• Access to industry-standard design and project management software, including BIM platforms, for effective coordination and information sharing.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team, fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment. Work Schedule:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, given the demanding nature of large-scale project delivery, particularly in regions with ambitious development timelines, there may be an expectation for flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet critical deadlines and client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, typical of a major international consultancy. The Riyadh location suggests an exposure to a dynamic and rapidly developing market, offering unique professional challenges and opportunities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and application, likely conducted by HR and potentially a senior member of the hiring team, to assess core qualifications and experience against the job requirements.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focused on your experience in design management for complex building projects, particularly sports and venues. Expect questions on your approach to coordination, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and your understanding of design processes.

• Case Study/Portfolio Review: You may be asked to present a specific project from your portfolio, detailing your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved. This is a critical stage to assess your practical application of design management principles.

• Cultural Fit & Leadership Interview: Assessment of your collaborative style, communication skills, and alignment with Mott MacDonald's values and culture. This may involve scenario-based questions.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior director or regional lead to discuss strategic alignment and confirm suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 complex projects that best showcase your design management capabilities, ideally including sports, entertainment, or large public venue experience.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly articulate:

  • Project scope, scale, and key challenges.
  • Your specific role and responsibilities as Design Manager.
  • The design management processes you implemented (e.g., DMPs, interface registers, risk management).
  • Key stakeholders and your engagement strategy.
  • How you coordinated multidisciplinary teams and specialist consultants.
  • How client and operational requirements were integrated.
  • Any significant design issues resolved and their impact.
  • Project outcomes, highlighting successes in terms of delivery, budget, and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., reduction in design queries, adherence to programme, cost savings through design optimization).

• Highlight Venue-Specific Expertise: Emphasize your understanding of venue operations, spectator experience, safety, and other sector-specific considerations.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, conflict resolution strategies, and how you handle pressure and ambiguity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Mott MacDonald's recent projects in the Sports and Venues sector, particularly in the Middle East.

• Understand the current trends and challenges in sports venue design and delivery in the region.

• Prepare to discuss your leadership style, how you foster collaboration, and your approach to mentoring junior team members.

• Be ready to articulate your understanding of BIM and digital design coordination in practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical competence and leadership potential. A well-curated portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as tangible evidence of the candidate's ability to manage complex design processes and deliver successful outcomes in specialized projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools for project planning, scheduling, and tracking (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6).

• Design Coordination Platforms: Familiarity with platforms that facilitate multidisciplinary design review and clash detection (e.g., Navisworks, BIM 360/ACC).

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing and sharing project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex, Procore).

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience using data from project management and design tools to generate progress reports, risk assessments, and performance analyses.

• Ability to interpret and present data related to design progress, budget adherence, and interface management. CRM & Automation:

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

• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts, particularly as applied to design review and approval processes, is advantageous.

• Experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) software and digital design coordination is essential, including understanding its role in managing design information and interfaces across disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't always listed, a Senior Design Manager must be adept with industry-standard project management, BIM coordination, and document management tools. The emphasis on digital design coordination and BIM is critical for modern, large-scale projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and innovative design solutions that meet and exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are paramount across multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to drive efficiency and enhance project outcomes.

• Sustainability: Promoting design solutions that consider environmental impact, resource efficiency, and long-term legacy value.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking out opportunities for collaboration, initiating discussions to resolve issues and ensure alignment across all project parties.

• Facilitative Leadership: Guiding discussions, mediating disagreements, and ensuring all voices are heard to reach consensus and informed decisions.

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with architects, engineers, specialist consultants, project managers, and client representatives, understanding and respecting diverse perspectives.

• Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback as a tool for continuous improvement in design processes and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's culture, as an employee-owned firm, likely emphasizes strong ethical principles, a commitment to professional development, and a collaborative spirit. The emphasis on sustainability and innovation aligns with global trends in the engineering and construction industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interfaces: Coordinating numerous specialist consultants and disciplines on large, intricate venue projects, each with unique requirements and potential conflicts.

• Balancing Competing Demands: Juggling client expectations, operational needs, technical constraints, budget limitations, and tight programme schedules.

• Navigating Regional Specifics: Adapting to local regulations, authority requirements, and cultural nuances within the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia.

• Driving Digital Adoption: Ensuring effective integration and utilization of BIM and digital design tools across diverse teams and stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Venue Expertise: Gaining unparalleled experience in the design and delivery of world-class sports and entertainment venues.

• Middle East Market Insight: Developing a deep understanding of the construction and project delivery landscape in a rapidly growing region.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing skills in team management, stakeholder diplomacy, and strategic project oversight through exposure to high-stakes projects.

• Global Knowledge Network: Accessing Mott MacDonald's extensive global network of specialists and best practices in design and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant professional challenges that are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities, particularly for those aspiring to leadership in specialized construction sectors within dynamic emerging markets.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed the design delivery for a highly complex, multidisciplinary building project. What was your approach to coordination, risk management, and stakeholder engagement?" (Focus on demonstrating structured processes, proactive problem-solving, and clear communication.)

• "How do you ensure that client and operational requirements are effectively integrated into the design of a venue, particularly when there are competing priorities?" (Highlight your methodology for requirements gathering, translation into design briefs, and stakeholder alignment.)

• "Walk me through your experience with design management plans, responsibility matrices, and interface registers. How have you used these tools to ensure successful project delivery?" (Be ready to provide specific examples of how you developed and utilized these documents.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Mott MacDonald and our work in the Sports and Venues sector?" (Research recent projects, company values, and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the sector and organization.)

• "How do you approach leading and motivating multidisciplinary and multicultural teams?" (Discuss your leadership style, emphasis on collaboration, and strategies for fostering a positive team environment.)

• "How do you stay current with industry best practices, new technologies (like advanced BIM), and evolving venue design trends?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each project presented, focus on a clear narrative: the challenge, your role, the solution, and the outcome. Keep it brief and impactful.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality images, diagrams, or workflow charts to illustrate key points and design concepts.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize how you managed the design, not just what was designed. Detail your strategies for coordination, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication.

• Quantifiable Results: Highlight any measurable achievements, such as meeting deadlines, staying within budget, or improving efficiency through design coordination.

• Authenticity: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your contributions and decision-making processes for each presented project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing not just technical expertise but also leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the unique demands of sports and venue design management. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to demonstrate practical application of these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Mott MacDonald careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and, if requested, your portfolio to specifically highlight experience in large-scale multidisciplinary building projects, with a strong emphasis on any sports, entertainment, or venue-related projects. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with design management plans, stakeholder engagement, interface management, risk assessment, and budget/programme monitoring. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mott MacDonald's global presence, their specific projects in the Sports and Venues sector (especially in the Middle East), and their stated values. Understand their employee ownership model.

• Prepare for Technical & Situational Questions: Review common interview questions for design management roles and prepare detailed, example-based answers, particularly focusing on your experience with complex projects and challenging scenarios.

⚠️ 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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