Senior Design Manager - City Assets (MAS280)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - City Assets (MAS280)

Company: Qiddiya Investment Company

Location: Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Urban Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-10

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive design management process for a wide array of city assets within a large-scale urban development project, ensuring strategic alignment and operational excellence.

• Coordinate and integrate design efforts across multidisciplinary teams, external consultants, and contractors to deliver cohesive and high-quality urban solutions.

• Ensure strict adherence to design compliance, regulatory codes, sustainability targets, and industry best practices throughout all project phases.

• Drive innovation, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives to optimize design quality, cost-effectiveness, and long-term functionality of city assets.

• Oversee the mentorship and development of design teams, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes high performance and knowledge sharing pertinent to large-scale operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a large-scale urban development context, suggesting a strong emphasis on operational efficiency, process standardization, and cross-functional coordination, typical of major infrastructure and city-building projects. The "City Assets" designation implies a broad scope encompassing infrastructure, commercial, cultural, and residential components, requiring a holistic approach to design operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the end-to-end design management for a diverse portfolio of city assets, encompassing infrastructure, commercial, cultural, and residential developments, ensuring seamless integration across all disciplines.

• Orchestrate and manage design coordination efforts between internal stakeholders, external design consultants, and construction contractors to ensure project goals are met with precision and efficiency.

• Uphold rigorous design compliance with all applicable regulatory codes, stringent sustainability objectives, and leading industry best practices, establishing robust operational frameworks.

• Conduct thorough reviews and formal approvals of all design deliverables, providing constructive, actionable feedback and strategic guidance to enhance project outcomes.

• Proactively monitor and manage project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation specifically related to design activities, ensuring operational efficiency and cost control.

• Champion innovation and implement value engineering initiatives to systematically optimize design quality, enhance cost-effectiveness, and improve the overall operational lifecycle of city assets.

• Cultivate and empower design teams through effective mentorship and leadership, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and high performance in design operations.

• Stay current with and integrate emerging trends, advanced technologies, and innovative materials relevant to contemporary city asset design, ensuring a forward-thinking operational approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic oversight, tactical execution, and team leadership, all within the context of complex urban development. This suggests a need for strong project management skills, meticulous attention to detail in design review, and the ability to influence diverse stakeholders to achieve unified design objectives, reflecting operational rigor in a creative and technical field.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field is mandatory.

• A Master's degree in a relevant discipline is strongly preferred, indicating advanced knowledge and strategic thinking capabilities. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in design management, with a significant portion focused on large-scale city or urban development projects, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex operational environments.

• Proven track record of successfully managing multidisciplinary design teams and intricate project portfolios, highlighting expertise in operational oversight and coordination. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in leading and overseeing the entire design lifecycle for complex urban projects.

• Urban Development Principles: In-depth understanding of city planning, zoning, infrastructure, and public space design.

• Infrastructure Design: Familiarity with the design and integration of essential city services (e.g., utilities, transportation networks).

• Commercial, Residential, Cultural Asset Design: Experience or strong knowledge in the specific design considerations for these diverse asset types.

• Design Coordination: Skill in facilitating communication and integration among various design disciplines and external partners.

• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of building codes, safety standards, and planning regulations relevant to urban development.

• Sustainable Design Practices: Commitment to and understanding of environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles in design.

• Value Engineering: Ability to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising design integrity or operational functionality.

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency in utilizing project management software for scheduling, budgeting, and resource tracking.

• BIM Platforms: Hands-on experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and workflows is essential for integrated design operations.

• Leadership & Team Development: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and motivate design teams to achieve project objectives.

• Stakeholder Management: Strong skills in engaging and managing relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

• English Fluency: Professional proficiency in English for all communication and documentation is required.

Preferred Skills:

• Arabic Language Skills: Proficiency in Arabic is considered a significant advantage for enhanced communication and cultural integration within the local context.

• Advanced BIM Expertise: Deeper knowledge or certifications in BIM management and advanced modeling techniques.

• Master Planning Experience: Experience in developing high-level master plans for urban environments.

• Contract Administration: Familiarity with managing design-related aspects of construction contracts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills highlight a need for a candidate who is not only a strong designer but also a robust operational leader. Proficiency in BIM, value engineering, and regulatory compliance points to an emphasis on efficient, standardized, and cost-effective design processes. The extensive experience requirement suggests this role will involve significant strategic decision-making and operational oversight within a complex program.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing the management of complex urban asset design projects from concept to completion. Each case study should highlight your role, the challenges faced, the methodologies employed, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Integrated Design Process: Evidence of managing multidisciplinary design processes, demonstrating how different disciplines were coordinated and integrated to achieve synergistic results. This should include examples of conflict resolution and workflow optimization.

• Sustainability Integration: Portfolio pieces demonstrating the successful integration of sustainable design principles and technologies into large-scale projects, with an emphasis on measurable environmental benefits and operational efficiency.

• Value Engineering Implementation: Examples of value engineering exercises conducted, detailing the proposed changes, their impact on cost and performance, and the successful implementation of these optimizations.

• BIM Workflow Demonstrations: Visuals or descriptions of BIM implementation within projects, illustrating the benefits derived from its use in design coordination, clash detection, and information management.

Process Documentation:

• Design Management Framework: A clear outline or example of a systematic design management framework you have implemented or would propose for managing large-scale city asset development. This should cover phases from initiation to closeout, including key decision points and approval processes.

• Stakeholder Communication Protocols: Examples of established protocols for effective communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders, including design consultants, regulatory bodies, and internal teams, ensuring alignment and managing expectations.

• Risk Management in Design: Documentation outlining your approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks throughout the project lifecycle, crucial for operational stability.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Procedures: Examples of QA/QC processes implemented for design deliverables to ensure adherence to standards, codes, and project specifications, maintaining operational integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role in a large development, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical application of design management principles and operational leadership. Expect to detail your process for managing design consultants, integrating BIM, ensuring compliance, and driving value engineering. The focus will be on how you operationalize design to achieve project objectives efficiently and effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Saudi Riyal (SAR) Range: SAR 35,000 - SAR 55,000 per month (approximately USD 9,300 - USD 14,700 per month).

• Annualized Estimate: SAR 420,000 - SAR 660,000 per year (approximately USD 112,000 - USD 176,000 per year).

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary estimate is based on research for Senior Design Manager roles with 10+ years of experience in major urban development projects within Saudi Arabia. Factors considered include the significant scale of Qiddiya, the strategic importance of the role, and regional market benchmarks for leadership positions in the construction and real estate development sectors. The precise compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits Package: This typically includes:

  • Competitive base salary.

  • Housing allowance or company-provided housing.

  • Transportation allowance.

  • Annual leave with paid airfare for self and dependents (often one trip per year).

  • Comprehensive health insurance for self and dependents.

  • Life insurance and disability coverage.

  • Performance-based bonuses or incentives.

  • Relocation assistance package.

  • Potential for professional development and training opportunities.

  • End-of-service benefits as per Saudi labor law. Working Hours:

• Standard Work Week: Typically 5 days per week, Monday to Friday.

• Daily Hours: Approximately 8 hours per day, totaling around 40 hours per week. A standard 8 AM to 5 PM or 9 AM to 6 PM schedule is common.

• Flexibility: While core hours are expected for team coordination and operational continuity, some flexibility may be available depending on project demands and management discretion. Overtime may be required during critical project phases, often compensated according to company policy or Saudi labor law.

📝 Enhancement Note: Benefits for high-level positions in major Saudi projects are usually generous, designed to attract and retain top international talent. The "Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits Package" implies a robust offering that covers essential living expenses and provides security. The working hours are standard for professional roles in the region, with potential for overtime during peak project periods.

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Development / Entertainment & Tourism Infrastructure

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Likely 1,000+ employees, given the scale of Qiddiya)

Founded: Qiddiya Investment Company was established in 2017, indicating a relatively young but rapidly growing organization focused on ambitious, large-scale projects.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The "City Assets" designation suggests this role sits within a broader project delivery or master planning division, heavily focused on the operational execution of the Qiddiya master plan.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with Master Planning, Infrastructure, Architecture, Engineering, Project Management, Procurement, and Legal departments. The Senior Design Manager will act as a central point for design-related operational integration.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The role likely reports to a Director or VP of Design, Development, or Project Management, with direct management responsibility over a team of design managers, architects, engineers, and potentially external design consultants.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data and analytics to inform design decisions, optimize resource allocation, and measure project performance against strategic objectives.

• Integrated Project Delivery: A commitment to collaborative workflows and early stakeholder engagement to streamline processes, reduce risks, and enhance project outcomes.

• Agile and Adaptive Planning: While large projects require structured planning, expect an environment that can adapt to evolving requirements and incorporate innovative solutions as the development progresses.

• Focus on Quality and Standards: A rigorous approach to ensuring all designs meet the highest international standards for quality, safety, sustainability, and user experience.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Qiddiya is a giga-project with immense ambition. The company culture will likely reflect this: fast-paced, innovative, and demanding, with a strong emphasis on execution and achieving groundbreaking results. Operations professionals will find a dynamic environment where strategic vision is translated into tangible, large-scale realities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role within the design and development operations. It signifies a high level of responsibility, strategic input, and the management of significant project components. The "Senior" title implies a focus on mentoring, strategic planning, and potentially influencing broader operational policies within the design and development functions.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager for City Assets will likely report to a Director or Vice President level executive within the Qiddiya Investment Company's development or project management arm. They will oversee a team of Design Managers, Architects, and potentially collaborate closely with Project Managers and Engineering leads. This structure emphasizes the operational importance of design integration into the broader project delivery framework.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial, directly influencing the physical form, functionality, and long-term operational viability of major city assets. Successful design management translates into efficient construction, reduced operational costs post-completion, enhanced user experience, and the realization of Qiddiya's strategic vision as a global entertainment and lifestyle destination. The role is pivotal in ensuring that the design phase sets the foundation for seamless operational execution and long-term success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to Director-level positions within Design Management, Project Development, or specific asset portfolios as Qiddiya continues to expand.

• Strategic Operations Influence: Opportunity to shape and refine design management processes, operational standards, and best practices for future phases of the Qiddiya project and potentially other Giga-projects.

• Specialization Development: Deepen expertise in specific asset types (e.g., large-scale entertainment venues, complex infrastructure systems) or advanced operational methodologies like integrated digital delivery.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer: Play a key role in developing the next generation of design and operations professionals within the organization, contributing to the company's knowledge base and talent pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant career acceleration within a landmark project. The growth opportunities are tied to the scale and complexity of Qiddiya itself, providing a unique platform to hone leadership skills, influence strategic operations, and achieve professional milestones that are highly recognized within the industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is expected to be a modern, professional office setting within Qiddiya's corporate headquarters or a dedicated project site office. This will likely be a dynamic, fast-paced environment designed to foster collaboration and drive project execution.

Office Location(s): The primary work location will be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, specifically within the Qiddiya development area. This is a large, purpose-built project site on the outskirts of Riyadh, offering state-of-the-art facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace will likely feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project rooms designed for intensive collaboration among design teams, project managers, and stakeholders.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to advanced digital tools, including high-performance workstations for CAD/BIM software, large-format displays for presentations, and robust communication systems will be standard.

• On-site Integration: Opportunities for regular site visits and direct interaction with ongoing construction activities will be integral to the role, ensuring design intent translates accurately into physical reality and providing valuable operational feedback loops.

• International Workforce: Expect to work alongside a diverse, international team of professionals, reflecting Qiddiya's global ambitions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will be Monday to Friday, typically 8 hours per day. However, given the scale and critical nature of the Qiddiya project, there may be times when extended hours or weekend work are necessary to meet critical deadlines or address urgent operational issues. This is common in large-scale development projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at Qiddiya will be demanding but also highly stimulating. Operations professionals will be immersed in a project of unprecedented scale, requiring adaptability, resilience, and a strong commitment to collaborative problem-solving. The blend of office-based strategic work and on-site operational oversight is characteristic of major infrastructure development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will conduct a preliminary review of your application, focusing on experience alignment with the job description and overall qualifications.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director or VP) to assess your technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and fit with the team's operational approach. Expect questions about your experience managing complex design projects and teams.

3. Technical Assessment/Case Study: This may involve a presentation of your portfolio, a specific design challenge related to city assets, or a detailed discussion of past projects focusing on problem-solving, process optimization, and operational outcomes.

4. Panel Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders from related departments (e.g., Project Management, Engineering, Master Planning) to evaluate cross-functional collaboration skills and understanding of integrated operations.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive for final approval, focusing on strategic vision, leadership potential, and cultural alignment with Qiddiya's ambitious goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that directly align with large-scale urban development, city assets, and complex design management. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, the challenges encountered, the operational strategies you implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, efficiency gains, sustainability metrics achieved).

• Highlight Process: Detail your approach to design management, including how you handled coordination, stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, quality control, and the integration of BIM and sustainability. Use flowcharts or diagrams if helpful.

• Showcase Leadership: Demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor teams, manage consultants, and influence decision-making.

• Tailor to Qiddiya: Research Qiddiya's vision and master plan. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to show how you can contribute to their specific goals and operational context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Project Scope: Familiarize yourself with the Qiddiya master plan, its various zones, and the types of city assets being developed.

• Anticipate Design Challenges: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach common challenges in large-scale urban development, such as integrating diverse functions, managing complex stakeholder requirements, ensuring constructability, and achieving ambitious sustainability targets.

• Operational Efficiency Focus: Frame your answers around efficiency, process improvement, risk management, and cost-effectiveness. Demonstrate how your design management approach contributes to the overall operational success of the project.

• BIM & Sustainability: Prepare to discuss your practical experience and strategic approach to leveraging BIM and sustainable design principles in large, complex projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role at Qiddiya will be rigorous. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates operational competence, leadership, and a strategic approach to design management is paramount. Be ready to articulate your processes and demonstrate tangible results with data.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Expertise in Revit and Navisworks is essential for managing design coordination, clash detection, and model aggregation in complex projects.

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD remains relevant for detailed drawings and documentation.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar tools for scheduling, resource planning, and tracking design progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or specialized project collaboration platforms for seamless communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not primary design tools, understanding how to interpret data from BIM models and project management systems is beneficial. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and reporting is assumed.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating or interpreting dashboards that track design progress, budget adherence, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for design management.

CRM & Automation:

• Not Directly Applicable: While CRM is not a primary tool for this role, understanding how design decisions impact downstream operational systems (e.g., facilities management, asset performance tracking) is valuable.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with how design processes can be streamlined or automated through BIM or specialized project management workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is heavily focused on design and project execution tools. Proficiency in BIM and related software is critical for managing the complexity of large-scale urban development and ensuring efficient operational workflows from the design phase onward.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Ambition: A drive to achieve world-class standards and contribute to a project of global significance. This translates to a high-performance operational culture where quality is paramount.

• Collaboration & Integration: A strong belief in working together across disciplines and departments to achieve common goals. This fosters an environment where operational silos are minimized.

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: Encouraging new ideas, embracing new technologies, and seeking creative solutions to complex challenges, driving operational evolution.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, ensuring trust and reliability in all operational dealings.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: A commitment to developing environmentally conscious and socially responsible assets that contribute positively to the community and future generations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Synergy: The team actively seeks to break down traditional departmental barriers, promoting a unified approach to project delivery. Expect frequent interdisciplinary meetings and joint problem-solving sessions.

• Open Communication & Feedback: A culture that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and the sharing of diverse perspectives to enhance design and operational outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing Networks: Opportunities to participate in workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and best practice forums to disseminate learnings and foster continuous improvement across operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Qiddiya's culture is likely to be characterized by ambition, a fast-paced environment, and a strong emphasis on execution and innovation. Operations professionals who thrive in such settings will find opportunities to make a tangible impact on a defining global project.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale and Complexity: Managing the design of numerous, diverse city assets within an unprecedentedly large and complex development project presents significant coordination and integration challenges.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the needs and expectations of numerous internal and external stakeholders, including investors, government bodies, and future operators, requires exceptional negotiation and communication skills.

• Pace of Development: The ambitious timeline for Qiddiya means operating under intense pressure to deliver high-quality designs rapidly, requiring efficient operational processes and quick decision-making.

• Innovation Integration: Successfully integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices into a large-scale project while ensuring feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and long-term operational viability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Giga-Project Management: Unparalleled experience in managing the design aspects of a mega-project, offering insights into complex logistics, procurement, and stakeholder management at an extreme scale.

• Advanced BIM Implementation: Opportunities to lead and refine BIM strategies and workflows for a project of this magnitude, potentially pushing the boundaries of integrated digital delivery.

• Sustainability Leadership: Deepen expertise in implementing advanced sustainability strategies and technologies within a large urban development context, contributing to global best practices.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to internal and external training designed to enhance leadership, strategic planning, and operational management skills for senior roles.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to represent Qiddiya at industry conferences and events, contributing to the broader dialogue on urban development and design innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to a project of Qiddiya's scale and ambition. However, they also represent significant opportunities for professional growth, allowing individuals to develop critical skills in managing complexity, driving innovation, and leading large-scale operational initiatives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a portfolio of diverse city assets (e.g., infrastructure, commercial, residential). How do you ensure integration and consistency across these different types?" (Focus on process, coordination, and strategic oversight).

• "How have you successfully managed design consultants and multi-disciplinary teams on large-scale projects? What are your key strategies for ensuring their performance and adherence to project goals?" (Highlight leadership, communication, and performance management).

• "Walk me through a complex design challenge you faced in a previous urban development project. What was your problem-solving methodology, and what was the operational outcome?" (Emphasize analytical skills, creative solutions, and measurable results).

• "How do you approach value engineering and innovation within design management to optimize cost and enhance functionality without compromising quality?" (Focus on process, impact, and strategic decision-making). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about Qiddiya's vision and the role of City Assets within it? How does your experience align with contributing to such a transformative project?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with strategic goals).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within a design team, especially in a fast-paced, international environment like Qiddiya?" (Discuss leadership style, team building, and cultural fit).

• "How do you ensure that design decisions consider long-term operational efficiency and sustainability? Provide an example." (Link design to operational impact and ESG principles). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly state the project's objective, your specific role and responsibilities, the operational challenges, your strategic approach, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (quantify wherever possible – cost savings, schedule improvements, efficiency gains).

• Highlight Process, Not Just Product: Explain how you achieved results. Detail your methodologies for design management, coordination, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement.

• Emphasize BIM and Sustainability: Clearly articulate your experience and strategic thinking in leveraging BIM for integrated project delivery and implementing robust sustainability measures.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your project examples, design decisions, and problem-solving approaches. Be prepared to discuss technical aspects and operational implications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical design skills but also strong operational leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex processes and diverse teams effectively within a high-stakes development environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in large-scale urban development, city asset design management, and your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Ensure each project highlights your process, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable operational outcomes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Design Management," "Urban Development," "BIM," "Infrastructure," "Stakeholder Management," and "Leadership." Emphasize your 10+ years of experience and accomplishments in managing complex projects.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and key case studies. Be ready to articulate your operational strategies, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your work clearly and concisely, focusing on efficiency and results.

• Research Qiddiya: Thoroughly understand Qiddiya's master plan, its vision, and the significance of the "City Assets" designation. Prepare to discuss how your skills and experience align with their ambitious goals and operational requirements.

⚠️ 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.