Senior Design Manager - Cliff Stabilisation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - Cliff Stabilisation

Company: Parsons Corporation

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-08T00:00:00

Experience Level: 15+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the coordination and management of cliff stabilization design activities for a major urban development, ensuring technical integrity and project alignment.

• Drive the interface management between diverse design consultants and adjacent district development teams to foster seamless integration and conflict resolution.

• Oversee the comprehensive design development lifecycle for the Cliff Stabilization Program, adhering to a defined roadmap and stage-gate process.

• Ensure meticulous tracking of design registers, milestone trackers, and the resolution of all change requests (CRs) for effective project governance.

• Champion the integration of cliff stabilization measures with broader urban planning and digital engineering standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized within civil engineering, focusing on geotechnical aspects of large-scale infrastructure development. The emphasis on "Cliff Stabilisation" and "Qiddiya" indicates a unique, high-profile project requiring expert coordination and a deep understanding of ground engineering challenges within an urban context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the design development for the Cliff Stabilization Program, ensuring adherence to the established roadmap and stage-gate approval processes.

• Proactively track and manage overlapping scopes of work among various districts and design packages to prevent duplication and resolve emergent conflicts efficiently.

• Maintain a comprehensive design register and a detailed milestone tracker for all design packages, providing clear visibility into project progress and upcoming deliverables.

• Manage the input and coordination from specialist geotechnical consultants, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality design packages and associated documentation.

• Draft and consolidate design deliverables for each Stage Gate submission, facilitating the review and approval process with internal and external stakeholders.

• Liaise closely with district development teams to ensure cliff stabilization strategies are seamlessly integrated with adjacent development plans and infrastructure.

• Oversee the technical review and approval process for all consultant deliverables, verifying compliance with Qiddiya’s stringent engineering standards, quality assurance protocols, and safety regulations.

• Support the development of detailed design scopes, technical briefs, and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for geotechnical investigations and ground stabilization contracts.

• Coordinate effectively with internal cross-functional teams, including GIS, digital engineering, planning, project delivery, and construction management, to ensure holistic project execution.

• Lead and facilitate regular design coordination meetings, actively resolving design clashes, identifying technical risks, and tracking all action items to timely closure.

• Assume responsibility for the management and close-out of all Change Request (CR) processes, ensuring proper documentation and approval.

• Ensure strict compliance of all project deliverables with Qiddiya’s document control procedures and digital engineering standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process management, cross-functional coordination, and technical oversight. The mention of "Stage Gate process," "Cliff Stabilisation Roadmap," and "CRs" indicates a structured project management approach common in large capital projects, requiring robust documentation and adherence to defined workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related engineering field. Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in design management, with a significant portion dedicated to large-scale infrastructure projects, urban developments, or complex engineering programs.

• Proven track record of successfully coordinating and managing multi-disciplinary design teams, including external consultants and internal engineering departments.

• Demonstrated experience in managing overlapping scopes of work and resolving complex inter-disciplinary design conflicts. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in managing the entire design lifecycle from concept to detailed design, including scope definition, consultant selection, and deliverable oversight.

• Geotechnical Engineering Principles: Solid understanding of geotechnical design concepts, soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and cliff stabilization techniques.

• Interface Management: Proven ability to identify, manage, and resolve technical and contractual interfaces between different project components, disciplines, and stakeholders.

• Project Coordination: Strong skills in coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder projects, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and alignment across diverse teams.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical and project risks associated with geotechnical and civil engineering designs.

• Technical Review: Proficiency in conducting thorough technical reviews of engineering designs and deliverables to ensure compliance with standards and project requirements.

• RFP Development: Experience in developing clear and comprehensive scopes of work, technical briefs, and RFPs for engineering and investigation contracts.

• Document Control: Thorough understanding and implementation of robust document control procedures for engineering projects.

• Digital Engineering: Familiarity with digital engineering tools and standards, including BIM and GIS integration, for project design and management.

• Civil Engineering Fundamentals: Strong foundational knowledge in civil engineering principles relevant to large-scale development.

• Construction Management Acumen: Understanding of construction methodologies and their impact on design decisions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in managing cliff stabilization or similar large-scale slope engineering projects.

• Familiarity with specific geotechnical software or analysis tools.

• Experience working on mega-projects within the Middle East region, particularly Saudi Arabia.

• Knowledge of Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) processes in engineering design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (15+ years) and specific degree requirements (Civil, Geotechnical, Construction Management) point to a senior leadership role. The emphasis on "geotechnical understanding" as "beneficial" rather than strictly required for the Bachelor's degree suggests that strong design management and coordination skills are paramount, with specialized geotechnical knowledge being a significant advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Case Studies: Provide detailed examples of how you've managed complex design processes for large-scale infrastructure or development projects, showcasing your ability to oversee multiple consultants and disciplines.

• Interface Management Demonstrations: Present specific instances where you successfully managed and resolved interfaces between different project elements, teams, or consultants, highlighting the methodologies used and outcomes achieved.

• Process Optimization Examples: Illustrate how you have improved design workflows, stage-gate processes, or document control systems to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, or improve deliverable quality.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Showcase your approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating technical risks, particularly those related to geotechnical stability or complex site conditions, with quantifiable results where possible.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Demonstrate your experience in documenting, analyzing, and optimizing end-to-end design workflows, from initial scope definition through to final design approval and handover.

• Implementation and Automation: Provide examples of how you have implemented new processes, standards, or digital tools to streamline design coordination, reporting, or document management.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Show how you track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design progress, quality, and consultant performance, and how you use this data to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role like this, a portfolio should focus on strategic oversight, process improvement, and demonstrable impact. Candidates should highlight their ability to manage complex systems and processes, not just individual tasks. The emphasis on "Stage Gate process" and "CRs" suggests that experience with structured project management frameworks is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated salary range for a Senior Design Manager in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with 15+ years of experience in a specialized field like Cliff Stabilization, typically falls between SAR 45,000 to SAR 75,000+ per month. This range is subject to variations based on the candidate's specific qualifications, the complexity of the Qiddiya project, and the overall compensation package offered by Parsons Corporation, which may include bonuses, allowances, and other benefits.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employee and dependents.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holidays.

• Retirement savings plan or end-of-service benefits as per Saudi labor law.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.

• Relocation assistance and accommodation support may be provided for expatriate hires.

• Access to company facilities and employee assistance programs. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Expected to be on-site during core business hours to facilitate coordination and meetings.

• Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or address urgent issues, particularly during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in Saudi Arabia, considering the high cost of living and demand for specialized skills in mega-projects. Benefits are standard for large multinational corporations operating in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Consulting Services

Company Size: Parsons Corporation is a large global company, typically employing over 16,000 individuals worldwide. This signifies a stable, well-established organization with extensive resources and a broad international presence.

Founded: Parsons Corporation was founded in 1944, indicating a long history of delivering complex projects and a wealth of experience in the engineering and construction sectors.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect 1: The role will likely operate within a dedicated project management or engineering division focused on major developments, potentially part of a larger program management office (PMO) for the Qiddiya project. The team will be composed of experienced project managers, design coordinators, discipline engineers, and support staff.

• Operations Team Aspect 2: Reporting typically to a Program Director or VP of Engineering for the Qiddiya project, with direct oversight of design consultants and close collaboration with district development leads and construction managers.

• Operations Team Aspect 3: High degree of cross-functional collaboration is expected, working closely with planning, GIS, digital engineering, procurement, legal, and construction teams to ensure integrated project delivery and alignment with overall Qiddiya master plan objectives.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, utilizing project tracking tools, risk registers, and performance metrics to inform design management strategies and identify areas for improvement.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Application of structured project management methodologies (e.g., Stage-Gate, Agile principles where applicable) to plan, execute, and optimize design workflows, ensuring efficiency and timely delivery.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Leveraging digital engineering tools, BIM, and potentially other automation technologies to enhance design coordination, communication, and documentation processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons is a major player in global infrastructure, known for tackling complex and ambitious projects. The company culture likely emphasizes technical excellence, innovation, and a commitment to client success. The Qiddiya project is a flagship initiative, suggesting a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and design management hierarchy. It signifies a transition from hands-on technical execution to strategic leadership, focusing on program-level coordination, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. The "Senior Design Manager" title implies significant autonomy and responsibility for critical project outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a higher-level director or vice president responsible for the overall Qiddiya project's engineering or program management. They will manage external design consultants and coordinate closely with internal project leads across various functions, including planning, digital engineering, and construction delivery.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the success of the Qiddiya project by ensuring the technical feasibility, safety, and timely delivery of cliff stabilization measures. Effective design management directly influences construction timelines, budget adherence, and the overall integrity and safety of the development. The insights and strategies developed in this role contribute to the long-term stability and viability of the Qiddiya development.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in large-scale infrastructure program management, geotechnical engineering integration, and advanced digital engineering practices.

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into roles such as Program Director, Chief Engineer, or other senior leadership positions within Parsons' global operations, managing larger and more complex projects.

• Specialization Pathways: Develop a niche expertise in mega-project cliff stabilization and geotechnical risk management, becoming a recognized authority in this specialized field within the company and the industry.

• International Exposure: Gain invaluable experience working on a world-renowned development project, enhancing global project management capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a critical leadership function within a high-profile project. Growth opportunities are substantial, pointing towards career progression into broader program management or executive engineering roles within a global organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site within the Qiddiya development area or a nearby project office. This necessitates a physical presence to facilitate direct collaboration, site visits, and engagement with various project teams and consultants.

Office Location(s): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, specifically within or associated with the Qiddiya project site. This implies working in a rapidly developing, large-scale construction environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will foster collaboration through regular meetings, workshops, and direct interaction with design consultants, client representatives, and internal project teams. Shared office spaces are likely, designed to encourage communication and problem-solving.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to advanced digital engineering platforms, project management software, communication tools, and potentially on-site technical support will be available to facilitate design management and coordination tasks.

• Operations Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with a diverse group of professionals, including geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, urban planners, digital engineers, and construction managers, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-rich environment.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected, with the flexibility to accommodate project demands. This may involve occasional extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases to ensure deadlines are met and urgent issues are addressed promptly. The focus is on delivering project milestones effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role indicates a hands-on management approach, crucial for a project of this scale and complexity. The environment will be dynamic, demanding adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on your experience in design management, geotechnical principles, interface management, and large-scale project coordination. Expect scenario-based questions related to resolving design conflicts and managing consultant performance.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of your portfolio showcasing relevant projects, methodologies, and achievements. This will likely involve discussing specific case studies related to managing complex design processes, interface resolution, and process optimization.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, communication skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to integrate into Parsons' and the Qiddiya project's culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit for the role and the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Impact: Focus on quantifiable achievements and the impact of your contributions on project outcomes (e.g., reduced design cycles, mitigated risks, cost savings).

• Demonstrate Process Mastery: Clearly articulate the design management processes, workflows, and stage-gate methodologies you have employed. Use diagrams or flowcharts where helpful.

• Showcase Interface Management: Provide specific examples of complex interfaces managed and the strategies used for resolution. Detail how you facilitated collaboration between disparate teams.

• Detail Technical Acumen: While the role is management-focused, be prepared to discuss the technical challenges related to cliff stabilization and how you oversaw technical reviews and ensured design integrity.

• Tailor to Qiddiya: Research the Qiddiya project and its unique challenges. Frame your portfolio examples to demonstrate how your experience is directly applicable to this specific context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Problems: Be prepared for hypothetical challenges related to managing conflicting consultant designs, urgent scope changes, or unexpected site conditions. Practice articulating your step-by-step problem-solving approach.

• Process Improvement Proposal: You might be asked to outline how you would approach a specific design management challenge or improve an existing process within the Qiddiya context.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex technical issues and project status updates clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, from technical teams to senior management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role at a company like Parsons on a mega-project will be rigorous. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only technical competence but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills, backed by concrete evidence in their portfolio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com) for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design Coordination Tools: Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) software like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and other 3D modeling and clash detection tools.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level document control systems (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex, Procore) for managing project documentation, revisions, and approvals.

• Collaboration Platforms: Adeptness in using communication and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and email for effective team communication and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project reports, progress charts, and databases to identify trends, risks, and performance issues. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Excel for advanced data manipulation and analysis.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating and interpreting performance dashboards using tools like Power BI or Tableau to present project status, KPIs, and key insights to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Less Direct): While not a direct sales role, understanding how client relationship management principles apply to consultant and stakeholder management is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with concepts of automating routine tasks within design management and document control processes, potentially through scripting or integrated platform features.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different software systems (e.g., BIM, PMIS, document control) can be integrated to improve data flow and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools crucial for managing complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects. Proficiency in BIM and robust project management/document control systems is critical for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of professional conduct, honesty, and ethical decision-making in all project dealings and interactions.

• Excellence and Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions and design management, striving for technical superiority and client satisfaction.

• Innovation and Agility: Embracing new technologies, creative problem-solving, and adapting quickly to changing project requirements and market dynamics.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse teams work together effectively, sharing knowledge and supporting each other to achieve common goals.

• Safety and Sustainability: Prioritizing the safety of all personnel and the public, and incorporating sustainable design practices into project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively promotes and practices seamless collaboration across engineering disciplines, planning, digital, and construction teams to ensure holistic project alignment and efficient problem resolution.

• Process Review Culture: Encourages open feedback and constructive dialogue regarding design processes, workflows, and project execution, facilitating continuous improvement and adaptation.

• Knowledge Sharing Practices: Supports an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise are shared openly among team members and consultants to elevate overall project performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons' stated values of "valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth" likely permeate the team culture. Expect a professional, results-oriented environment that also emphasizes employee development and collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Interdependencies: Navigating complex interdependencies between multiple design consultants, district developments, and city-wide infrastructure, requiring meticulous planning and communication.

• Resolving Design Conflicts: Effectively mediating and resolving technical disagreements and clashes between various engineering disciplines to maintain design integrity and project timelines.

• Ensuring Technical Compliance: Verifying that all design deliverables meet stringent engineering standards, client specifications, and regulatory requirements, especially concerning geotechnical stability.

• Adapting to Project Evolution: Responding to potential scope changes, unforeseen site conditions, or evolving project requirements in a dynamic mega-project environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Program Management: Opportunities to gain hands-on experience managing complex, multi-billion dollar infrastructure programs, significantly enhancing program management expertise.

• Geotechnical Specialization: Deepen understanding of advanced geotechnical engineering challenges and stabilization techniques through direct involvement in a unique large-scale application.

• Digital Engineering Integration: Enhance skills in leveraging cutting-edge digital engineering tools and workflows for complex project coordination and data management.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Benefit from mentorship from senior leaders within Parsons and gain experience in leading and developing diverse, international project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to large-scale, complex projects, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development for ambitious candidates.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing the design lifecycle for a complex infrastructure project with multiple, potentially conflicting, stakeholder interests. How would you integrate the cliff stabilization roadmap into this strategy?"

  • Preparation: Focus on structured methodologies, risk assessment, and clear communication plans. Emphasize how you ensure alignment between strategic goals and day-to-day design execution.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you ensure effective coordination and conflict resolution among multiple design consultants and internal departments (e.g., Planning, Digital Engineering, Construction) on a project like Qiddiya?"

  • Preparation: Prepare examples of successful cross-functional collaboration and dispute resolution. Highlight your communication style and ability to build consensus.

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a scenario where a critical geotechnical design for cliff stabilization is delayed. What steps would you take to assess the situation, mitigate the impact, and get the design back on track?"

  • Preparation: Outline a systematic approach involving root cause analysis, impact assessment, stakeholder communication, and solution development.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Parsons Corporation and the Qiddiya project? Why are you interested in this specific role and our company culture?"

  • Preparation: Research Parsons' recent projects, values, and the Qiddiya project's vision. Connect your career aspirations and values to theirs.

• "How do you foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within your design teams and with external consultants?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your leadership philosophy, performance management strategies, and methods for driving quality and efficiency.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Narrative: Present your portfolio projects with a clear introduction, your role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions you implemented (emphasizing processes and tools), and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or project visuals to illustrate complex processes, interfaces, or design elements.

• Focus on Management: While technical understanding is important, highlight your management skills – how you led teams, managed consultants, mitigated risks, and ensured project success.

• Qiddiya Relevance: Explicitly link your past experiences and portfolio examples to the specific requirements and challenges of the Senior Design Manager - Cliff Stabilisation role at Qiddiya.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, robust process management, strong leadership, and a clear understanding of the project's unique demands. Candidates must be ready to back up their claims with concrete examples from their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects involving large-scale infrastructure, complex design management, interface coordination, and any geotechnical or civil engineering challenges you have successfully navigated. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "Design Management," "Cliff Stabilization," "Interface Management," "Geotechnical Engineering," "Multi-disciplinary Coordination," and "Stage Gate Process." Emphasize years of experience and leadership roles.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare concise answers for strategy and problem-solving questions, and rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity and impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Parsons Corporation, its history, values, and recent projects. Understand the vision and scope of the Qiddiya project. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer that demonstrate your engagement and interest.

⚠️ 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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