Senior Design Manager Landscape

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - Landscape

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Umluj, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Landscape Architecture / Project Management Consultancy (PMC)

Date Posted: June 22, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid / Potential for Remote Options

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage comprehensive landscape design activities, ensuring adherence to project scope, quality standards, and regulatory requirements within a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) framework.

• Drive the integration of landscape design with multidisciplinary teams (architectural, civil, utilities, MEP), utilizing advanced coordination processes like clash detection.

• Oversee the landscape design program, ensuring its alignment with overall project timelines and delivery assurance.

• Provide expert technical oversight and governance for landscape design submissions from consultants, focusing on functionality, sustainability, and constructability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level design management function within a PMC context, focusing on oversight, governance, and integration rather than primary design execution. The emphasis is on ensuring consultants deliver high-quality, compliant, and coordinated landscape solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead all landscape design processes from conceptualization through detailed design and construction support, ensuring alignment with client objectives and regulatory standards.

• Facilitate seamless coordination and integration of landscape design elements with architectural, civil, infrastructure, utilities, and MEP disciplines through regular design reviews and clash detection.

• Review, validate, and approve landscape design submissions from external consultants, verifying compliance with project scope, quality benchmarks, and local/international regulations.

• Develop, monitor, and manage the landscape design program, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with the overall project master schedule.

• Provide expert technical guidance on landscape design principles, including planting strategies (native, climate-appropriate, low-maintenance), irrigation systems, grading, drainage, hardscape design, and urban design.

• Assess and ensure the functionality, sustainability, aesthetic quality, environmental impact, and long-term maintainability of proposed landscape designs.

• Verify the implementation of sustainable design solutions, such as water efficiency measures and green infrastructure, in alignment with project environmental goals.

• Liaise effectively with clients, governmental authorities, and other stakeholders to secure necessary design approvals and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Actively participate in technical meetings with consultants and contractors to proactively resolve design-related issues and challenges.

• Support project reporting by providing accurate and timely updates on landscape design progress, identified risks, and mitigation strategies.

• Manage and assess the impact of design changes on project cost, schedule, and quality, and contribute to value engineering exercises for landscape elements.

• Identify and mitigate design-related risks and technical challenges throughout the project lifecycle.

• Provide crucial technical support during construction phases, including timely response to Requests for Information (RFIs) and thorough review of contractor shop drawings.

• Oversee landscape implementation on-site to ensure the fidelity of the design intent and coordinate with site supervision teams regarding landscape progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on governance, review, and integration, typical of a PMC role. The incumbent acts as an interface between consultants, contractors, and clients, ensuring design integrity and project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, or a closely related field. Experience:

• A minimum of 12 to 15+ years of progressive experience in landscape architecture and design management, with a significant portion dedicated to large-scale infrastructure, urban development, or master-planned community projects.

• Proven track record of successful project delivery within a Project Management Consultancy (PMC), engineering consultancy, or a client-side development organization. Required Skills:

• Expertise in Landscape Design Management, encompassing the full project lifecycle from concept to construction.

• Proficiency in technical oversight and quality assurance of landscape design submissions.

• Strong capabilities in coordinating landscape design with multidisciplinary engineering and architectural teams.

• Deep knowledge of planting strategies, irrigation design, grading, drainage principles, and hardscape design.

• Proven experience in developing and implementing sustainable landscape design solutions and green infrastructure.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with clients, authorities, and consultants.

• Proficiency in core design and coordination tools, including AutoCAD.

• Solid understanding of international standards, codes, and local authority requirements relevant to landscape architecture and urban development.

• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and risk mitigation capabilities.

• Ability to balance design quality, cost-effectiveness, and constructability. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in advanced design and coordination tools such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) and GIS (Geographic Information System).

• Experience with value engineering processes specifically for landscape elements.

• Familiarity with environmental impact assessments and hydrological studies related to landscape design.

• Demonstrated ability to act as a client representative for design governance and delivery assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 12-15+ years, coupled with the PMC context, suggests a need for seasoned professionals capable of managing complex projects and leading consultant teams. Proficiency in both AutoCAD and advanced tools like BIM/GIS is highly valued for efficient design coordination and review.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of managing complex landscape design projects from inception through to successful construction, highlighting your role in oversight and governance.

• Showcase examples of successful design integration across multiple disciplines, illustrating your ability to facilitate coordination and resolve interdisciplinary clashes.

• Present case studies of landscape designs that effectively incorporate sustainable practices, water efficiency, and native/climate-appropriate planting strategies.

• Include evidence of your involvement in reviewing and approving consultant design submissions, detailing your approach to ensuring quality and compliance.

• Provide examples of landscape design programs you have managed, demonstrating your ability to align design timelines with overall project schedules. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to developing and managing design review processes, including checklists and criteria for evaluating consultant submissions.

• Detail your methods for facilitating cross-disciplinary coordination meetings and design workshops.

• Showcase your experience in developing and implementing standard operating procedures for design governance and quality assurance within a PMC framework.

• Provide examples of how you have managed RFI and shop drawing review processes during construction to ensure design intent is maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager in a PMC role, the portfolio should emphasize management, oversight, and coordination capabilities rather than purely design execution. Focus on process, governance, and successful integration outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the senior level (12-15+ years experience), location (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), and the nature of the role within a major international firm (AtkinsRéalis) in the engineering and construction sector, a competitive tax-free salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Saudi Arabia, the estimated annual base salary range could be between SAR 350,000 to SAR 600,000 (approximately USD 93,000 to USD 160,000). This range can vary significantly based on the specific project scope, candidate's precise experience, and negotiation. Benefits:

• Tax-free Salary: A significant financial advantage for expatriates and residents in Saudi Arabia.

• Comprehensive Life Insurance Coverage: Protection for the employee and potentially their beneficiaries.

• Premium Medical Insurance: Coverage for the employee and dependents, often including international coverage options.

• Generous Annual Leave Balance: Standard for international roles, allowing for rest and personal time.

• Flexible and Hybrid Work Solutions: Offers adaptability in work arrangements, balancing office presence with remote flexibility.

• Remote Work Opportunities (Outside of Country): Potential for remote work, particularly for specific tasks or during certain project phases, subject to company policy.

• Company Gratuity Scheme: A retirement benefit often provided in addition to salary.

• Discretionary Bonus Program: Performance-based incentives tied to individual and company success.

• Annual Flight Contribution: Assistance with travel expenses, particularly for expatriates.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for moving to Saudi Arabia, covering logistical and initial settlement needs.

• Transportation & Housing Allowances: Financial stipends to cover accommodation and commuting costs, crucial in Saudi Arabia.

• Employee Wellbeing Program: Comprehensive support services including 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.

Working Hours:

• The typical full-time working week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday to Thursday. While the listed job type is "Regular" and the description mentions "Flexible and Hybrid Work Solutions," standard office hours are generally around 8 hours per day. A total of 40 hours per week is a common benchmark, with potential for overtime depending on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on industry data for senior engineering and design management roles in Saudi Arabia, considering the cost of living and typical compensation packages for international firms. The listed benefits are extensive and provide significant value beyond the base salary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Nuclear, Infrastructure Development, Project Management Consultancy (PMC). AtkinsRéalis operates globally, providing a wide range of engineering and construction solutions across various sectors, with a strong presence in major infrastructure projects.

Company Size: AtkinsRéalis is a large, multinational organization, employing tens of thousands of professionals worldwide. This scale implies robust corporate structures, standardized processes, and opportunities for global mobility and diverse project involvement.

Founded: The company has a long history, tracing its roots back to 1911 (as SNC-Lavalin, a significant part of the current entity). This longevity suggests a stable, established organization with deep industry expertise and a proven track record.

Team Structure:

• The landscape design team likely operates as a specialized unit within larger project management or engineering departments. It will involve close collaboration with other design disciplines (architecture, civil, structural, MEP, infrastructure) and project management functions.

• Reporting lines would typically involve a Senior Design Manager reporting to a Project Director or Head of Design, overseeing a team of landscape architects and designers, and managing external consultant performance.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, requiring regular interaction with project managers, construction teams, client representatives, and regulatory bodies to ensure integrated and successful project delivery. Methodology:

• AtkinsRéalis likely employs a structured, data-driven approach to project delivery, emphasizing rigorous design governance, risk management, and quality assurance.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, particularly in a PMC role, focusing on efficient review processes, clear communication protocols, and proactive issue resolution.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, leveraging technology like BIM and GIS for better coordination, visualization, and data management throughout the design and construction phases.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a global engineering leader, AtkinsRéalis emphasizes structured project delivery, quality, and client satisfaction. The PMC model necessitates a strong focus on process, governance, and stakeholder management, which are core to the company's operational ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is senior, designated as a "Senior Design Manager - Landscape." It signifies a leadership position with significant responsibility for managing design processes, teams, and external consultants on large-scale projects. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in landscape architecture and strong project/program management capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager - Landscape will likely report to a Project Director, Program Director, or Head of Design within the PMC structure. They will manage a team of landscape architects and designers and will be responsible for overseeing the performance of external landscape design consultants.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the successful delivery of major infrastructure and urban development projects. Effective landscape design management ensures that projects meet aesthetic, functional, environmental, and regulatory requirements, contributing significantly to the overall project value, client satisfaction, and the long-term success and sustainability of the built environment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to higher management roles such as Head of Design, Program Design Manager, or Director of Engineering within AtkinsRéalis, overseeing broader design portfolios or entire project programs.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepening expertise in specific areas like sustainable urban design, large-scale master planning, or resilience in landscape architecture, potentially leading specialized technical teams or initiatives.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on diverse and high-profile projects across AtkinsRéalis's international operations, broadening experience and global perspective.

• Business Development: Potential to contribute to business development efforts, leveraging experience to win new projects and build client relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior Design Manager in a PMC environment with a firm like AtkinsRéalis typically leads to broader management responsibilities, increased strategic influence, and opportunities for global project leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of working from the company's office and potentially remotely. The office environment is likely professional, collaborative, and equipped with the necessary technology for design and project management.

Office Location(s): The primary locations mentioned are Riyadh and Umluj in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is the capital city, offering a major urban business environment. Umluj is a coastal city on the Red Sea, often associated with large-scale tourism and development projects. This suggests the role may involve significant involvement in major Giga projects within the Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will foster collaboration among design teams, project managers, and other engineering disciplines. Expect regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional workshops.

• Access to advanced design and coordination tools (AutoCAD, BIM, GIS) will be standard, supporting efficient workflow and communication.

• Opportunities for interaction with senior management, clients, and external consultants will be frequent, providing exposure to diverse professional perspectives and project challenges. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, typically Sunday to Thursday in Saudi Arabia. The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests flexibility in how and where these hours are fulfilled, with potential for remote work outside of country as mentioned in benefits, subject to project and company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of Umluj alongside Riyadh suggests potential involvement in significant developmental projects, which are characteristic of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiatives. The hybrid nature of the work arrangement offers flexibility, a key consideration for modern professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications and resumes for basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve a conversation with hiring managers or senior technical leads to assess your landscape design expertise, design management experience, and understanding of PMC operations. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing consultants and ensuring design quality.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your most relevant projects. Focus on your role as a manager and overseer, highlighting coordination, problem-solving, and delivery assurance. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage multidisciplinary integration and ensure compliance with standards.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assess your leadership style, collaboration skills, ability to handle pressure, and alignment with AtkinsRéalis's values and the specific project's culture.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Management & Oversight: Curate projects where you played a lead role in managing design teams or external consultants. Emphasize your strategic input, decision-making, and problem-solving contributions.

• Structure Case Studies: For key projects, present a clear narrative: the challenge, your approach (management, coordination, review processes), the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., design compliance, schedule adherence, cost savings, quality improvements).

• Highlight Integration: Showcase examples where you successfully integrated landscape design with other disciplines, illustrating your understanding of complex project interdependencies.

• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: While focusing on management, be ready to discuss technical aspects of landscape design, sustainability, and relevant standards.

• Tailor to PMC Context: Frame your experience through the lens of a PMC, emphasizing governance, assurance, and client representation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions related to managing design conflicts, handling consultant performance issues, or ensuring compliance with tight deadlines.

• Practice articulating your decision-making process clearly and concisely.

• Research AtkinsRéalis's recent projects, particularly in Saudi Arabia, to understand their strategic direction and operational context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your ability to manage complex processes and stakeholders in a PMC environment. Your portfolio should clearly articulate your strategic influence and oversight capabilities, not just design skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for reviewing and understanding technical drawings and plans. Proficiency in this fundamental CAD software is a baseline requirement.

• BIM (Building Information Modeling): Tools like Autodesk Revit or similar. Increasingly critical for design coordination, clash detection, and data management in large infrastructure projects. Experience in reviewing BIM models and understanding BIM workflows is highly advantageous.

• GIS (Geographic Information System): Tools like ArcGIS or QGIS. Useful for understanding site context, environmental analysis, spatial planning, and managing geographic data related to landscape design.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Standard office productivity suites (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace) for reporting, presentations, and data analysis.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project) for managing design programs and schedules.

• Potentially specialized reporting tools or dashboards for tracking design progress and consultant performance. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with project management and client relationship systems may be beneficial.

• Automation tools may be relevant for streamlining review processes or data analysis, though specific tools are not listed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD is a must. Experience with BIM and GIS is highly desirable for a Senior Design Manager role, as these technologies are central to modern design coordination and project delivery in large-scale developments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety & Quality: A paramount focus in engineering and construction, ensuring all designs meet the highest safety and quality standards.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding professional standards and ethical conduct in all dealings with clients, consultants, and colleagues.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams work together effectively towards common project goals.

• Innovation & Excellence: Encouraging new ideas and striving for continuous improvement in design processes and project outcomes.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs and expectations, acting as a trusted advisor and representative.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands active engagement and collaboration with architects, civil engineers, urban planners, MEP engineers, and construction managers. This involves regular communication, joint problem-solving, and ensuring that landscape designs are harmoniously integrated with all other project components.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture of constructive feedback is essential, both for reviewing consultant work and for improving internal processes. This involves clear communication channels and a willingness to provide and receive feedback to enhance design quality and project efficiency.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned across the design and project teams to foster collective growth and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: AtkinsRéalis, as a major global firm, likely instills values of safety, integrity, and client focus. The collaborative style will be highly pragmatic, focused on achieving project delivery goals through effective communication and problem-solving across disciplines.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Consultant Teams: Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to project standards across multiple external landscape design consultants with varying capabilities and approaches.

• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Resolving complex clashes and integration issues between landscape design and other critical project elements (e.g., underground utilities, structural constraints, architectural features).

• Balancing Competing Demands: Effectively managing the inherent tension between design aspirations, budget constraints, construction feasibility, and project timelines.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Staying abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving local regulations, environmental standards, and client-specific requirements in Saudi Arabia.

• Adapting to Project Scale & Pace: Working within the demanding environment of large-scale, fast-paced Giga projects common in Saudi Arabia.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Technology: Gaining deeper expertise in BIM and GIS applications for project management and design review.

• Sustainable Design Practices: Enhancing knowledge of cutting-edge sustainable landscape strategies and green infrastructure relevant to arid climates.

• Project Leadership: Developing skills in strategic project planning, risk management, and leading large, complex multidisciplinary teams.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events, workshops, and specialized training programs to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in landscape architecture and project management.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within AtkinsRéalis, offering guidance on career progression and leadership development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in large-scale PMC projects, requiring strong problem-solving and stakeholder management skills. The growth opportunities are substantial, aligning with the company's global reach and commitment to professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing external landscape design consultants on a large-scale urban development project. How do you ensure their submissions meet project quality and compliance standards?" (Focus on your governance, review, and feedback processes).

• "Walk me through a complex design coordination challenge you faced involving landscape architecture and other disciplines. How did you facilitate a resolution, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your problem-solving methodology and cross-functional collaboration).

• "How do you balance the creative aspects of landscape design with the practical constraints of budget, schedule, and constructability in a PMC environment?" (Emphasize your decision-making framework and value engineering approach).

• "What are your thoughts on sustainable landscape design in the context of Saudi Arabia's climate, and how would you ensure these principles are effectively implemented by consultants?" (Showcase your technical knowledge and strategic thinking). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AtkinsRéalis and our work in Saudi Arabia, particularly on major development projects?" (Research their website, recent news, and project portfolio).

• "How would you contribute to AtkinsRéalis's culture of safety and quality in your role as a Senior Design Manager?" (Align your values with theirs, emphasizing process and diligence).

• "Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting priorities or stakeholder demands. How did you navigate it?" (Demonstrate your diplomacy and negotiation skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 projects that best exemplify your experience in design management, multidisciplinary coordination, and PMC environments.

• Role Clarity: Clearly articulate YOUR role and responsibilities in each project, focusing on management, oversight, and strategic input.

• Process Emphasis: Detail the methodologies and processes you employed for design review, coordination, and quality assurance.

• Quantifiable Results: Wherever possible, present measurable outcomes – e.g., successful design approval, reduction in RFIs, improved schedule adherence for design phases, successful implementation of sustainability targets.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (diagrams, flowcharts, key renderings) to illustrate complex points or processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific, quantifiable examples that demonstrate your leadership in managing design processes, integrating disciplines, and ensuring project delivery within a PMC framework. Your ability to articulate strategy and problem-solving will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager - Landscape position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your professional portfolio to prominently feature projects where you managed landscape design activities, emphasizing your oversight, coordination, and governance roles within a PMC or large-scale development context. Highlight your experience in integrating landscape with other disciplines and ensuring compliance.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as "Design Management," "Landscape Architecture," "PMC," "Urban Development," "Multidisciplinary Coordination," "BIM," "GIS," "Sustainable Design," and specific project types relevant to AtkinsRéalis's portfolio in Saudi Arabia. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on challenges, solutions, and outcomes related to design management and project delivery. Prepare detailed answers to strategy and behavioral questions, and rehearse your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AtkinsRéalis, their recent projects in Saudi Arabia (especially Giga projects), their company values, and their approach to project management and engineering. Understand their commitment to sustainability and innovation.

⚠️ 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.