Senior Landscape Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Landscape Design Manager

Company: Parsons Corporation

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Landscape Architecture & Urban Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-03

Experience Level: 15+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate the comprehensive landscape and public realm design for Sports Business Unit (Sport BU) assets, ensuring exceptional design quality and adherence to stringent city and sports federation standards.

• Drive the integration of landscape and public realm elements with broader master planning initiatives and city-wide sustainability objectives, ensuring a cohesive urban environment.

• Manage and review intricate landscape design packages, including planting, irrigation, grading, street furniture, hardscaping, and public open spaces, to guarantee consistency and alignment with project briefs.

• Develop and manage consultant scopes of services, ensuring all landscape and public realm requirements are precisely defined and meticulously aligned with overarching project goals and timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for integrating sports-specific spatial and functional needs into the urban fabric, requiring a deep understanding of both landscape architecture principles and the unique demands of sports venues and districts. The emphasis on city-scale development and stakeholder management suggests a strategic, high-impact position within a large, complex project environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the detailed design review of all Sport BU landscape and public realm elements, encompassing planting strategies, irrigation systems, grading plans, street furniture selection, hardscape layouts, and public open space configurations.

• Coordinate multiple landscape design packages concurrently, ensuring seamless integration, consistent aesthetic, and strict adherence to the project brief and design intent.

• Assist in the development of comprehensive scopes of services for appointed design consultants, ensuring all landscape and public realm requirements are explicitly defined and aligned with project objectives and deliverables.

• Ensure landscape-specific deliverables, including planting plans, hardscape layouts, irrigation strategies, and grading designs, are fully coordinated across all disciplines, aligned with the project brief, and delivered to the highest quality standards within established timelines.

• Guarantee that land planning and landscape design for all Sports assets comply with all relevant building codes, City Framework standards, and the technical requirements stipulated by sports stakeholders and federations.

• Maintain a profound understanding of sports-related spatial and functional requirements within the public realm, ensuring designs cater to athletes, spectators, and visitors.

• Stay continuously updated on changes to applicable codes, standards, and guidelines, ensuring that all updated requirements are accurately reflected in ongoing and future designs and project documentation.

• Liaise effectively with the Master Development Business Unit and City planning teams to ensure Sport BU assets align with broader city and district planning codes, comply with urban design standards and policies, and integrate seamlessly into the wider master plan.

• Collaborate closely with the Sport BU development team and the Centre of Excellence Design Directors to ensure close coordination on all Sports assets, clear communication of landscape design intent and constraints, and timely resolution of design issues across multidisciplinary teams.

• Oversee the broader planning and integration of Sports assets across the City, ensuring connectivity to transport, public realm, and adjacent uses, a coherent landscape character and identity, and an optimized user experience for all stakeholders.

• Spearhead the implementation of sustainability requirements within landscape and public realm design, focusing on water-efficient planting and irrigation solutions, climate-responsive shading and material selection, and the integration of sustainable mobility and active lifestyle elements.

• Work in tandem with the sustainability team to rigorously demonstrate compliance with project sustainability targets and relevant certification systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant project management and oversight component, moving beyond pure design to encompass coordination, compliance, and strategic integration. The emphasis on sustainability and alignment with city-wide planning indicates a forward-thinking approach to urban development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Qualified or Chartered Landscape Architect or Urban Designer.

Experience: Minimum of 15 years of professional experience in landscape architecture and/or urban design, with a strong focus on large-scale mixed-use, sports, or city-scale developments.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in Public Realm and Open Space Design.

• Proven experience in Sports Venue and Sports District Planning and Integration.

• Strong understanding of Urban Planning principles and City Framework integration.

• Proven experience in managing and reviewing complex landscape design packages.

• Deep knowledge of relevant building codes, city framework standards, and sports federation requirements.

• Ability to develop and manage consultant scopes of work effectively.

• Exceptional coordination skills across multidisciplinary teams, including urban planning, architecture, engineering, and sustainability.

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse groups.

• Proficiency in essential design and documentation tools, including AutoCAD, Revit, GIS, Adobe Suite, and other relevant landscape design software.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities to address complex design challenges. Preferred Skills:

• Middle East regional experience is highly advantageous.

• Experience with climate-responsive design and sustainable material selection.

• Familiarity with various sustainability certification systems (e.g., LEED, Estidama).

• Experience in integrating sustainable mobility and active lifestyle elements into urban design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Chartered status and 15 years of experience signifies a senior-level position demanding significant leadership and expertise. The emphasis on specific software like Revit and GIS, alongside traditional tools, indicates a need for modern design workflows. Middle East experience is noted as preferred, suggesting that while valuable, it's not a strict barrier for otherwise qualified candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex, large-scale landscape architecture or urban design projects, with a particular emphasis on sports venues, districts, or significant public realm developments.

• Clearly articulate your role and specific contributions to each project, highlighting leadership, coordination, and design oversight responsibilities.

• Demonstrate the successful integration of landscape design with broader master planning, urban planning, and sustainability goals.

• Include examples of design review processes, consultant management, and stakeholder engagement strategies employed.

• Provide visual documentation (renderings, plans, site photos) that clearly communicate design intent, quality, and impact. Process Documentation:

• For each project, include a brief overview of the design process followed, from initial concept through to detailed design and coordination.

• Highlight specific methodologies used for cross-disciplinary coordination and issue resolution.

• Detail how compliance with codes, standards, and stakeholder requirements was managed and documented throughout the design phases.

• Illustrate how sustainability objectives were integrated and tracked within the landscape and public realm design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should not just be a collection of pretty pictures, but a testament to the candidate's ability to manage complex design processes, coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, and ensure projects meet rigorous technical, regulatory, and sustainability standards. The focus on "process" within the portfolio is key for this senior role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Landscape Design Managers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with 15+ years of experience, a competitive annual salary range is estimated between SAR 400,000 to SAR 650,000. This estimate accounts for the seniority of the role, the complexity of the Qiddiya project, and the cost of living in Riyadh.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employee and dependents.

• Generous paid time off (annual leave, 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.

• Relocation assistance and housing allowance may be provided for expatriate hires.

• Opportunities for international travel and exposure to global projects.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Overtime may be required to meet project deadlines, with compensation or time-off in lieu as per company policy and local regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is a broad estimate given the lack of specific data and the significant variation in compensation for senior roles in major international projects. It aims to reflect the value of extensive experience and specialized expertise required for this position in a high-demand market like Riyadh. Benefits are standard for large multinational corporations operating in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering and Construction, with a significant focus on infrastructure, aerospace, defense, and technology solutions. Parsons is known for its involvement in large-scale, complex, and transformative projects globally.

Company Size: Parsons Corporation is a large enterprise, typically employing over 15,000 employees worldwide. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for professional development.

Founded: Parsons was founded in 1944, bringing decades of experience and a strong legacy of innovation and project execution in the engineering and construction sector.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within a dedicated Sports Business Unit (Sport BU), indicating a specialized division focused on the development of Qiddiya's sports-related infrastructure.

• You will report to senior leadership within the Sport BU, potentially a Director of Design or Development, and will collaborate closely with Design Directors from the Centre of Excellence.

• This role requires extensive cross-functional collaboration with internal teams (Master Development, Sustainability) and external consultants (landscape, urban design, architecture, engineering) as well as key stakeholders like sports federations. Methodology:

• Parsons emphasizes a data-driven and integrated approach to project delivery, focusing on quality, safety, and sustainability.

• Expect a strong emphasis on rigorous design review processes, adherence to international standards, and the use of advanced digital tools for design coordination and project management.

• The company culture likely promotes collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to delivering complex projects that shape communities and economies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons' reputation for executing large-scale, complex projects suggests a highly professional and structured work environment. The Qiddiya project is a flagship development, implying a fast-paced, high-visibility context where attention to detail and robust process management are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Management position, positioned at the pinnacle of landscape and public realm design expertise within the Sports Business Unit. It requires not only deep technical proficiency but also significant leadership, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management capabilities. The scope extends to influencing city-level planning and sustainability integration.

Reporting Structure: You will report to senior management within the Sport BU and will be expected to liaise directly with Design Directors from the Centre of Excellence. This structure indicates a high level of visibility and direct impact on project outcomes.

Operations Impact: This role has a profound impact on the success of the Qiddiya project by ensuring that the landscape and public realm design of sports assets are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also fully integrated with the city's master plan, sustainable, and compliant with international sports standards. Your work will directly shape the user experience for millions of visitors and athletes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into broader design leadership roles within the Sport BU or other major development initiatives at Parsons, overseeing larger teams or multiple disciplines.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of urban design and sustainability for mega-projects, influencing policy and standards.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in niche areas such as sports venue landscape integration, sustainable urban water management, or climate-adaptive design through project exposure and professional development.

• Global Project Exposure: Potential to be involved in other international mega-projects undertaken by Parsons, expanding your portfolio and global perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the explicit mention of "leading and coordinating" indicate a role with significant responsibility and influence. Growth prospects are tied to demonstrating exceptional leadership in managing complex design processes and stakeholder relationships within a mega-project context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, indicating a need for a physical presence at the project location or a designated project office. This environment is typical for large-scale construction and development projects, requiring close collaboration with on-site teams and stakeholders.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Riyadh, specifically for the Qiddiya project (PIF-Qiddiya). This implies working within a dynamic and rapidly developing environment, potentially in a dedicated project site office or a corporate office supporting the Qiddiya development.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative workspace where interaction with multidisciplinary teams (architects, engineers, planners, sustainability experts) is constant and essential for design integration.

• Access to advanced design and project management tools and technologies will be provided, reflecting Parsons' commitment to digital workflows.

• Opportunities for site visits and direct engagement with project stakeholders will be frequent, providing a hands-on experience of the development process.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but given the demanding nature of mega-projects, flexibility and a willingness to work beyond standard hours may be necessary to meet critical deadlines and project milestones. This ensures continuous progress and timely resolution of design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Riyadh underscores the hands-on nature of this role. The environment will be fast-paced, collaborative, and driven by the specific demands of the Qiddiya development, requiring adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications and conduct a preliminary screening to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: Expect a detailed discussion with hiring managers or senior design leads focusing on your landscape architecture and urban design expertise, project management experience, and understanding of sports venue requirements. Be prepared to discuss your approach to design review, consultant management, and stakeholder coordination.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage will involve presenting your portfolio. You will be asked to walk through selected projects, explaining your role, design process, challenges faced, and solutions implemented, with a strong emphasis on large-scale developments and public realm integration.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: This stage assesses your leadership style, problem-solving abilities, collaboration approach, and alignment with Parsons' company values and the project culture.

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

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience in large-scale developments, public realm design, sports venues, and complex urban integration. Highlight projects where you held a significant leadership or management role.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the design process, your specific contributions, challenges overcome, and the measurable impact of your work (e.g., improved user experience, sustainability achievements, compliance adherence). Use case study formats.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use data and metrics to support your claims regarding design quality, efficiency improvements, or sustainability outcomes.

• Tailor to Qiddiya: Be prepared to discuss how your experience and approach align with the specific goals and context of the Qiddiya project, demonstrating an understanding of its unique requirements and vision.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with design tools (AutoCAD, Revit, GIS) and how you leverage them for coordination and documentation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design challenge related to sports venue public realm integration or a complex urban interface, requiring you to outline your strategic approach and key considerations.

• Process Improvement: Be ready to discuss how you would improve a given landscape design process or address a common stakeholder conflict scenario.

• Sustainability Integration: Prepare to discuss how you would ensure sustainability targets are met within a challenging project context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical expertise, project management capabilities, leadership potential, and cultural fit. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring candidates to effectively communicate their experience and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & BIM: AutoCAD, Revit are essential for detailed design, documentation, and potentially BIM coordination.

• GIS: Geographic Information System software for spatial analysis, site assessment, and master planning integration.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator for visual presentations, concept development, and report creation.

• Landscape Design Software: Specific tools such as Lumion, SketchUp, or other 3D modeling and visualization software may be used for rendering and client presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for data analysis related to site conditions, environmental factors, and user flow may be utilized.

• Proficiency in reporting on design compliance, sustainability metrics, and project progress. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding project management and collaboration platforms is key.

• Familiarity with project management software for tracking design deliverables, consultant progress, and stakeholder communication is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design software is a non-negotiable requirement. The ability to leverage BIM and GIS for complex urban-scale projects demonstrates a modern approach to design and planning.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and contextually relevant landscape and public realm designs.

• Collaboration and Integration: Fostering a team environment where cross-disciplinary input is valued, and seamless integration across all project elements is paramount.

• Sustainability and Responsibility: Dedication to environmentally conscious design practices, resource efficiency, and creating lasting, positive impacts on the urban environment.

• Stakeholder Focus: Prioritizing clear communication, understanding, and alignment with the needs and expectations of all stakeholders, from internal teams to sports federations and the public.

• Innovation and Adaptability: Embracing new technologies, design approaches, and adapting to evolving project requirements and industry best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment with frequent interdisciplinary meetings and workshops to ensure design coherence and problem-solving.

• A culture of constructive feedback and open communication is crucial for managing complex design challenges and ensuring all voices are heard.

• Knowledge sharing and mentorship are likely encouraged, especially given the senior nature of the role and the presence of junior designers or consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values likely reflect Parsons' corporate ethos combined with the specific demands of a mega-project like Qiddiya, emphasizing quality, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach to urban development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale and Complexity: Managing the sheer scale and intricate interdependencies of landscape and public realm design within a mega-project like Qiddiya, which involves numerous sports assets and diverse functional requirements.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating the diverse expectations and technical requirements of multiple stakeholders, including sports federations, city planners, development teams, and sustainability experts.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring strict adherence to a complex web of building codes, city frameworks, and international sports standards, which may evolve throughout the project lifecycle.

• Sustainability Integration: Effectively embedding and demonstrating advanced sustainability principles (e.g., water efficiency, climate resilience) within a design context that must also meet specific sports performance criteria.

• Maintaining Design Vision: Balancing the overarching master plan and design vision with the specific needs of individual sports assets and ensuring a cohesive, high-quality user experience across the entire development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Gaining experience in managing large-scale, high-profile international projects, enhancing project controls and execution capabilities.

• Mega-Project Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge in the planning and design of large sports districts and integrated urban environments.

• Sustainability Leadership: Opportunities to lead and innovate in sustainable design practices within a major development context, potentially contributing to cutting-edge solutions.

• Cross-Cultural Experience: Working with international teams and stakeholders, enhancing cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills.

• Professional Recognition: Contributing to a landmark project that will significantly enhance your professional profile and portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to mega-projects of this magnitude. Success will depend on strategic planning, robust stakeholder management, and a deep understanding of both design principles and project execution. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering career-defining experiences.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading the landscape and public realm design for a major sports district. What are your key priorities and how do you ensure integration with the broader master plan?" (Focus on strategic planning, coordination, and integration.)

• "How would you manage conflicting design requirements between a sports federation's technical standards and the city's urban design guidelines? Provide a specific example from your experience." (Assess problem-solving, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.)

• "Walk us through a complex landscape design challenge you faced on a large-scale development. What was your process for analyzing the problem, developing solutions, and achieving sign-off from stakeholders?" (Demonstrate analytical, problem-solving, and process management abilities.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Parsons and specifically to the Qiddiya project? How do you see your skills contributing to its vision?" (Showcase your research and alignment with the company's mission.)

• "How do you foster collaboration within multidisciplinary design teams and manage external consultants to ensure a unified design vision?" (Highlight your leadership and team-building approach.)

• "Discuss your experience with sustainability integration in landscape and public realm design. How do you balance environmental goals with functional and aesthetic requirements?" (Emphasize your commitment to sustainable practices.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the context, your specific role and responsibilities, the design challenges, your strategic approach, the solutions implemented, and the final outcomes, using visuals effectively.

• Quantify Your Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., user satisfaction improvements, water savings, compliance achieved).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your leadership in managing teams, coordinating disciplines, and engaging stakeholders.

• Showcase Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your designs and your proficiency with relevant software.

• Connect to Qiddiya: Clearly articulate how your past experiences and skills make you the ideal candidate for this specific role and the Qiddiya project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating a strategic, process-driven approach to managing complex design challenges within a large-scale development context. Demonstrating strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, backed by a compelling portfolio, will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Landscape Design Manager position:

• Submit your comprehensive application through the provided Workday portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features large-scale urban and sports-related projects, clearly detailing your leadership role, design process, and successful outcomes. Tailor the selection to resonate with the Qiddiya project's scope and vision.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight your 15+ years of experience, specific expertise in landscape architecture, urban design, public realm development, and project management. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Sports Venue Planning," "Master Planning," "Sustainability," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and prepare to discuss your strategic approach to design leadership, cross-disciplinary coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to be concise, impactful, and visually engaging.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Parsons Corporation, its recent projects (especially in the Middle East), and the Qiddiya development's master plan and objectives. Understand their commitment to sustainability and innovation to better align your responses with their values and strategic goals.

⚠️ 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.