Design Manager

Our client, a leading real estate developer in Saudi Arabia, is looking for an experienced Design Manager to lead and manage all design-related activities across a portfolio of residential, mixed-use and commercial developments.

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer (COO), the successful candidate will be responsible for managing the full design lifecycle from concept design and master planning through detailed design, authority approvals, tender documentation, construction support and project completion. The role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to manage internal design teams, external consultants, contractors, government authorities and key project stakeholders.

• Lead the design process across multiple real estate development projects simultaneously.
• Oversee architecture, engineering, master planning, landscape, interior design and other specialist design disciplines.
• Manage and develop the internal Design Department, setting objectives, priorities and performance targets.
• Appoint, manage and coordinate multidisciplinary consultants throughout all project stages.
• Review design briefs, consultant deliverables, scopes of work and RFP documentation.
• Ensure projects are delivered in line with approved budgets, programmes, quality standards and business objectives.
• Coordinate authority submissions and obtain all required government approvals.
• Work closely with Construction, Commercial, Finance, Sales and Marketing teams throughout the development lifecycle.
• Support value engineering, cost optimisation and design change management.
• Provide technical support during construction through design reviews, site visits and coordination meetings.
• Identify and mitigate design-related risks across the project portfolio.

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Urban Planning or a related discipline.
• 12–15+ years of relevant experience within the real estate development industry.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Design Manager or similar leadership position.
• Previous experience working directly for a real estate developer is essential.
• Strong experience delivering residential communities, mixed‑use developments, commercial projects and master‑planned developments.
• Proven experience managing projects from concept design through construction support.
• Extensive experience within the Saudi Arabian market.
• Demonstrated experience managing internal design teams and multidisciplinary external consultants.
• Strong understanding of authority approvals, design coordination, value engineering, risk management, quality control and development processes.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD is required. Revit and MS Project experience would be advantageous.

For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Nouf Alotaibi