Associate Director – Design Management; Stadiums

This opportunity is a secured role that is due to commence in January 2027, subject to approval.

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

Mace is providing strategic project management consultancy for major new build stadiums, multiple stadium redevelopments and wider precinct transformations in Riyadh. The scope includes the delivery of new stadiums, increasing existing stadia capacity, delivering major mixed‑use amenities and introducing robust knowledge‑transfer to ensure operational excellence and long‑term sustainability beyond construction.

• Manage the post contract design management and coordination of complex projects across multiple disciplines and asset types.
• Manage the contractor‑led design process, including detailed design completion, specialist subcontractor design, shop drawings, material submittals, samples and method‑related design inputs.
• Lead the review and resolution of RFIs, technical queries, site instructions, design clarifications and field‑change requests within agreed response periods.
• Establish and maintain design governance processes, design review procedures, and approval workflows.
• Oversee design assurance and compliance reviews against employer requirements, authority conditions, relevant codes, international standards and venue operational requirements.
• Lead technical reviews and design assurance activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate closely with project management, commercial, procurement, construction, and stakeholder teams.
• Manage design‑related risks, opportunities, and change management processes.
• Oversee value engineering initiatives while maintaining design intent and quality standards.
• Manage design interfaces with contractors, specialist subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring technical submittals and design information are coordinated with procurement and construction requirements.
• Provide senior‑level reporting and presentations to executive stakeholders.
• Drive innovation, best practice, and continuous improvement across the design management function.
• Work closely with site teams to resolve buildability, sequencing, installation and multidisciplinary interface issues affecting construction progress.
• Oversee the review and close‑out of as‑built drawings, design changes, technical documentation and handover requirements.

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, urban design, construction management, or related discipline.
• Professional membership with a recognised institution (RIBA, RICS, ICE, CIOB, PMI, or equivalent).
• Typically 15+ years of experience in design management, project delivery, or programme management.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary design teams on major complex developments.
• Experience working on large‑scale sports and stadium developments, including venues designed to meet FIFA standards.
• Strong knowledge of design management processes, design governance, and stage‑gate reviews.
• Proven experience managing international design consultants and stakeholder groups.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies and the relationship between design and delivery.
• Experience working within complex client‑side, PMC, or programme environments.

• Strategic thinking and decision‑making.
• Team leadership and capability development.
• Executive stakeholder engagement.

• Multidisciplinary design coordination.
• Design governance and assurance.
• Quality management and value engineering.

• Risk and change…