Design Manager - Sports

Apply for Design Manager – Sports Adventure at AtkinsRéalis in الرياض, S01, SA. This Visa sponsorship job abroad position offers great opportunities for career growth.

The Design Manager – Sports is responsible for leading and managing the design of sports and leisure facilities across projects, ensuring delivery of high‑quality, compliant, and technically coordinated solutions. This role combines design management expertise with specialized knowledge of sports venues (stadiums, training facilities, community sports complexes) within a Project Management Consultation (PMC) environment. The role focuses on design governance, coordination and technical assurance, acting as the client’s representative to ensure that sports facility designs meet international standards, operational requirements, and legacy objectives.

• Lead and manage design activities for sports facilities from concept through detailed design and construction stages.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams (architecture, structure, MEP, sports specialists, venue planners and consultants).
• Review and validate design deliverables to ensure compliance with project requirements, international standards and best practices.
• Establish and monitor the design programme aligned with overall project milestones.
• Lead design reviews, workshops and coordination meetings.
• Provide expert input on sports facility planning and design.
• Ensure compliance with international sports standards (e.g., FIFA, IOC, World Athletics, etc.).
• Review field/court layouts, spectator sightlines, circulation and operational functionality.
• Ensure integration of athlete facilities, media zones, VIP areas and back‑of‑house operations.
• Validate materials, surfaces, lighting, acoustics and equipment specifications.
• Promote sustainable and legacy‑driven sports design solutions.
• Act as the key interface between client, operators, sports consultants and design teams.
• Coordinate with governing bodies and authorities to secure approvals and certifications.
• Facilitate stakeholder alignment on operational and functional requirements.
• Participate in client presentations and technical decision‑making forums.
• Monitor design progress against budget and schedule and assess impact of design changes on project cost, programme and functionality.
• Support value engineering initiatives specific to sports infrastructure.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to design coordination, compliance and constructability.
• Provide technical design support during construction, including review of shop drawings and RFIs.
• Ensure the design intent for sports facilities is maintained on site.
• Coordinate with site supervision teams and contractors for issue resolution.
• Support testing, commissioning and handover of sports facilities.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering or related field.
• 12–15+ years of experience, including sports facility design and/or design management.
• Experience in stadiums, major events or large‑scale sports developments.
• Previous experience in PMC, consultancy or complex multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong knowledge of international sports design standards and venue requirements.
• Strong leadership and multidisciplinary coordination skills.
• Deep understanding of sports facility planning and operations.

• Tax‑free salary.
• Comprehensive life insurance coverage.
• Premium medical insurance for you and your dependents.
• Generous annual leave balance.
• Flexible and hybrid work solutions.
• Remote work opportunities outside of country.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Relocation assistance.
• Transportation and housing allowances (available for remote work locations).
• 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness and nutrition.