Senior Design Manager – Utilities

Overview

Want to lead utilities design on a major luxury development in Riyadh? Your experience managing complex utilities packages and sitewide coordination might make you our new Senior Design Manager – Utilities. This role sits at the centre of delivering robust, coordinated and future‑ready utility systems for a flagship luxury project.

• Lead utilities design management across concept, developed and detailed design stages.
• Oversee design coordination for power, telecom, district cooling, water, sewerage, stormwater, irrigation and related utility networks.
• Manage consultant teams and review utility strategies, layouts, calculations and technical submissions.
• Coordinate with infrastructure, roads, transport, architecture and landscape teams to resolve corridor and interface issues.
• Support authority engagement, technical approvals and utility provider coordination.
• Identify and manage risks, changes and design constraints affecting utility packages.
• Lead value engineering and design optimisation initiatives to improve efficiency, constructability and lifecycle performance.
• Monitor programme milestones, deliverable schedules and consultant performance.
• Prepare reports and updates for project leadership and client teams.
• Support procurement documentation, consultant selection and technical bid evaluations where required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Utility Engineering, or a related field.
• Significant experience managing utility design on major infrastructure or mixed‑use developments.
• Strong understanding of wet and dry utility systems and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Experience with authority approval processes and utility stakeholder engagement.
• Strong analytical, organisational and technical reporting skills.
• Ability to manage complex design interfaces in fast‑paced project environments.
• BIM and digital coordination experience is advantageous.
• Middle East experience, particularly in Saudi Arabia or the GCC, is strongly preferred.

• A senior role on a landmark luxury development in Riyadh.
• The chance to shape the utility backbone of a high‑profile destination project.
• An attractive salary and benefits package.
• A high‑performing and multidisciplinary project environment.

Buro Happold values individuals’ flexible approaches to working patterns and welcomes applications from those seeking flexibility. We embrace diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds and experiences, and are keen to hear from anyone who feels underrepresented in the industry.