Design Manager – Sports

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• Minimum 12–15+ years of experience in 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture
• Master’s degree in Architecture
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• Master’s degree in Engineering