Design Manager

About the Role

We are looking for a seasoned Design Manager to spearhead the coordination and technical execution of large-scale landscape, infrastructure, and public realm projects. In this pivotal role, you will lead multidisciplinary design teams, oversee the entire design development process, and collaborate closely with consultants and clients to ensure that all design deliverables align with project objectives, technical standards, and construction requirements. Your expertise will be instrumental in driving the successful delivery of complex, high-impact projects from concept through to construction support.

Key Responsibilities

The Design Manager will play a central role in the following areas:

• Design Leadership and Coordination: Lead the design process from initial concept through detailed design and construction support, ensuring seamless integration across landscape, civil, irrigation, structural, architectural, and MEP disciplines.
• Technical Oversight: Review and approve design drawings, technical reports, calculations, and specifications to ensure compliance with project requirements and industry standards.
• Team and Consultant Management: Manage and coordinate design consultants to ensure timely delivery of all design packages, while fostering collaboration and alignment with project goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a liaison between clients, consultants, project managers, and construction teams to resolve design-related challenges and ensure smooth project execution.
• Regulatory and Standards Compliance: Ensure all designs adhere to project specifications, local regulations, international standards, and client-specific requirements, mitigating risks and ensuring legal and technical compliance.
• Design Optimization: Conduct design reviews, value engineering workshops, and constructability assessments to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.
• Material and Submittal Review: Evaluate material selections and technical submittals to confirm their suitability, compliance, and alignment with project objectives.
• Tendering Support: Assist in tendering activities by reviewing design documentation and providing technical clarifications to potential contractors and suppliers.
• Project Scheduling and Risk Management: Monitor design progress against project timelines, proactively identifying and addressing potential delays to keep the project on track.
• Construction Support: Lead technical meetings and coordinate responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) and design changes during the construction phase to ensure seamless execution.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Provide technical leadership and mentorship to design engineers and coordinators, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
• Sustainability and Innovation: Champion innovation in design quality, efficiency, and sustainability, driving the adoption of best practices and cutting-edge solutions in all projects.

Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following qualifications and experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in landscape, infrastructure, or public realm projects, with at least 5 years in a Design Manager or senior design leadership role.
• Technical Expertise: Proven experience managing multidisciplinary design teams on large-scale construction projects, with a strong understanding of landscape design, grading, hardscape, irrigation, utilities, and infrastructure coordination.
• Collaboration Skills: Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively with consultants, clients, and contractors throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring alignment and resolving conflicts.
• Construction Knowledge: In-depth understanding of construction methodologies and design for constructability, with experience in value engineering and design optimization initiatives.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office, with working knowledge of Civil 3D, Revit, BIM platforms, and other design software being highly advantageous.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills to navigate complex project dynamics and drive successful outcomes.
• Regional Experience: Experience working on projects in Saudi Arabia is highly preferred.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with the following experience will be particularly well-suited for this role:

• Experience delivering major Saudi giga projects such as Diriyah, Qiddiya, NEOM, Red Sea, ROSHN, or similar developments.
• Previous experience collaborating with leading landscape contractors or multidisciplinary engineering consultants.