17 Architectural Design Leader jobs in Saudi Arabia

The Director of Design Management is a critical role within the City Design Integration team at NEOM The LINE, reporting directly to the Executive Director of City Design Integration. This role is focused on overseeing the design work carried out by the City Asset Design Architect responsible for the critical city assets, which including the basement, public realm, cores and technical floors. You’ll ensure that these essential elements are designed to the client’s requirements whilst enabling the overall performance of the city.

• Lead the management of design activities for critical city assets, which may include the basement, public realm, and technical floors, ensuring they meet the requirements of the project.
• Serve as the main point of contact between the City Design Integration team and the Architectural Consultant responsible for these key assets.
• Oversee the Architectural Consultant’s work, providing guidance, feedback, and direction to ensure that all design deliverables align with NEOM The LINE’s requirements and standards.
• Collaborate with other design teams, including Urban Realm, Infrastructure Engineer, Anchor Asset and Community designers, to integrate the design of city assets seamlessly into the broader cityscape.
• Manage the design process to completion, ensuring that timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Work closely with the Executive Director of City Design Integration and other senior leaders to develop and implement strategies for the design of city assets that contribute to the overall vision of NEOM The LINE.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve any design challenges, ensuring that the design of city assets is cohesive and aligned with the project’s broader objectives.
• Foster a collaborative and creative working environment

• Extensive experience in architecture, with a focus on large-scale urban development and the design of critical infrastructure and public spaces.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with a proven ability to oversee complex design projects and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of architectural design principles, particularly in the context of critical city assets.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with architectural consultants, design teams, and senior leadership.
• A strategic thinker with a strong eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality design that meets the project’s vision and standards.
• Experience in managing design processes, timelines, and budgets, with a focus on achieving project goals within constraints.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The Director of Design Management is a critical role within the City Design Integration team at NEOM The LINE, reporting directly to the Executive Director of City Design Integration. This role is focused on overseeing the design work carried out by the City Asset Design Architect responsible for the critical city assets, which include the basement, public realm, cores, and technical floors. You’ll ensure that these essential elements are designed to the client’s requirements whilst enabling the overall performance of the city.

What You'll Do:

1. Lead the management of design activities for critical city assets, which may include the basement, public realm, and technical floors, ensuring they meet the requirements of the project.
2. Serve as the main point of contact between the City Design Integration team and the Architectural Consultant responsible for these key assets.
3. Oversee the Architectural Consultant’s work, providing guidance, feedback, and direction to ensure that all design deliverables align with NEOM The LINE’s requirements and standards.
4. Collaborate with other design teams, including Urban Realm, Infrastructure Engineer, Anchor Asset, and Community designers, to integrate the design of city assets seamlessly into the broader cityscape.
5. Manage the design process to completion, ensuring that timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
6. Work closely with the Executive Director of City Design Integration and other senior leaders to develop and implement strategies for the design of city assets that contribute to the overall vision of NEOM The LINE.
7. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve any design challenges, ensuring that the design of city assets is cohesive and aligned with the project’s broader objectives.
8. Foster a collaborative and creative working environment.

What We’re Looking For:

1. Extensive experience in architecture, with a focus on large-scale urban development and the design of critical infrastructure and public spaces.
2. Strong leadership and management skills, with a proven ability to oversee complex design projects and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
3. Deep understanding of architectural design principles, particularly in the context of critical city assets.
4. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with architectural consultants, design teams, and senior leadership.
5. A strategic thinker with a strong eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality design that meets the project’s vision and standards.
6. Experience in managing design processes, timelines, and budgets, with a focus on achieving project goals within constraints.
7. A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Design Management Director
What if we showed you how we're solving the world's greatest challenges by transforming intangible ideas into intelligent solutions for a more connected, sustainable world?

Our People & Places Solutions business – reinforces our drive to improve the lives of people everywhere and epitomizes the "why" of what we do – the tremendous positive impact and value our solutions bring to our communities and society as a whole. From facilities delivering life-saving therapies and ensuring clean water to enabling the connection of people through all modes of transportation and providing access to technology – we're integrating a multitude of these solution elements to build the smart environments of tomorrow.

About The Opportunity
At Jacobs, we push the limits of what's possible to make the world smarter and more connected. We are one of the delivery partners for NEOM THE LINE, one of the most iconic giga projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, arguably one of the largest projects in the world. Based at NEOM Site, Jacobs has an opening for a
Design Management Director
The
Design Management Director
in The LINE Design team will lead and manage the design of different assets related to The LINE. The Director of Design will lead a design team with respective plans, schedules, and will organize and coordinate the design work is executed on projects of all scales. The Design Management Director for THE LINE Design team will oversee the creation of neighborhood master plans and architectural designs for THE LINE. This role involves leading a team of Design Consultants, ensuring that the technical aspects of the design work is executed according to Design Briefs and Requirements, Development Control Regulations and KPIs, and in compliance with the NEOM THE LINE Plan of Work procedures. The Design Management Director will be responsible for the management of a module, comprised of eight neighborhoods, and encompassing approximately 4,000,000 m² of assets.

Time will be allocated 80% on Neighborhoods designs, and 20% on NEOM Business responsibilities.

Requirements

• Delivery of design through the NEOM Plan of Works and THE LINE specific plans and procedures
• Collaboration with THE LINE Development and THE LINE Projects Neighborhood teams, to ensure integrated delivery.
• Collaboration with the Creative Design Director and the Neighborhood Design Directors, to ensure consistency across various Neighborhood and project scales.
• Ensure compliance with the Development Brief and Budget, and conformance to Development Control Regulations, Guidelines, and Design KPIs
• Manage technical quality of Neighborhoods design, and implementation of the Vision for The LINE
• Support delivery of contractual obligations, scope, schedule, budget.
• Support monthly internal reporting to NEOM leadership, City and City Integration team

Here's what you'll need

Experience

• 20+ years of post-graduate outstanding architectural design and management experience
• Proven related experience in an Architectural Practice, including management of international design consultants across sectors and typologies
• Experience working in signature architecture design studios
• Design experience in various architectural types residential, mix use, commercial, public, healthcare, educational, etc.
• Experience and extensive knowledge on design and construction materials and their application
• Design experience of public realm design and application
• Extensive project experience with emphasis on large projects and programs
• Experience in Middle East is appreciated
• B.Arch or B.Sc. in Architecture from a recognized university
• Postgraduate in Architecture or Urban Design
• International accreditation (RIBA, AIA, or equivalent)

Jacobs. A world where you can.
From our inclusive employee networks to our positive mental health champions – we're committed to driving a culture of caring where you can be you. Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally - and together, our diverse perspectives and unique backgrounds power our collective strength. We collaborate and share By supporting one another, we all succeed.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we've gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximise your potential. You'll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities to do good too – from participating in our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you'll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

Start your Jacobs career with a company that inspires and empowers you to deliver your best work so you can evolve, grow, and succeed – today and into tomorrow.

From our inclusive employee networks to our positive mental health champions – we're committed to driving a culture of caring where you can be you. Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally - and together, our diverse perspectives and unique backgrounds power our collective strength. We collaborate and share By supporting one another, we all succeed.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we've gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You'll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities to do good too – from participating in our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.

No matter what drives you, you'll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.

Want to work with the most sought-after minds and most talked-about projects? Your experience of Design Management in Engineering Consultancy might just make you our new Director of Project Design Management

Job Description
Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional.
From the projects you will work on to the clients we work with. From career-defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a more equitable world . From our reputation to our relationships. Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you, it'll be anything but ordinary.

Your next role
Buro Happold has a clear strategic plan, strong learning culture and entrepreneurial mindset that will allow you to thrive .

You'll be part of something bigger than us all where sustainability, equity, social and performance outcomes matter . All of Buro Happold is committed to doing the right thing, even when that's the hardest thing. This is a genuine opportunity to make impact - and leave real legacy.

Your key duties
The Director of Project Design Management will provide strategic leadership and management of the Project Design Management team, overseeing major infrastructure and building projects in the Middle East. This role is responsible for ensuring the successful execution of projects, maintaining high standards of technical and financial performance, and fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment . The individual will serve as the primary interface with clients, supported by the local partner at the executive level . Additionally, this role involves mentoring staff within the office and driving the acquisition of new opportunities .

Strategic Project Delivery

• Scope Management: Oversee the definition and management of project scopes, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and client expectations.
• Schedule Management: Ensure the development and maintenance of comprehensive project schedules, facilitating timely completion of all project phases.
• Quality Assurance: Establish and uphold quality control processes to guarantee that all deliverables meet the highest standards.
• Financial Oversight: Provide strategic oversight of project budgets, ensuring financial health and addressing potential issues proactively.
• Governance: Implement and enforce rigorous commercial operations and governance practices across the project portfolio.

Leadership

• Client Engagement: Lead high-level client meetings, ensuring effective communication and alignment with client needs.
• Negotiation: Strategically negotiate project outcomes, fostering strong client relationships and ensuring mutually beneficial agreements.
• Mentorship: Guide and mentor senior team members, promoting professional growth and development.
• Solution Delivery: Oversee the development of innovative solutions to project challenges, integrating multidisciplinary perspectives.
• Service Promotion: Identify and promote additional Buro Happold service offerings to clients.
• Quality Review: Ensure all work produced by the team meets high standards and is thoroughly reviewed.
• Team Management: Provide strategic leadership and management to the team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Collaboration

• Cross-Discipline Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration across business units, disciplines, and regions to leverage expertise and resources to delivery work and enable work winning opportunities
• Contribution: Proactively contribute to the wider firm, sharing knowledge and best practices.
• Teamwork: Act as a role model for teamwork, encouraging collaboration and cooperation to achieve organisational goals.

Technical Competence

• Technology Integration: Advise on the strategic impact of technology on projects and its implementation for the benefit of our clients and stakeholders.
• Deliverable Quality: Ensure the production of high-quality reports, presentations, models, and drawings that meet Buro Happold and our client standards.
• Quality Assurance: Enforce compliance with Buro Happold's internal quality assurance procedures, ensuring all work delivered by the team meets required standards.
• Professional Development: Promote ongoing learning and Continuing Professional Development staying updated on technical advances and industry trends and internal learning opportunities.

Your Skills And Experience

• Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Master Planning.
• Proven experience in a senior leadership role with at least 5 years in the Middle East.
• Project management qualification (e.g., PMP) or significant project delivery experience.
• Professional accreditation from a recognised organisation.
• Strong technical background in multidisciplinary building and infrastructure design.
• Proven experience in strategic project delivery and team leadership, including managing remote teams.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging with senior clients and collaborators.
• Understanding of Middle East policies and regulations.
• Experience in managing multidisciplinary LDC projects, overseeing financial and technical performance, and creating and managing programmes.
• Experience in developing long term relationships with clients and collaborators, and leading fee estimates, proposals, and negotiating terms and conditions.
• Familiarity with Project Management information systems (e.g., Aconex).

What We Offer You

• Bring your knowledge and expertise to one of the world's most respected consultancies.
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Attractive salary and benefits package
• A strong commitment to your continuous development. Whatever stage in your career, we have a learning and development programme that will enable and empower you
• Entitlement to two memberships to professional bodies or subscriptions
• An international culture that wherever your career takes you at Buro Happold, you won't be far from the exceptional.

At Buro Happold, everyone else's extraordinary is just our everyday.
Apply today and be a part of our legacy.
A place for everyone
Buro Happold values individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of the way you work and achieve balance . We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.

Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds and experiences that shape us . Appreciating each other's differences is key, we want employees to feel they don't have to mask elements of their identity to thrive .

We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry . We have much to learn from one another. Embracing difference allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.

Please let us know if there are any adjustments, we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you . Contact so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.

Qiddiya Investment Company, a leader in innovative real estate development, is actively seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Director - Design Management, Roads to spearhead our road infrastructure projects. This pivotal role requires a strategic thinker who will ensure the successful planning, design, and execution of road systems that effectively support our entertainment and leisure destinations in Saudi Arabia.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design management process for all road development projects, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency
• Oversee the overall project lifecycle from initial concept through detailed design and construction, ensuring timely delivery within budgetary constraints
• Collaborate closely with civil engineers, contractors, and external stakeholders to integrate road design with overall site development plans
• Review and approve design documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices
• Conduct regular site visits and design reviews to monitor progress, identify issues, and implement solutions as needed
• Establish and maintain effective communication with all project stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment throughout the project
• Stay abreast of current trends in road design, construction methods, and materials to drive innovation within the department
• Manage and mentor a team of design professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
• Minimum 12+ years of relevant experience in road design and management, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role
• Proven experience managing complex infrastructure projects from concept to completion
• Strong knowledge of road design principles, guidelines, and regulations
• Excellent leadership and team management capabilities, with a focus on collaboration and mentorship
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and other relevant engineering tools
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability in infrastructure development

Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package

Qiddiya Investment Company, a leader in innovative real estate development, is actively seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Director - Design Management, Roads to spearhead our road infrastructure projects. This pivotal role requires a strategic thinker who will ensure the successful planning, design, and execution of road systems that effectively support our entertainment and leisure destinations in Saudi Arabia.

• Lead the design management process for all road development projects, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Oversee the overall project lifecycle from initial concept through detailed design and construction, ensuring timely delivery within budgetary constraints.
• Collaborate closely with civil engineers, contractors, and external stakeholders to integrate road design with overall site development plans.
• Review and approve design documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Conduct regular site visits and design reviews to monitor progress, identify issues, and implement solutions as needed.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with all project stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment throughout the project.
• Stay abreast of current trends in road design, construction methods, and materials to drive innovation within the department.
• Manage and mentor a team of design professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
• Minimum 12+ years of relevant experience in road design and management, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience managing complex infrastructure projects from concept to completion.
• Strong knowledge of road design principles, guidelines, and regulations.
• Excellent leadership and team management capabilities, with a focus on collaboration and mentorship.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and other relevant engineering tools.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability in infrastructure development.

Comprehensive benefits package

Job Summary:

We are looking for an experienced
Architectural Renovation Design Engineer
with a strong background in the design and coordination of renovation projects for existing buildings. The ideal candidate should be able to evaluate existing architectural conditions and develop innovative design solutions that blend modern functionality with structural constraints and heritage considerations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct site assessments to analyze existing architectural elements and spatial layouts.
• Develop architectural design proposals for renovation and retrofitting, respecting historical or structural limitations.
• Prepare detailed drawings, floor plans, elevations, and design documentation using tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp.
• Coordinate design efforts with MEP and structural teams to ensure integration and feasibility.
• Select appropriate materials and finishes suited for renovation projects.
• Ensure all designs comply with local codes, regulations, and sustainability standards.
• Participate in design review meetings and client presentations.
• Provide support during construction to ensure adherence to design intent.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in architectural renovation and design projects.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and other design tools.
• Strong design and visualization skills.
• Familiarity with restoration techniques, building codes, and adaptive reuse strategies.
• Excellent communication and coordination abilities.

***Please read the description carefully before applying

We're Hiring: Design Manager | Construction Sector | Saudi Arabia

Join our fast-growing construction company and take the lead in managing multi-disciplinary design activities from concept through execution. We're seeking an experienced
Design Manager
with a strong track record in coordinating architecture, structural, and MEP design packages to ensure timely, high-quality project delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate the design process from pre-concept to IFC stage.
• Liaise with consultants, clients, and internal departments to align design objectives.
• Review and approve design deliverables ensuring compliance with project standards.
• Lead value engineering and design optimization initiatives.
• Oversee design documentation and control systems.
• Support tendering teams with design-related inputs and clarifications.
• Drive integration between design, construction, and procurement teams.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• Minimum 10 years' experience, preferably with major contracting firms in Egypt, KSA or GCC.
• Strong knowledge of local authority requirements and international codes.
• Proven ability to lead design coordination and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

If you're passionate about design excellence and want to shape the future of landmark construction projects, we want to hear from you.

Job Description: FM Design Review Specialist (MEP)

Company:
MEEM Facility Management

Location:
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Please send your CVs to -

Overview:
This specialist role serves as the critical bridge between innovative design concepts and practical operational reality. Based at a Riyadh giga-project site, you will be a seasoned professional responsible for ensuring optimal lifecycle performance and maintainability standards for complex MEP systems. You will work directly with international design consultants and contractor teams to influence design decisions that impact long-term operational efficiency and directly contribute to the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia's transformation agenda.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design Review Excellence:
  Conduct detailed FM-focused reviews of MEP design packages across all phases (concept, schematic, and detailed design).
• Ensure compliance with international standards (ASHRAE, NFPA, BS/EN, CIBSE) and local KSA regulations.

• Verify operational efficiency requirements, validate energy performance criteria, and confirm maintainability standards.

• Operability Assurance:
  Assess system layouts, plant room configurations, and access strategies to guarantee safe and efficient operations throughout the facility lifecycle.

• Validate O&M access provisions and review maintenance clearances.

• Optimize replacement strategies for equipment.

• Strategic Coordination:
  Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including design consultants, contractors, and client FM teams, to ensure operational objectives are aligned.

• Lead design workshops and reviews.
• Coordinate BIM data for FM handover and support digital twin integration.

Requirements:

• Experience:
  10+ years of professional experience in FM, building services design, or commissioning.

• Education:
  Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Services Engineering (BEng/BSc minimum).

• Qualifications:
  Professional accreditation is preferred (CIBSE, IFMA, BIFM/IWFM, ASHRAE).

• Technical Expertise:

• Comprehensive knowledge of MEP systems.
• Familiarity with CAFM/EAM systems, BIM for FM, and digital twin integration.

• Ability to interpret complex technical drawings.

• Skills & Competencies:

• Deep understanding of international standards compliance and local KSA regulatory requirements.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinking to balance capital expenditure against long-term operational efficiency.
• Strong documentation and report-writing skills for executive-level stakeholders.

Please send your CVs to -