General Manager, Design Assurance & Interface

MindMerge Consulting; Penang; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation group in Malaysia is seeking a General Manager of Design Assurance & Interface. This role involves planning and implementing design strategies, ensuring compliance with project standards. The ideal candidate will have over 18 years of experience in major infrastructure design, particularly within rail and metro projects. Responsibilities include leading design teams, engaging stakeholders, and maintaining governance compliance. The organization offers an opportunity to influence large-scale projects, supporting integrity and accountability.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of experience in major infrastructure design.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary design teams.
• Strong knowledge of design processes and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the multidisciplinary design development process.
• Manage stakeholder meetings with government agencies and consultants.
• Ensure compliance with governance frameworks and ISO standards.

Skills

Leadership in design development

Stakeholder engagement

Technical expertise in design processes

Compliance with statutory requirements

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering

Job description

General Manager, Design Assurance & Interface

Pulau Pinang, Malaysia | Posted on 09/09/2025

Our client is a large transportation group in Malaysia and they are looking for a General Manager of Design Assurance & Interface.

He/She will be responsible for planning, establishing design criteria, and ensuring the effective implementation of Civil Planning & Design strategies across multidisciplinary scopes.

This role covers architectural, civil, and structural design development, requiring close collaboration with consultants, contractors, government authorities, and internal stakeholders. The incumbent ensures compliance with statutory requirements, international standards, and the organisation's project objectives while supporting seamless integration of design and construction phases.

Principal Accountabilities

Design Management & Technical Leadership

• Lead and direct the multidisciplinary design development process, including architecture, civil, and structural packages.
• Oversee technical reviews and approvals of design submissions throughout all stages (feasibility study, railway scheme, reference design, tender preparation, detailed design, and construction).
• Ensure design outputs comply with statutory requirements, authorities’ approvals, project objectives, and best industry practices.
• Support the preparation, drafting, and review of Design Criteria together with the Civil team.
• Collaborate with other departments to develop Project Specifications (Employer’s Requirements, General Specification, Particular Specification, and M&E/Works Specification).
• Provide technical expertise and resolve design‑related issues during construction, ensuring smooth delivery and integration.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Manage resources and provide technical support for meetings with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, consultants, and contractors.

Manpower Planning & Development

• Assist the Project Director in monitoring and reviewing manpower planning, addressing resource gaps to ensure timely and efficient delivery.
• Supervise, guide, and mentor team members to achieve KPIs and organisational goals.
• Lead training and development initiatives to strengthen technical and managerial capabilities of the design team.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure internal processes comply with the company’s governance frameworks, including ISO standards and the Anti‑Bribery Management System.
• Refrain from engaging in any corrupt practices and champion a culture of integrity and accountability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or equivalent with minimum CGPA 3.00.
• Minimum 18 years of experience in major infrastructure design and project delivery, preferably rail/metro projects.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary design teams and completing at least one full cycle of a large metro project (covering both design and construction stages).
• Strong knowledge of design processes from preliminary to as‑built stages, with ability to identify and mitigate key design and construction risks.
• Several years of experience in complex metro environments, including underground and elevated stations, depots, and urban infrastructure, highly preferred.