Design Director

WSP in the Middle East; Makkah Al Mukarramah, Jeddah; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design consultancy is seeking a highly experienced Design Director to lead a landmark project in Makkah. This role requires over 20 years of experience in architecture and urban design, strong leadership, and coordination skills across multidisciplinary teams. The successful candidate will oversee complex designs, ensuring integration of various infrastructures and maintaining regulatory compliance. This position offers an opportunity to significantly impact urban development in the region.

Benefits

Collaborative work environment

Global reach of projects

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of experience in architecture or urban design.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale masterplanned projects.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the design strategy and execution for the project.
• Manage coordination between local and international teams.
• Ensure design integration across various disciplines.

Skills

Leadership

Design strategy execution

Stakeholder management

Innovation in design

Education

Degree in Architecture, Urban Design, or related discipline

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Design Director with over 20 years of industry expertise to lead the design delivery of a landmark masterplanned project in Jeddah. The scope includes a 10km canal and a series of vertical assets, requiring coordination across multiple disciplines and stakeholders.

This is a challenging and high-impact role suited for a visionary leader with a proven track record in delivering complex, large-scale urban developments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the design strategy and execution for the entire project lifecycle.
• Manage and coordinate multiple workstreams, including Local Design Consultants (LDCs), international partners, and internal teams.
• Ensure design integration across infrastructure, landscape, architecture, and vertical assets.
• Maintain alignment with project vision, client expectations, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive innovation and design excellence while balancing functionality, sustainability, and cost.
• Review and approve design deliverables at all stages.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement, including government entities, developers, and consultants.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies throughout the design process.

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of experience in architecture, urban design, or related fields.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale masterplanned projects, including vertical assets.
• Strong leadership and coordination skills across multidisciplinary teams.
• Deep understanding of design processes, project phasing, and construction interface.
• Experience working in the Middle East is preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree in Architecture, Urban Design, or related discipline; advanced qualifications are a plus.

Benefits / Additional Information

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.