Design Experienced Project Manager – Terminals & Support Facilities
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
The vision for the King Salman International Airport (KSIA) in Riyadh is a first-of-a-kind sustainable airport and airport city development. The expansion anticipates accommodating up to 120 million passengers annually through 2030, quadrupling the current capacity of 30 million. The airport is expected to become one of the world’s busiest international hubs, accommodating 185 million passengers and up to 3.5 million tons of cargo annually by 2050. The airport and airport city development aim to set a global benchmark for aviation experience.
With sustainability at its core, the new airport will achieve LEED Platinum certification by incorporating cutting-edge green initiatives into its design and will be powered by renewable energy.
We are seeking an experienced Design Coordination/Client Liaison PM for Terminals & Support Facilities specializing in airport projects. The role involves being a critical part of a site-based team led by the Engineering/Design Director, ensuring coordination, analysis, and construction oversight while serving as a key liaison with clients and stakeholders.
This role is based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) and will require attendance at the design offices during the working week.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- The candidate should have a strong technical/management background, with proven experience in airport infrastructure projects, and excellent client management skills. This position requires collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality, innovative, and compliant solutions in a fast-paced, aviation-focused environment.
- Act as the primary contact for clients, addressing inquiries, concerns, and feedback related to designs and construction.
- Coordinate and facilitate design processes to address questions during the design period stages.
- Organize and participate in regular meetings with stakeholders to discuss project progress, challenges, and potential solutions, adding value to our services.
- Translate technical details into clear and concise information for non-technical stakeholders.
- Facilitate data collection and interfaces with airport and other designers.
What you’ll need
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, MEP, SAS Engineer, Civil Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), APM (Association for Project Management), or equivalent is highly desirable.
Work Experience:
- Minimum 10 years of experience in design coordination and client liaison for airport terminal and support facility projects.
- Proven experience working on large-scale, complex airport infrastructure projects, including terminals, baggage handling areas, and other passenger service facilities.
- Strong background in coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and liaising with key stakeholders, contractors, and clients.
Technical Expertise:
- Extensive knowledge of airport terminal design and support facilities, including:
- Passenger terminals: Check-in areas, lounges, security, and baggage handling, etc.
- Support facilities: Staff areas, cargo terminals, maintenance, and other airport service structures.
- Building systems integration: HVAC, lighting, fire safety, plumbing, and electrical systems, etc.
- Sustainability principles: LEED or BREEAM certifications, energy efficiency, and green building practices.
- Technology integration: ICT systems, signage, and wayfinding systems within terminals.
- Proficiency in design coordination tools and software such as Revit, AutoCAD, BIM platforms, and project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project).
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to manage relationships with airport authorities, contractors, and other stakeholders.
- Experience serving as the primary point of contact between the client and design teams, ensuring clear communication and expectations management.
- Ability to clearly present design concepts, progress updates, and technical details to non-technical stakeholders.
Regulatory and Industry Standards:
- Comprehensive understanding of international and local aviation standards (ICAO, IATA) as they relate to terminal and support facility design.
- Familiarity with national building codes, fire safety regulations, and other applicable standards for airport infrastructure.
- Knowledge of sustainability frameworks (e.g., LEED, BREEAM) and integration of these practices into terminal design.
Project Management Skills:
- Strong experience coordinating design phases for airport terminals and support facilities, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
- Ability to develop and manage project schedules, coordinate design reviews, and track progress to ensure the timely completion of milestones.
- Experience managing risk and resolving design-related conflicts between stakeholders and disciplines.
Design Coordination & Integration:
- Expertise in coordinating with the client across various design disciplines (architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, etc.) and ensuring seamless coordination of design.
- Ability to manage changes in design scope and requirements, ensuring all parties are aligned on project goals and adjustments.
- Ensuring that the design complies with operational requirements, client specifications, and regulatory standards.
- Comply with client procedures, standards, deliverables and schedule.
Safety and Quality Assurance:
- Strong focus on safety protocols, risk management, and adherence to quality assurance processes throughout the design and implementation phases.
- Experience in quality control measures for design outputs and working closely with the client to ensure compliance with their quality expectations.
Problem-Solving and Innovation:
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues that may arise during the coordination of terminal and support facility projects.
- Familiarity with innovative solutions and technologies that can improve the passenger experience or optimize airport operations.
- Proficiency in suggesting creative design solutions while ensuring compliance with budget, functionality, and safety standards.
Leadership and Team Collaboration:
- Strong leadership skills to guide and motivate the design team, fostering a collaborative working environment.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and promoting efficient coordination between team members to achieve project objectives.
- Ability to mentor junior engineers and designers, sharing knowledge and ensuring continuous improvement in project execution.
Language and Cultural Adaptability:
- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic is a plus.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse, international teams and clients, adapting communication styles and methods as necessary.
Availability and Flexibility:
- Willingness to be based on-site in Riyadh and travel as required by the project needs.
- Flexibility to work in dynamic environments, adapting to changes in client requirements, project timelines, and design iterations.
- Experience with airport terminal and ancillary/support buildings and airport systems.
- Familiarity with terminal design codes, regulations and standards.
- Certification in project management and knowledge of BIM and digital design tools.
Note: The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by persons assigned to this job. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
Jacobs. A world where you can. From our inclusive employee networks to our positive mental health champions - we are 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 have gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You will 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 will discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals - all at a single global company.
We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
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.