Design Manager (Civils/Infra)

WSP USA; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 299,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design and consultancy firm in the Riyadh Region seeks a Design Manager to oversee civil infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate must have over 15 years of experience in managing large-scale projects and deep knowledge of local design standards. Responsibilities include leading design teams, reviewing outputs, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This role demands excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills, along with proficiency in civil design software.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in civil infrastructure design and management.
• Proven track record managing large-scale infrastructure projects in the GCC.
• Strong knowledge of local design standards and regulations in KSA.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the civil infrastructure design team.
• Coordinate with project management, clients, and consultants.
• Review and approve design documents for compliance.

Skills

Civil infrastructure design

Project management

Stakeholder management

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Civil 3D

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Job description

The Design Manager will lead the design team, coordinate with multiple disciplines, and oversee the delivery of high-quality civil infrastructure design outputs. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in managing complex land development projects, with deep knowledge of civil infrastructure design standards and Saudi regulations.

The project involves comprehensive land development with focus on civil infrastructure works including roads, stormwater drainage, utilities, and associated site development works. WSP’s role is to provide project management and design oversight during the pre-construction phase, ensuring the design meets client requirements, quality standards, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the PMS scope in relation to the civil infrastructure design team, ensuring timely delivery of design packages
• Undertake Civils and Infra design management oversight and review throughout the Program design Phases on behalf of client.
• Monitor 3rd party consultant/s Civils and Infra design designs outputs to meet the design intent, program design objectives and key deliverables.
• Reviewing key Civils and Infra design outputs & submissions in line with the Program requirements, Agreed targets and Statutory Legal approvals and permits
• Lead reports on the progress of the Civils and Infra design Phases and advising on corrective actions required to support the Program delivery.
• Review & provide relevant feedback on Public Realm Strategy, Approach and Plans informing hierarchy, character and interconnectivity and Civils and Infra service.
• Review & provide relevant feedback on the Civils and Infra provisions provided by the Lead Developer & associated entities required to service the Program.
• Review & provide feedback on municipality and community Civils and Infra facilities.
• Value Engineering (VE) and evaluation with respect to design criteria and life cycle costings.
• Oversee all design activities including roads, drainage, utilities, earthworks, and other site development elements.
• Coordinate with WSP project management, client representatives, and external consultants to ensure alignment of design with project objectives.
• Review and approve design drawings, specifications, and technical reports for compliance with local standards and best practices.
• Manage design risks and resolve technical challenges proactively.
• Ensure integration and coordination across multiple design disciplines.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and design staff within the team.
• Participate in client meetings, workshops, and presentations to communicate design progress and solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in civil infrastructure design and management, preferably in land development projects.
• Proven track record managing large-scale infrastructure projects in the GCC, preferably Saudi Arabia.
• Strong knowledge of local design standards, regulations, and approval processes in KSA.
• Proficiency in civil design software (Civil 3D, AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent).
• Excellent project management and leadership skills.
• Strong communication, coordination, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience in pre-construction and design review phases is mandatory.