Design Manager – Fit-Out Contractor

Ignite Search and Selection; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

The role requires 8–10 years in interior fit-out, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of joinery, finishes and construction methodologies. You will work on commercial, residential and F&B projects within a fast-paced delivery environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Interior Design.
• 8–10 years' experience in interior fit-out or construction.
• Experience with fit-out contractors is essential.
• Proven ability to lead design teams on commercial and/or residential projects.
• Strong knowledge of joinery, finishes, materials and construction methods.
• Experience coordinating with external consultants.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with demanding deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design team across multiple fit-out projects.
• Oversee the design process from concept through to construction.
• Coordinate with architects, interior designers, consultants, subcontractors and project teams.
• Review and approve design drawings, technical submissions, material specifications and shop drawings.
• Ensure designs are practical, commercially viable and aligned with budgets and programme requirements.
• Manage design development and ensure timely delivery of all design information.
• Liaise with clients and stakeholders to translate requirements into design solutions.
• Identify and resolve design-related issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with Saudi building regulations, codes and industry standards.
• Manage design changes and communicate variations to the teams.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to the wider design department.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Team coordination

Design oversight

Education

Architecture/Interior Design degree

Job description

Sector: Commercial & Residential Fit-Out

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join a well-established fit-out contractor based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The company specialises in delivering high-quality commercial, residential and F&B interior fit-out projects and is looking for a capable individual to lead and oversee its design function.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the design process from concept development through to detailed design, construction and project delivery, ensuring that all designs meet client expectations, project specifications, budgets and programme requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design team across multiple commercial and residential fit-out projects.
• Oversee the design process from concept and schematic design through to detailed design and construction.
• Coordinate with architects, interior designers, consultants, subcontractors and project teams.
• Review and approve design drawings, technical submissions, material specifications and shop drawings.
• Ensure designs are practical, commercially viable and aligned with project budgets and construction programmes.
• Manage design development and ensure timely delivery of all design information.
• Liaise directly with clients and stakeholders to understand project requirements and translate these into effective design solutions.
• Identify and resolve design-related issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Saudi building regulations, codes and industry standards.
• Manage design changes and ensure any variations are communicated effectively to the commercial and project teams.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to the wider design department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8–10 years' experience within the interior fit-out or construction industry.
• Previous experience working for a fit-out contractor is essential.
• Demonstrable experience managing the design function on commercial and/or residential fit-out projects.
• Strong understanding of interior design, technical drawings, joinery, finishes, materials and construction methodologies.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and coordinating with external consultants.
• Strong knowledge of design development, technical submissions and shop drawing processes.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet demanding deadlines.
• Previous experience working in Saudi Arabia or the wider GCC would be advantageous.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Design Manager to join a growing fit-out contractor in Riyadh, taking responsibility for the design function and playing a key role in the successful delivery of a diverse portfolio of commercial and residential projects.