Design Manager (Master planning)

AECOM; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is seeking an innovative and detail-oriented Design Manager to lead our design function and drive creative excellence in alignment with organizational goals. You will oversee design operations, mentor a team of designers, and collaborate with product, marketing and engineering to deliver design solutions that elevate our brand in the market.

This role shapes design vision and ensures best practices across initiatives.

Qualifications

• 15 years of professional design experience with at least 8 years in leadership.
• Proven design management, team leadership, and project oversight.
• Advanced proficiency in design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder communication skills.
• Experience developing design strategies and establishing standards.
• Project management and budgeting capabilities.
• Collaborative cross-departmental partnering.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and implement design strategies for various projects.
• Lead and mentor designers, fostering collaboration and creativity.
• Oversee brand development, design systems, and large-scale design initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with design standards, quality benchmarks, and regulations.
• Provide design guidance to stakeholders and leadership.
• Prepare reports on design initiatives and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with product, marketing, and engineering to align design with business goals.
• Advise leadership on emerging design trends and strategic direction.

Skills

Design leadership

Team management

Design strategy

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Design

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Figma

Sketch

Job description

• Primary Location: KSA - Riyadh, SA - The Business Gate

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We are seeking an innovative and detail-oriented Design Manager to join our dynamic team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this pivotal role, you will lead our design function, driving creative excellence while ensuring strategic alignment with organizational goals. As Design Manager, you will oversee design operations, mentor talented team members, and collaborate across departments to deliver exceptional design solutions that exceed customer expectations. This is an exciting opportunity to shape our design vision and establish best practices that elevate our brand presence in the market.

• Develop, evaluate, and implement comprehensive design strategies, plans, and criteria for a variety of projects and initiatives
• Assess the feasibility, soundness, and innovation potential of proposed design concepts and solutions
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages creative thinking
• Oversee specialized design functions, including large-scale design projects, brand development, and design system implementations
• Monitor and ensure compliance with design standards, quality benchmarks, and relevant regulations
• Serve as a technical advisor and consultant on design-related matters, providing expert guidance to stakeholders and leadership
• Evaluate design operations, activities, and team performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and optimization
• Prepare detailed reports on design initiatives, project outcomes, and operational metrics, with actionable recommendations for enhancement
• Manage design budgets and resources efficiently while maintaining the highest quality standards
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product, marketing, and engineering to align design solutions with business objectives
• Advise leadership and various stakeholders on design-related strategic matters and emerging industry trends
• Customize design approaches to meet diverse customer needs while maintaining brand consistency and organizational vision

Qualifications

**Required Skills & Experience:**

• 15 years of professional design experience, with at least 8 years in a leadership or management capacity
• Proven expertise in design management, team leadership, and project oversight
• Advanced proficiency in design software and tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch, or equivalent)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess design feasibility and impact
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated experience in developing design strategies and establishing design standards
• Project management capabilities with experience managing multiple concurrent initiatives
• Proficiency in budget management and resource allocation
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments
• Experience in stakeholder management and advising senior leadership

**Preferred Qualifications:**

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or related field
• Experience with design thinking methodologies and user-centered design principles
• Knowledge of design compliance, accessibility standards, and quality assurance processes
• Experience working in a fast-paced, innovative organizational environment
• Familiarity with design tools and platforms relevant to digital and print media
• Experience mentoring and developing junior designers
• Understanding of market trends and competitive design landscape analysis
• Visionary mindset with the ability to inspire and motivate teams toward excellence
• Detail-oriented approach combined with strategic thinking capabilities
• Resilient and decisive decision-making skills under pressure
• Organized and efficient work style with strong time management abilities
• Empathetic and supportive leadership approach that values team input and diversity
• Transparent communication style with commitment to inclusive collaboration
• Flexible and adaptable approach to evolving project requirements and organizational needs
• Goal-oriented focus on delivering measurable results and continuous improvement

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options,well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water,, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.