Design Manager - Urban Development

WSP Global Inc.; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 380,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a highly skilled Design Manager in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This role demands over 15 years of experience in design management, civil engineering, or urban development to oversee the design process for a significant project. Responsibilities include managing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring deliverables meet quality and schedule standards. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and strong communication skills. Join a dynamic team that makes meaningful contributions worldwide.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in design management, civil engineering, or urban development.
• Proven track record in delivering large-scale master plans and infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of design workflows from concept to IFC stage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process for master planning and infrastructure.
• Oversee multiple Local Design Consultants to align on project vision.
• Review and approve design deliverables at key project milestones.
• Ensure design integration across infrastructure, public realm, and land use.
• Review and approve design deliverables at milestones (concept to IFC).
• Collaborate with internal teams, consultants, and stakeholders for cohesive outcomes.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Provide technical leadership and design governance throughout the lifecycle.

Skills

Design management

Civil engineering

Urban development

Strong communication

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Urban Planning

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

We are seeking a highly skilled Design Manager with over 15 years of experience to support the delivery of a high-profile development project currently in its pre-concept master plan competition phase. The role involves managing the design process across master planning, infrastructure, and public realm workstreams, with oversight of Local Design Consultants (LDCs) through to Issued for Construction (IFC) stage. This is a strategic and hands-on role requiring deep technical expertise, strong coordination capabilities, and the ability to guide multidisciplinary teams through complex design phases.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process across master planning, infrastructure, and public realm scopes.
• Oversee and coordinate multiple LDCs, ensuring alignment with project vision, competition requirements, and delivery timelines.
• Support the development and evaluation of master plan competition submissions.
• Ensure design integration across infrastructure systems, public realm elements, and land use strategies.
• Review and approve design deliverables at key milestones, including concept, schematic, detailed design, and IFC.
• Collaborate with internal teams, consultants, and stakeholders to ensure cohesive design outcomes.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to maintain quality and schedule.
• Provide technical leadership and design governance throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in design management, civil engineering, or urban development.
• Proven track record in delivering large-scale master plans, infrastructure, and public realm projects.
• Strong understanding of design workflows from concept to IFC stage.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Familiarity with regional planning regulations and design standards in Saudi Arabia or the GCC.

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.