Design Project Manager - KSA

Arena Europe, Middle East & Asia; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Job summary

Arena Europe, Middle East & Asia seeks an experienced Project Design Manager to lead the complete design process for modular construction projects in Riyadh, coordinating Architecture, Interior Design, MEP, Structural, and Fire & Life Safety packages. You will manage multidisciplinary design teams, ensure design quality and compliance with KSA authorities, and support tendering and cost-control efforts.

A minimum 10 years in Design Management is required, with proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or related design discipline.
• 10-15 years of experience in Architecture, Design & Build, Construction, Modular Construction, Hospitality, or Commercial projects.
• Minimum 10 years of Design Management or Lead Design experience.
• Strong experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and complex project stakeholders.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, and other relevant design software.
• Strong knowledge of KSA authority approval processes, building codes, and construction practices.
• Experience in Design & Build project environments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance design excellence and project budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process from concept through to technical design, IFC documentation, authority approvals, and site execution.
• Act as the primary design point of contact for clients, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring seamless collaboration between Architecture, Structure, MEP, Interior Design, and Technical teams.
• Oversee project design programmes, deliverables, submissions, and design quality standards.
• Lead design workshops, coordination meetings, and stakeholder reviews.
• Review design packages, technical submissions, material specifications, and contractor documentation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant authority requirements, codes, regulations, and project standards.
• Support tendering, estimating, value engineering, and cost-control initiatives.
• Resolve design clashes and technical challenges throughout project development and delivery.
• Conduct site visits to support project teams and ensure design intent is maintained during construction.
• Manage and mentor Project Architects, BIM/CAD Technicians, Visualisers, and other design resources.
• Maintain project documentation, design trackers, and adherence to company design procedures.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Adobe Suite

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Project Design Manager to join our Modular Team in Riyadh. In this role, you will be responsible for leading and managing the complete design process for modular construction projects, from client briefing and concept development through technical design, authority approvals, and project delivery. You will oversee multidisciplinary design teams and ensure the successful coordination of Architecture, Interior Design, FF&E, MEP, Structural, and Fire & Life Safety packages, while maintaining design quality, creativity, and commercial objectives.

What you'll do

• Lead and manage the design process from concept through to technical design, IFC documentation, authority approvals, and site execution.
• Act as the primary design point of contact for clients, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring seamless collaboration between Architecture, Structure, MEP, Interior Design, and Technical teams.
• Oversee project design programmes, deliverables, submissions, and design quality standards.
• Lead design workshops, coordination meetings, and stakeholder reviews.
• Review design packages, technical submissions, material specifications, and contractor documentation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant authority requirements, codes, regulations, and project standards.
• Support tendering, estimating, value engineering, and cost-control initiatives.
• Resolve design clashes and technical challenges throughout project development and delivery.
• Conduct site visits to support project teams and ensure design intent is maintained during construction.
• Manage and mentor Project Architects, BIM/CAD Technicians, Visualisers, and other design resources.
• Maintain project documentation, design trackers, and adherence to company design procedures.

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or a related design discipline.
• 10-15 years of experience within Architecture, Design & Build, Construction, Modular Construction, Hospitality, or Commercial projects.
• Minimum 10 years of Design Management or Lead Design experience.
• Strong experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and complex project stakeholders.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, and other relevant design software.
• Strong knowledge of KSA authority approval processes, building codes, and construction practices.
• Experience in Design & Build project environments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance design excellence and project budgets.

We'd love to hear from you if... You are a design-led professional who thrives in fast-paced project environments, has a strong background in architectural design management, and can successfully lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative modular projects across Saudi Arabia.

Only candidates currently residing in KSA with prior KSA experience will be considered.