Director - Design Governance (CDU4) - 20004812

Qiddiya Investment Company; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment firm in KSA is seeking a Director of Design Governance to implement and maintain design frameworks ensuring compliance and quality across all projects. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree, 18+ years of experience in project governance, and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset. Fluency in English is required, Arabic is a plus. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead teams in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of KSA regulatory environment and relevant codes.
• Fluency in English, Arabic proficiency is an advantage.
• Professional registration with a recognized authority.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to ensure adherence to design governance processes.
• Develop processes for monitoring projects’ adherence.
• Conduct quality control reviews and coordinate feedback.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Time-management skills

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master’s degree in architecture or related design field

Professional certifications

Tools

MS Office Suite

Advanced Excel

Job description

Overview

The Director – Design Governance is a senior member of the Design Excellence (DEx) department within CDU, responsible for implementing and maintaining design governance frameworks that ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across all Qiddiya (QIC) projects. The role requires an international professional with comprehensive design expertise across a broad range of building typologies and urban design.

Responsibilities

• Lead an agile, high‑powered team and provide input to and communicate with the Development and Projects teams, corporate functions, partners, and stakeholders to achieve excellence in design and Qiddiya corporate objectives.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and counterparts in various Business Units to monitor and ensure adherence to established governance processes.
• Drive continuous improvement of the Department and design practices in partnership with the DEx Senior Management Team.
• Develop and implement Qiddiya‑wide processes for reviewing and monitoring projects’ adherence to Board‑approved CGIs and imagery, including concept and interior designs.
• Champion the creation and ongoing maintenance of a centralized repository of dated Board‑approved CGIs for compliance tracking.
• Proactively participate in weekly departmental senior management meetings, ensuring relevant agenda items are implemented and resourced with subject‑matter expertise.
• Facilitate collaboration with design, project management, and other governance teams to embed design standards and resolve compliance issues.
• Supervise preparation and approval of reports on compliance status, design governance audit findings, and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Establish and manage workflows for design governance procedures.
• Coordinate with DEx teams across business units to identify discrepancies and enforce corrective actions.
• Provide input to development and implementation of corporate programmes, continuous improvement, and lessons learned.
• Conduct quality control reviews and coordinate feedback to ensure alignment with all activities.
• Mentor and guide team members in project coordination, document preparation, and analytical tasks to foster a culture of growth.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in architecture, interior design, urban design, project management, or a related design field, supported by relevant working experience.
• Professional certifications pertinent to the discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of the KSA regulatory environment, relevant governing agencies, and codes applicable to various design typologies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, time‑management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in the MS Office suite with advanced Excel skills.
• Fluent in English; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.
• Accomplished leadership and technical experience.
• Proactive, self‑driven, and solution‑oriented mindset.
• Experience cultivating a culture of empowerment where knowledge and learning are shared.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead in complex, matrixed organizations.
• Comfortable working under pressure and managing multiple deadlines.
• Professional registration with an internationally recognised professional body or authority relevant to the discipline.

Experience

• 18+ years of relevant experience in project coordination and governance, preferably within large‑scale projects and/or multidisciplinary environments.
• Experience in the Middle East is essential.
• Previous background working on the client side within the real‑estate sector is a distinct advantage.