Head of Department Architecture

Dar Al Riyadh Group; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Dar Al Riyadh Group is seeking a highly experienced Head of Department in Architecture to lead and enhance our design function. The ideal candidate will oversee large-scale projects, manage multidisciplinary teams, and ensure compliance with international standards while cultivating client relationships.

The position requires 18–25+ years of relevant experience, a track record in global design offices, and strong leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 18–25+ years of experience in engineering consultancy or design firms.
• Experience managing multinational or global design offices.
• Experience working with international clients across various regions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and expand the Architecture department.
• Ensure compliance with design standards and operational frameworks.
• Oversee multiple large-scale projects for timely delivery.

Skills

Strong leadership

Client management

Project delivery

BIM workflows

Education

Professional certifications (PMP, RIBA)

Tools

Autodesk Revit

Navisworks

Job description

The Head of Department (HOD) – Architecture is responsible for leading and scaling a high‑performing design function delivering complex, large‑scale projects. The role combines technical excellence, commercial awareness, and leadership capability to manage multidisciplinary teams, client expectations, and fast‑paced project environments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Department Management

• Lead and expand the Architect department aligned with business growth strategy.
• Establish operational frameworks, design standards, and best practices across projects.
• Build a high‑performance culture focused on accountability, delivery, and innovation.
• Manage resource planning, utilization, and hiring strategies across global offices.
• Lead concept to detailed design delivery for large mixed‑use, residential, commercial, and giga projects
• Establish architectural design standards, governance frameworks, and review protocols
• Manage client engagement at senior level, including presentations and design approvals
• Coordinate with MEP, Infrastructure, and Masterplanning teams for integrated design delivery
• Oversee design quality, authority approvals, and compliance with international standards
• Drive BIM‑led design using Autodesk Revit and coordination tools
• Build and lead a multicultural architectural team across multiple locations

2. Technical Excellence & Design Oversight

• Provide technical leadership across all stages of design (concept to IFC).
• Ensure compliance with international standards.
• Review and approve complex design solutions ensuring quality, efficiency, and innovation.
• Drive adoption of digital tools such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and advanced BIM workflows.

3. Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as primary technical point of contact for key clients and stakeholders.
• Lead high‑level meetings, presentations, and design reviews.
• Build long‑term relationships with international clients and partners.
• Manage client expectations, variations, and conflict resolution under pressure.

4. Project Delivery & Commercial Management

• Oversee multiple large‑scale projects ensuring delivery within time, cost, and quality targets.
• Monitor project KPIs, risks, and performance metrics.
• Support commercial teams in proposals, bid strategies, and technical submissions.
• Ensure profitability and efficient resource allocation.

5. Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team across regions.
• Drive performance management, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Foster collaboration across Architecture, MEP, and Infrastructure teams.
• Champion BIM, digital engineering, and automation strategies.
• Introduce global best practices and innovative design solutions.
• Support sustainability and ESG initiatives across projects.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 18–25+ years of experience in engineering consultancy/design firms.
• Proven experience managing multinational or global design offices.
• Experience working with international clients (Middle East, Europe, Asia).
• Professional certifications (preferred):
  • Project Management Institute (PMP)
  • Royal Institute of British Architects (for Architecture)
  • Institution of Mechanical Engineers / Institution of Engineering and Technology

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and decision‑making under pressure.
• Client‑facing and stakeholder management excellence.