Senior Director - Project Design - SDU - 20012794 - HS8

Qiddiya | القدية; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive compensation and benefits package

Job summary

A major investment firm in Saudi Arabia seeks a Senior Director - Project Director Design to oversee the design aspects of large-scale projects. This leader will establish design and consultancy frameworks for project delivery, ensuring compliance with budgets, safety standards, and corporate policies. The ideal candidate has 20-25 years of experience, strong procurement governance knowledge, and leadership skills in the KSA market. The position comes with a comprehensive benefits package and requires exceptional communication and problem-solving abilities.

Qualifications

• 20-25 years' experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in establishing procurement frameworks and policies.
• Strong understanding of multiple delivery models.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for large-scale projects.
• Establish governance and operational model for the program lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with all policies and quality standards.

Skills

Significant experience (5+ years) in KSA within large‑scale developments or giga‑projects

Thorough knowledge of procurement governance, strategic sourcing, and supply chain management principles

Proven leadership in providing central functional procurement services

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong stakeholder management skills

Strong problem‑solving and risk management capability

Excellent time management and ability to operate effectively under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture or engineering

Master's Degree in related fields

Job description

Qiddiya Investment Company is seeking a highly experienced Senior Director - Project Director Design to lead the design aspects of our Strategic Development Unit (SDU). This pivotal role requires a visionary leader who can oversee and manage the design process for large-scale projects, ensuring their successful delivery while maintaining alignment with Qiddiya's overall strategic objectives and brand vision.

The Senior Director provides leadership in establishing and maintaining design and consultancy management framework, governance and operating model for QDC HQ team. Ensures the design processes are developed and rolled out to all Business units / sectors, supports delivery in BUs when required. Provides leadership for assigned HQ special projects accountable for meeting quality, time, budget and HSSE requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish/update design and project management framework for all delivery methods (including Self-Delivery, Delivery partner, CM, traditional etc.)
• Develop / update policies, processes, procedures, manuals and templates for design and consultancy (including PMC) for all projects and delivery methods
• Define governance process including detailed RACI matrix for all projects for Stages
• Support / coordinate with HQ Operations Director and Project Director (Delivery) in establishing governance and operational model for the complete program lifecycle
• Develop Design Strategy requirements and template to be applied for all projects and delivery methods
• Coordinate Technical / Peer review design management process and requirements with the Technical Director
• Develop/Update Health Safety Security and Environmental management requirements for the design phase including Design HSSE Reviews, co-ordinate with HSE and Security Managers
• Develop/Update Sustainability management requirements for the design phase. co-ordinate with Sustainability Managers
• Support MMC Director in establishing and overall MMC strategy and design integration process for all delivery models
• Support Procurement Director in establishing design and consultancy requirements and standards for prequalification and RFP processes. Participate when required in consultant selection process
• Support HQ Executive director in presentations and submittal for business line, project and budget approvals
• Accountable for delivery of special/assigned HQ projects including all approvals, reporting, management of internal and external stakeholders, financial closure and handover
• Accountable for compliance of special/assigned HQ projects with all QDC policies, processes, procedures and requirements, ensuring that the project meets HSE, budget, schedule and quality standards and requirements
• Support Business units in project delivery with peer reviews, consultant selection and management (when required), project audits to ensure compliance with established processes, procedures and standards for design and consultancy (including PMC)
• Coordinates input from Business units on the HQ management and governance framework processes and standards, updates documentation as part of the continuous improvement cycle
• Leads/support preparation of training materials required for the implementation of policies, processes and procedures, participates in training or presentations when required
• Participates in QDC Mentoring and Capability Building programs

Applications closing on 22nd April 2026.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in architecture or engineering as minimum
• Master's Degree in related fields is preferred

Specific Skills Required

• Significant experience (5+ years) in KSA within large‑scale developments or giga‑projects
• Thorough knowledge of procurement governance, strategic sourcing, and supply chain management principles
• Proven experience establishing procurement frameworks, policies, and assurance models for complex, multi‑project programs
• Strong understanding of multiple delivery models, including Self‑Delivery, Construction Management, Delivery Partner, and Traditional contracting
• Demonstrated experience in strategic and long‑lead procurement, market engagement, and supplier capacity management
• Proven leadership in providing central functional procurement services to internal Business Units and senior stakeholders
• Strong stakeholder management skills across executive leadership, project teams, CPU, consultants, contractors, and suppliers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High level of professionalism, judgment, and commercial acumen
• Strong problem‑solving and risk management capability
• Excellent time management and ability to operate effectively under pressure

Experience

• 20-25 years' experience, of which at least 5 years have been in a senior leadership role within procurement, commercial, or supply chain functions on major programs or large‑scale developments

Benefits

• Offering a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.