Sr. Delivery Design Director

Retal Urban Development Company; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Retal Urban Development Company in Saudi Arabia seeks a Senior Design Delivery Director to lead end-to-end design across residential, mixed-use, hospitality, and master-planned developments, ensuring timely, cost-efficient delivery. You will establish design governance, manage external consultants, align design with business goals, and oversee budgets, risk, and regulatory compliance.

This executive role interfaces with executives, developers, authorities, and partners to deliver high-quality,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred in Architecture/Urban Design/PM/Business.
• 15+ years in architectural design and project delivery with leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the design delivery function across multiple large developments.
• Establish design governance frameworks and best practices.
• Direct design execution to align with schedules and business goals.
• Monitor portfolio performance, resources, and risks across projects.
• Chair design reviews and ensure quality, sustainability, and constructability.
• Guide teams through concept to construction phases and manage consultants.

Skills

Leadership

Strategy

Portfolio management

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Design governance

Risk management

Consultant management

Budget control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field

Master's degree in Architecture/Urban Design/PM/Business

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

BIM platforms

SketchUp

Navisworks

Microsoft Project

Primavera P6

Power BI

Job description

Job Purpose

The Senior Design Delivery Director is an executive leadership role responsible for directing and governing the end-to-end design delivery function across Retal Urban Development Company s portfolio of residential mixed-use hospitality commercial and master-planned development projects The role ensures the successful planning coordination management and delivery of all design activities from project inception through construction completion The Senior Design Delivery Director leads multidisciplinary design teams manages external consultants establishes design governance frameworks drives value optimization ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and aligns design outcomes with Retal s strategic financial operational and market objectives The position serves as the key interface between executive management development project delivery consultants and key stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered efficiently cost-effectively and to the highest standards of quality innovation sustainability and customer value

Primary Duties amp Responsibilities

• Design Delivery Leadership Lead and oversee the design delivery function across multiple large-scale developments and project portfolios
• Establish and implement design delivery strategies standards governance frameworks and best practices
• Ensure design programs support project schedules commercial objectives and development strategies
• Portfolio Management Direct the design execution of multiple projects simultaneously ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and business goals Monitor overall portfolio performance design progress resource allocation and risk exposure
• Design Governance amp Quality Assurance Establish design review and approval processes across all project stages Ensure consistency quality innovation functionality constructability and customer-focused outcomes Chair executive design review committees and gateway approval processes
• Strategic Design Management Guide project teams during concept design schematic design detailed design tender documentation and construction phases Ensure design solutions align with market demands customer expectations operational requirements and investment objectives
• Consultant amp Stakeholder Management Lead the selection appointment and performance management of architects engineers urban designers and specialist consultants Foster collaborative relationships with government authorities utility providers investors strategic partners and key stakeholders
• Budget amp Commercial Oversight Oversee design budgets and consultant contracts across the project portfolio Ensure effective cost control and optimization throughout the design lifecycle Monitor design-related expenditures and provide executive-level reporting
• Value Engineering amp Optimization Drive value engineering initiatives to achieve optimal balance between quality functionality cost sustainability and operational efficiency Identify innovative solutions that improve project feasibility and financial performance
• Design Risk Management Identify assess and mitigate design-related risks affecting cost schedule quality approvals and constructability Ensure proactive resolution of design conflicts and project delivery challenges
• Regulatory amp Code Compliance Ensure full compliance with Saudi Building Code municipal regulations zoning requirements planning guidelines and relevant industry standards Maintain effective relationships with regulatory authorities to facilitate timely approvals
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate closely with Development Project Delivery Construction Commercial Procurement Sales Marketing and Asset Management teams Ensure seamless coordination between design development and project execution activities
• Construction Design Support Provide executive oversight of design support during construction Ensure timely resolution of design-related issues technical queries variations and site challenges
• Sustainability amp Innovation Lead the integration of sustainability smart technologies ESG objectives and innovative design practices across all developments Promote environmentally responsible and future-ready development solutions
• Organizational Leadership Build lead mentor and develop high-performing design delivery teams Establish talent development programs succession planning initiatives and performance management frameworks Foster a culture of accountability collaboration excellence and continuous improvement
• Executive Reporting amp Communication Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations strategic reports and project updates to senior leadership board members investors and stakeholders Communicate portfolio performance key risks opportunities and strategic recommendations
• Cultural amp Market Alignment Ensure all developments reflect Saudi Arabian cultural values regulatory requirements customer expectations and market trends Support Retal s vision of delivering innovative and sustainable communities

Key Competencies

Leadership amp StrategyExecutive LeadershipPortfolio amp Program ManagementStrategic PlanningOrganizational DevelopmentStakeholder EngagementChange ManagementTechnical amp DeliveryDesign Delivery ManagementArchitectural Design LeadershipMultidisciplinary CoordinationDesign GovernanceConstruction AdministrationQuality Assurance amp Quality ControlDesign Risk ManagementValue EngineeringCommercial amp FinancialBudget ManagementCost OptimizationContract ManagementConsultant ManagementCommercial AwarenessFinancial AcumenRegulatory amp ComplianceSaudi Building CodeMunicipal RegulationsPlanning amp Zoning RequirementsRegulatory Approvals ManagementCommunicationExecutive Presentation SkillsNegotiation amp InfluencingClient Relationship ManagementWritten amp Verbal CommunicationDigital ToolsAutoCADRevitBIM PlatformsSketchUpNavisworksMicrosoft ProjectPrimavera P6Power BI

Preferred Education

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, or a related discipline. Master's Degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.

Professional Experience

Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in architectural design, design management, and project delivery. Minimum 8-10 years in senior leadership positions overseeing large-scale development projects and multidisciplinary design teams. Proven track record in delivering major residential, mixed-use, commercial, hospitality, or master-planned community projects. Extensive experience managing international and local design consultants.

Certifications (Preferred)

PMP (Project Management Professional)RIBA, AIA, or equivalent professional registrationLEED AP, WELL AP, ESTIDAMA, or equivalent sustainability certificationPMI-PgMP or other executive program management certifications

Language Requirements

Fluent in English (Written & Spoken). Arabic proficiency is highly preferred.

Reporting Line

Reports To: Chief Projects Delivery Officer (CPDO)Direct Reports Design Managers Senior Design Managers Design Delivery Managers BIM Managers Design Coordinators Specialist Technical Leads