Studio Manager

Confidential Company; Al Bahah; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Al Bahah is seeking a Studio Manager / Project Manager with extensive experience in architecture and urban planning. The role involves strategic oversight of design guidelines, team leadership, and coordination with municipal entities to ensure compliance with urban development standards. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills and be fluent in both English and Arabic.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in architecture, urban planning, or design management.
• Strong background in architectural design guidelines, preferably within Saudi Arabia.

Responsibilities

• Lead establishment and operational phases for the design studio.
• Supervise the issuance of compliance certificates and manage design submissions.
• Conduct workshops and training for municipal authorities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder coordination

Project planning

Analytical skills

Digital platform familiarity

Communication

Cultural adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture

Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP)

Job description

Job Title: Studio Manager / Project Manager

Positions: 1

Key Responsibilities:

1. Establishment Phase

• Preliminary Planning:

1. Develop a comprehensive preliminary work plan for the studio’s operations and activation.
2. Coordinate with the client (e.g., RDA) and official entities to ensure internal team alignment and knowledge transfer of architectural identity guidelines.
3. Conduct and document meetings, workshops, and coordination sessions with relevant entities to produce actionable directives.
4. Analyze international best practices for design studio operations and present findings through structured reports or presentations.
5. Develop a methodology for measuring compliance with design guidelines across various development types (residential, governmental, commercial, etc.).
6. Identify minimum elements required for compliance by development type and architectural style.
7. Establish a coordination plan with external entities and internal communication protocols for design review and approvals.

• Development of Tools and Guidelines:

1. Prepare explanatory guides that interpret the application of design guidelines across different urban development patterns.
2. Develop evaluation methodologies to assess project compliance with architectural design guidelines.
3. Conduct knowledge-transfer workshops with municipal entities to define scope and relevance of architectural styles.

• Operational Framework:

1. Develop procedural systems for issuing compliance certificates in coordination with regulatory bodies (e.g., MOMRAH, municipalities).
2. Define procedures for receiving, initiating, reviewing, and finalizing design submissions.
3. Present work progress reports and strategic solutions to challenges at scheduled intervals.

• Technical and Administrative Solutions:

1. Oversee development of digital systems (web portals, automated booking, CRM, internal task boards).
2. Ensure provision of devices, software licenses, and internal tools needed for efficient studio operation.
3. Set up administrative protocols for file management, archiving, and automated reporting tasks.

• Visual and Informational Materials:

1. Develop and maintain visual tools, brochures, and videos to explain urban design guidelines.
2. Lead creation of interactive tools for public awareness and professional onboarding.

• Advertising and Outreach:

1. Coordinate installation of external signage, brochures, and branding materials for awareness.
2. Develop engagement strategies to connect with professionals, municipalities, and the general public.

• Reporting and Documentation:

1. Submit reports detailing establishment milestones, coordination efforts, and development of procedural tools.
2. Document stakeholder meetings, training sessions, workshops, and public outreach activities.
3. Prepare and submit Workshop Reports summarizing session content, attendance, and outcomes.

2. Operational Phase

• Application of Guidelines:

1. Lead the development of tools, checklists, and practical guides to monitor and support compliance efforts.
2. Define and update requirements for issuing compliance certificates with clear user guidance.

• Design Review and Evaluation:

1. Manage and review design submissions for different development patterns to ensure alignment with the urban design guidelines.
2. Provide technical feedback reports and modification recommendations for project owners and consultants.

• Issuance of Compliance Certificates:

1. Supervise issuance of compliance certificates and ensure efficiency of the supporting digital tools.

• Training and Knowledge Transfer:

1. Conduct workshops and certification programs for municipal authorities and design professionals.
2. Oversee the documentation and distribution of training materials and evaluation outcomes.

• Awareness Campaigns:

1. Plan and execute awareness campaigns, including lectures, design talks, and exhibitions.
2. Develop supporting materials such as banners, posters, and educational handouts.

• Database and Digital Library Management:

1. Oversee the creation and maintenance of a digital library (minimum 5TB) for project records and references.
2. Manage archiving and retrieval systems for all submissions and certificates.

• Compliance Verification:

1. Lead field inspections and compliance checks to verify material and design consistency.
2. Document non-compliance findings and recommend corrective measures.

• Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

1. Monitor performance of municipalities in applying urban design principles and guidelines.
2. Conduct gap analysis and propose improvements for licensing, certification, and oversight procedures.

• Impact Analysis:

1. Evaluate the broader impact of the architectural design guidelines on the built environment.
2. Prepare quarterly reports summarizing analysis findings, with strategic recommendations.

• Updating Guidelines:

1. Recommend and oversee updates to the guidelines based on practical feedback and changing regulatory conditions.
2. Coordinate with relevant authorities for approvals and public dissemination.

• Reporting and Documentation:

1. Submit monthly and quarterly reports highlighting reviewed projects, training results, outreach activities, and operational status.
2. Ensure documentation of all stakeholder coordination efforts and internal team activities.
3. Submit dedicated Workshop Reports to document session content, learnings, attendance, and stakeholder feedback.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or Urban Planning
• Additional Certification: Professional training or certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP)

Required Experience

• Minimum Experience: 15+ years in architecture, urban planning, or design management
• Specialization: Strong background or research in architectural design guidelines —preferably within Saudi Arabia or neighboring countries.

Skills and Competencies

• Strategic leadership with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams across urban, architectural, and technical domains.
• Deep understanding of architectural identity and design guideline implementation.
• Proficiency in stakeholder coordination, public engagement, and inter-agency communication.
• Strong project planning and risk mitigation capabilities with excellent documentation habits.
• Advanced analytical and presentation skills for impact reporting, performance evaluation, and process refinement.
• Familiarity with digital platforms for project tracking, submissions, and digital archiving.
• Adaptability to cultural and regulatory contexts, especially within Saudi Arabia or GCC.
• Fluent in both English and Arabic (preferred), with excellent writing and speaking capabilities.