Design Manager - Architecture Job Details

Job Description

Design Manager - Architecture

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Experienced Hire

Experience level

Job details

Project Site

Work location

Site Architects

Career

About the job

Pace is a leading multidisciplinary consultancy firm based in the Middle East which provides architecture, engineering, and planning services. We assist national governments, international organisations, and private sector companies in delivering successful and local solutions with global expertise. Founded in 1968 in Kuwait City, we build on our fifty-five-year legacy by continuing to contribute positively and ethically to the development and shaping of our societies. As one of the region’s largest privately owned design and engineering consultancies, we currently employ more than 750 professionals and operate internationally in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

About the Role

The Design Manager reports to the Project Director, will play a key leadership role in overseeing the review and coordination of technical submittals, site methodologies, design documentation, and implementation processes to ensure compliance with the project's technical, operational, and regulatory requirements. The role demands active site presence and interface with multiple stakeholders including contractors, consultants, and client representatives.

What you will be doing

Coordinate closely with the Corporate technical Departments to resolve complex technical queries and ensure compliance with company design standards.
Coordinate the routing, tracking, and distribution of technical and supply chain documentation to discipline teams.
Draft and review technical correspondence for submission to contractors, consultants, or the client, as directed by the RE/PD.
Ensure timely resolution of design-related conflicts and propose value engineering or practical design solutions when necessary.
Guide discipline teams on review of contractor PQs (Prequalification documents), MAS (Material Approval Submittals), and FAT (Factory Acceptance Tests).
Lead or participate in technical, operational, and supply chain meetings with project stakeholders.
Manage the review process of shop drawings, as-built drawings, and material submittals, ensuring alignment with contract documents and project specifications.
Oversee Method Statements (MS), Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), Risk Assessments (RA), Inspection Requests (IR), Material Inspection Requests (MIR), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and others.
Present consolidated design review comments to the RE/Project Director for approval prior to submission to the Contractor.
Provide technical support to the site inspection team on material compliance and construction operations.
Review and manage the evaluation of contractor-submitted documents related to site methodologies and inspections.
Review and provide awareness of technical specifications to discipline team members.
Supervise and manage the processes related to site work preparation, execution, verification, and validation of the Contractor’s design and construction-related submissions.

Required Experience

Minimum 15 years of experience, ideally within reputable engineering or consulting firms.
Proven experience managing design packages on large-scale, multidisciplinary projects within the AEC industry, preferably in the Middle East.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. Master’s degree preferred.

Certifications & Memberships

Additional training courses, professional and personal development with membership to professional groups, societies or institutes, desired.
Saudi Council of Engineers (SSE) Membership or any local engineer's society membership, i.e. CRPEP (for Bahrain).

Essential Skills

Deep understanding of architectural and multidisciplinary design coordination and construction supervision workflows.
Strong familiarity with international codes and local Saudi Building Codes (SBC).
Proficiency in BIM/CAD platforms; experience in Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and BIM 360 is an asset.
Solid knowledge of construction methodologies and specification compliance.
Attention to detail, organized, and systematic approach to documentation and communication.
Excellent client-facing and communication skills to liaise with contractors and stakeholders.
Strong PC skills for documentation, reporting, and project tracking.
A collaborative team player with a proactive and hands-on attitude.
Ability to work effectively under pressure while meeting time and quality deadlines.

Why join Pace?

Join our award-winning multidisciplinary consultancy firm, offering architecture, engineering, and planning services based in the GCC region with projects across the globe.

With over 55 years of pushing boundaries in design, innovation, and quality, employees have the chance to contribute to projects shaping the landmarks of the future.

Our commitment to prioritising people ensures a safe, diverse, inclusive, and progressive work environment where employees can grow and develop their careers through organisational, individual, and professional goals. Collaborating with industry-leading experts on unique projects, you can also enjoy the economic benefits and lifestyle opportunities the region offers.

Information at a Glance