Airport Design Manager

Role Overview

Airport Design Manager at HILL International. The role leads and manages all design activities for the airport project under the Project Management Consultant (PMC). The Airport Design Manager ensures that designs are coordinated, compliant, and delivered on time, aligning with project objectives, budget, and international standards while integrating all disciplines effectively.

Role Purpose

To oversee and coordinate all design activities across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with international standards, regulatory requirements, and project objectives while delivering high-quality designs on schedule and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Coordination

• Lead and manage the overall design process across all disciplines, including civil, structural, architectural, MEP, and special airport systems.
• Lead design coordination meetings and provide technical direction to the project team.
• Ensure proper integration and coordination between multidisciplinary design components.
• Coordinate with design consultants to ensure timely submission and approval of design documents.

Design Management & Planning

• Develop and implement design management plans, schedules, and deliverables tracking.
• Define project requirements and schedule during the brief.
• Undertake a design project from concept to completion.
• Set costs and project fees according to the budget.
• Support value engineering initiatives to optimize design efficiency, cost, and constructability.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Review and validate design deliverables to ensure compliance with project requirements, codes, and standards.
• Knowledge for the implementation of IATA ADRM, GACA 139, IBC (also Saudi Codes and Regulations), and NFPA.
• Identify design risks, clashes, and inconsistencies, and ensure timely resolution.
• Manage design changes and ensure proper documentation and approval processes are followed.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with stakeholders, including clients, authorities, operators, and contractors, for design approvals.
• Effectively uncover client needs and provide compelling solutions.
• Interpret and translate customer needs into rough plans.
• Stakeholder management and consultation.

Design Development

• Efficiently create uniquely desirable, artistic, and inspirational designs.
• Accurately prepare construction drawings and take-offs.
• Thoroughly perform site inventories.
• Demonstrate and maintain a high knowledge of landscape trends, features, and techniques.

Compliance & Governance

• Inform yourself of the relevant Quality, Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Policies, Manuals, and Procedures in place within Hill International, and ensure continued compliance with these requirements while employed by Hill.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Project Director or line manager.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Architecture; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in Airport/Aviation projects.
• Experience with space utilization, concept design, IBC, Saudi Codes and Regulations, GACA 139, NFPA, and IATA ADRM.
• Ability to draft the scope of works and specifications.
• Thorough knowledge of airport landside and Passenger Terminal operations.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines.