Job description
Role Overview
Senior Design Manager – Architecture/Interior Design at AtkinsRéalis, based in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Company Overview
AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization that connects people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. The company works with industry partners, clients, and a global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers to engineer a better future for the planet and its people.
Role Purpose
Lead the design development and delivery of large-scale leisure and hospitality projects across KSA. The Senior Design Manager is responsible for managing multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring design excellence, aligning with brand standards, and coordinating with project stakeholders to deliver innovative, high-quality design solutions in line with project timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Vision
- Lead the architectural and interior design vision from concept through detailed design and construction stages.
- Ensure design intent is maintained throughout all phases of the project lifecycle.
- Drive innovation and creative excellence aligned with hospitality trends and guest experience expectations.
- Establish and enforce design quality standards across all project phases.
Design Deliverables & Quality Assurance
- Review and approve design deliverables, including concept presentations, drawings, specifications, and material selections.
- Review shop drawings, mock-ups, and material samples.
- Ensure all designs meet local building codes, sustainability standards, and international best practices.
- Oversee BIM coordination and design integration across disciplines (architecture, interior design, MEP, landscape, etc.).
Team & Consultant Management
- Manage external consultants, design firms, and contractors to ensure timely and high-quality project delivery.
- Collaborate with brand operators (hotels, F&B, entertainment partners) to ensure compliance with brand guidelines.
- Act as the primary liaison between internal teams (development, operations, marketing) and external consultants.
- Support construction teams by providing technical guidance and resolving design-related issues.
Planning & Risk Management
- Develop and monitor design schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
- Identify and mitigate design risks, ensuring efficient problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle.
- Oversee value engineering while maintaining design integrity and brand standards.
Compliance & Stakeholder Coordination
- Coordinate with authorities to ensure compliance with local codes and regulations in KSA.
- Present design concepts and progress updates to senior stakeholders and clients.
- Ensure adherence to project brand identities, guest experience goals, and operational requirements.
Construction Oversight
- Monitor construction progress to ensure alignment with approved designs.
- Conduct site visits and inspections to ensure quality and design consistency.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field.
- 20+ years of experience in architecture or interior design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Proven experience delivering large-scale hospitality or leisure projects (hotels, resorts, entertainment venues).
- Strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality design execution.
- Experience working in KSA or GCC region.
- Familiarity with KSA regulatory frameworks and approval processes.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong design creativity and aesthetic sensibility.
- Excellent project management and organizational skills.
- In-depth knowledge of hospitality design standards and guest experience principles.
- Proficiency in design and documentation tools (AutoCAD, Revit/BIM, Adobe Suite).
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
Additional Information
Employment Type
Employee, Regular position.
Benefits
- Tax-free salary.
- Life insurance coverage.
- Medical insurance.
- Annual leave balance.
- Company gratuity scheme.
- Discretionary bonus program.
- Annual flight contribution.
- Transportation and housing allowances.
- Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.