Associate Director - Design and Architecture (CDU3) - 20004578

Qiddiya is Saudi Arabia’s future capital of entertainment, sports, and culture — a 360 km² mega-project just outside Riyadh. From F1-grade racetracks and theme parks to stadiums and performance venues, we’re creating a destination like no other. This is more than a project, it’s a national transformation. As construction accelerates, we’re hiring ambitious talent to help shape it. If you’re driven by scale, impact, and the chance to build something iconic from the ground up, Qiddiya is calling for you.

General Summary:

We are currently seeking a Associate Director (Architecture and Design) to enhance the City Assets and Grand Central Station (GCS) team. This role will be responsible for the architectural and design elements of the design process, ensuring the project reflects the architectural vision. Key areas of focus will be design excellence, human centered design, exceptional customer experience and intuitive wayfinding. The ideal candidate will have a background in architecture and design and have extensive experience in the design and development of large complex train stations and metro stations.

The Senior Design Manager is a key member of the City Assets and GSC team and will be responsible for developing the GCS design from pre-concept through to detailed design and delivery. They will be responsible for providing technical support to effectively deliver an asset that meets the cost and program requirements. The design must also celebrate the beauty of the natural landscape, ecology and landforms of Qiddiya as well as the vibrancy, fun and excitement of the new city.

The Senior Design Manager will work closely with external stakeholders and internal teams to ensure their requirements have been appropriately incorporated into the design process. They are responsible for ensuring the appropriate parties have reviewed and commented at each stage of the design.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Support the Director in leading and managing the design process ensuring alignment with the project goals, regulatory standards and a high level of design excellence.
• Be or become familiar with the Qiddiya design standards and project objectives and vision.
• Support in the development of the project requirements as the design develops, specifically architecture, design excellence, wayfinding, Customer Centered Design and landscaping ensures that the project remains in budget.
• Develop design briefs and contract documentation to support in the project procurement strategy and goals.
• Oversee and liaise on all aspects of the project's architectural including but not limited to, design excellence, facades, station planning, landscaping, precinct integration, wayfinding and signage. They must coordinate with other disciplines and services including specialist inputs such as lighting design, acoustic, structural and security.
• Manage the design process by coordinating with the project consultants ensuring conformity to the project stated objectives.
• Responsible for ensuring the designs meet the level of detailing and high-quality standards expected for Qiddiya at each design stage.
• Must develop strong and collaborative working relationships with various external stakeholders and internal departments within Qiddiya Investment Company to effectively manage the required interfaces at the appropriate times to reach the stated goals.
• Manage design consultants to produce information to program.
• Regularly attend progress meetings with the design consultants to ensure progress. This may require regular foreign travel.
• Support the implementation of sustainability and of health and safety Initivites.
• Review digital models, drawings and design information produced by the consultants. Be responsible for ensuring the timely review and appropriate comment of documentation by the relevant stakeholders and internal parties.
• Manage design change and instructions as required relating to your discipline
• Liaise with the Program, Construction and Delivery Teams to understand project programs, budgets and quality issues.
• Coordinate the design process from design to construction and operations. This includes, but is not limited to:

a) having a working understanding of the level of drawing and specification content that is required at each stage of the design process,

b) the ability to navigate the internal governance, permitting and approvals processes,

c) being fully capable of managing consultant and contractor performance, progress and functional meetings and producing appropriate and timely minutes and actions.

• Assess the suitability of the material proposed in the designs to ensure conformity to the vision, specifications. including durability and performance objectives.
• Prepare documentation for regular design progress reports update to the Project Executive and others as required.
• Assist in the management of the production of as-built drawings and preparation of O+M manuals.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Design, Urban Planning or a related field.

Years of Experience:

• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in design management, specifically in management infrastructure projects and complex train and metro stations.
• Strong experience showcasing the development of high performing stations with a focus on customer experience and innovative design solutions.
• Adept at reading drawings, specifications and digital models.
• Experience of design software and tools (including but not limited to BIM 360, Revit, PowerPoint, Excel and other associated architectural software).