Senior Design Manager

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

The project:

Mace has been appointed to partner on a new portfolio in the Kingdom focused on the events industry. The programme will deliver cutting-edge venues designed to host world-class cultural, entertainment, tourism, and sporting events. The portfolio includes the development of indoor arenas, art galleries, theaters, and conference centers, as well as major outdoor venues.

Leads the effective implementation of the design management system, ensuring compliance with business and statutory requirements. Provides strategic leadership across all design phases, driving coordination with delivery teams. Oversees the definition and approval of consultant appointments, ensuring robust governance across all project disciplines.

You'll be responsible for:

• Managing the end-to-end design management process across assigned projects within the portfolio, ensuring designs meet programme, budget, sustainability, and quality requirements.

• Managing the interface between the client, design consultants, contractors, and internal Mace teams to drive coordinated, timely, and efficient design outputs.

• Overseeing the mobilization and performance of the appointed LDC, ensuring clear scope, deliverables, and design approvals are established from Day 1.

• Challenging and guiding the design team to develop innovative, functional, and future-proof design solutions suitable for high-profile public venues and large-scale events.

• Facilitating design reviews, technical workshops, value engineering sessions, and stakeholder presentations.

• Ensuring all design deliverables align with statutory requirements, international standards, and best practice guidelines for venue design, accessibility, safety, and visitor experience.

• Managing design risks, assumptions, and change control while maintaining audit-ready documentation and reporting.

• Coordinating closely with project controls, commercial, sustainability, and construction delivery teams to ensure smooth design progression into procurement and delivery stages.

• Preparing and presenting design status reports to senior stakeholders, highlighting risks, dependencies, and mitigation actions.

You'll need to have:

• A degree in architecture, engineering, or a related design discipline (or equivalent qualification).

• Chartered status (e.g., RIBA, CEng, MIStructE or equivalent), or actively working towards chartership.

• Demonstrable experience in leading multidisciplinary design coordination on large, complex projects.

• Strong working knowledge of BIM processes and digital design tools.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies a recognised certification (e.g., PMP) is an advantage.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse, and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of well-being in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables and strategic outcomes and build long-term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfill all the criteria, please apply, as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part-time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.

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