Senior Design Manager

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities, and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture, and priorities, visit our strategy site.

Within our consult business we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential in every project.

The project:

This is an opportunity to work on one of the largest programmes in Saudi Arabia. This unique project consists of major mixed-use development including sports facilities, entertainment, and arts along with all associated infrastructure.

Mace is currently providing programme management and looking for high-calibre experienced professionals to lead integrated teams throughout each phase of the project.

Role Overview:

The senior design manager is responsible for ensuring that all project(s), or programme design management-related activities undertaken by the design management team, are in accordance with the requirements of the project execution plan, PMIS, or other governing framework, as may be applicable, prepared by the ADD, and approved by the programme, or project director.

The SDM provides leadership to the DM team, and support to the AD-design, and ensures that personal health, safety, wellbeing, and that of the team is maintained.

The SDM will oversee and manage the implementation of the design management system and its effectiveness in meeting business, statutory, legal, and contractual requirements.

Provides leadership to managers and professionals. Oversees all phases or stages of design management including interactions/coordination with construction, commercial, programme, procurement, etc.

Be responsible for the definition and approval of consultant appointments across all disciplines.

Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey:

Safety first - Going home safe and well:

• You will be an advocate of Mace's value of safety first, and be accountable for leading and maintaining exceptional safety, quality, cost, programme, sustainability and compliance standards for the design resources you manage.
• You will possess technical expertise in local health and safety rules and regulations relevant to the project portfolio.
• You will champion a diverse and inclusive working environment and understand the importance of the wellbeing of the people you manage.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise:

• Act as the day-to-day operational manager for any design managers or other design management resources deployed to projects.
• You will be responsible for leading the delivery of design management to deliver key strategic outcomes and sub-function KPIs, directly influencing strategic development.
• You will be the main point of contact for client design issues, ensuring relationships are managed and maintained.
• Supervising and ensuring design management is consistent across projects, or phases.
• Ensuring design management function is aligned with other PMC functional targets.
• Ensuring that reporting and progress reporting are aligned with PMC reporting requirements.
• Monitoring, reviewing, and reporting on consultant’s and/or contractor design progress.
• Ensuring designs are developed in compliance with project briefs.
• Ensuring consultants are fulfilling contractual obligations for scope and deliverables.
• Ensuring design consultants are working to ensure projects are on time, and on budget.
• Ensuring BIM management is integral to the programme and ongoing.
• Ensuring scope change is monitored and managed in accordance with change protocols.
• Ensuring client and 3rd party reviews are scheduled and aligned with the programme.
• Ensuring client and statutory approvals are built into the programme.
• Ensuring detailed and/or peer reviews are scheduled if required.
• Ensuring value engineering workshops are scheduled and participated.
• Leading constructability reviews are scheduled and participate.
• Leading the preparation of consultant scopes and project briefs.
• Supporting procurement in preparation of RFP/ITT packages.
• Advising on consultant selection and appointment.
• Evaluation of consultant variations and claims in connection with design.
• Reviewing consultant and/or contractor design submissions and progress reports.
• Oversight and participation in key design and technical review workshops.
• Challenging and supporting the design teams to ensure design solutions are optimised.
• Utilising company resources efficiently to accomplish assigned work.
• Identify and manage design-associated risks, mitigation strategies, and/or escalation.

Integrity - Always do the right thing:

• You will implement and execute the design management system, processes and protocols to meet statutory, legal, and contractual requirements.
• You will support the long-term development of strategy for a function or business unit (BU), creating a sustainable business future.
• You will commit to making a positive impact for our people, our clients, and our planet, and take ownership for holding others to account who do not uphold the Mace values.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel:

• You will mentor, coach, and develop your project team and provide an environment to share knowledge and experience.
• You will actively network, innovate, and seek an understanding of best practices, utilising the full depth of knowledge of Mace group, the centres of excellence, Mace way control centre and knowledge hub.
• You will use your network to support business development and work-winning activities.

You’ll need to have:

• A relevant degree or equivalent with professional work experience in one or more specific disciplines in the programme, project or commercial management disciplines.
• Membership in RIBA, MICE, CIBSE, CIOB, RICS, and CIAT or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.
• Necessary visa criteria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and relevant work experience working on high-valued projects/programmes for a project management consultancy business, which are required for immigration and client approval.
• Extensive experience in the successful delivery phase of projects and programmes in the design sector.
• Deep construction and consultancy expertise.
• Knowledge of building safety legislation, building standards, construction contracts, professional appointments and health and safety legislation.
• Leadership and management experience of large, diverse teams.
• Experience in managing relationships with key senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of how carbon and sustainability considerations will shape the outlook of the projects you are working on.
• Relevant sector-specific knowledge, including industry standards and terms of reference.
• Knowledge of RIBA, or other international plans of work, and alignment with WBS.
• Experience of BIM and BIMM requirements over project lifecycle and WBS.
• Ability to interrogate programmes and critical paths.
• Understanding of client governance requirements for design stage approvals.
• Direct experience in aligning design management with alternative procurement routes.
• Experience in preparation of design team structures and delivery team organisation charts.
• Experience in structuring roles, responsibilities, and requirements of delivery teams.
• Direct experience in design consultant procurement and fee negotiation.
• Direct experience in the assessment and analysis of multi-discipline consultant fee proposals.
• Direct experience in managing design to target project budgets.
• Direct experience in the assessment and analysis of consultant deployment schedules.

Please note: Obtaining a visa in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is subject to a criminal record check, qualifications and may encounter age restrictions.

What we offer:

We are committed to providing our employees with exceptional long-term career opportunities that go beyond mere job roles. We believe in cultivating a culture of growth, empowerment, and innovation, where individuals have the freedom to explore their passions and unlock their full potential. As a member of our team, you will not only be a part of an organisation at the forefront of its industry. You will have the opportunity to contribute to transformative projects, collaborate with diverse and talented professionals, and make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.

Join us on this exciting journey as we work together to create a lasting legacy for Saudi Arabia, while fostering personal and professional growth for our valued employees.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates.

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