General Manager - Architectural Design Consulting Firm

Executive Overview

Our client is a reputable design consultancy known across the Middle East, specializing in architecture, engineering, planning, and multidisciplinary design solutions for significant regional developments. They are looking for an energetic and commercially skilled General Manager to provide strategic direction, drive sustainable growth, enhance operational efficiency, and elevate the firm's presence regionally and internationally.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive leadership experience in architecture, engineering, urban planning, or multidisciplinary consulting, with a proven track record of managing complex organizations, boosting financial performance, expanding market share, and overseeing large-scale development projects.

Role Purpose

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the General Manager will be fully responsible for business outcomes, operational success, strategic planning, and long-term growth. The role involves overseeing business development, financial health, client relations, project execution, talent management, governance, and organizational advancement. The candidate will play a pivotal role in reinforcing market leadership and ensuring successful delivery of high-profile, technically demanding projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and execute the company’s strategic business and growth plans.
• Lead expansion initiatives in Qatar, the GCC, MENA, and other international markets.
• Identify and assess new market opportunities and forge strategic partnerships.
• Drive diversification into new sectors, services, and geographies.
• Foster innovation, sustainability, digital adoption, and design excellence across the organization.
• Represent the company at executive forums, industry conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
• Oversee revenue generation, profitability, budgeting, forecasting, and financial monitoring.
• Ensure project profitability and efficient resource allocation.
• Implement business performance enhancements and manage commercial risks.
• Lead governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks, maintaining regulatory and industry standards including ISO and FIDIC.
• Direct executive leadership and multidisciplinary teams, shaping organizational structures to support growth.
• Develop a high-performance culture emphasizing accountability and collaboration.
• Manage talent acquisition, succession, leadership development, retention, and organizational transformation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders, supporting business development and long-term partnerships.
• Provide regular updates and strategic advice to the Board of Directors.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory, legal, and professional requirements while maintaining positive relations with government and industry bodies.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Advanced business qualifications such as MBA or Executive MBA are highly preferred.
• Professional registration or chartership (e.g., Registered Architect, Professional Engineer, Chartered Architect/Engineer) or equivalent accreditation.
• At least 15 years’ experience in architecture, engineering, planning, or multidisciplinary consulting.
• Minimum 5 years in senior executive roles such as General Manager, Managing Director, CEO, Executive Director, VP, or Managing Partner.
• Proven success in managing P&L, achieving revenue growth, operational improvements, and leading large teams and complex projects.
• Strong business development and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience delivering major mixed-use developments, large master plans, luxury hospitality projects, five-star hotels, branded residences, ultra-luxury resorts, residential/commercial/institutional developments, and infrastructure projects with values over USD 100 million.
• Familiarity with government organizations, sovereign wealth funds, national authorities, influential developers, institutional investors, and global hotel brands.
• Extensive GCC and MENA region exposure with international project delivery experience.
• Strong networks within governmental, real estate, hospitality, and investment sectors.
• Knowledgeable in regional planning regulations, approvals, and frameworks.
• Experience managing diverse multicultural teams across various countries.
• Proven ability to lead market-entry, expansion strategies, and regional office setups.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Former leadership roles such as General Manager, Managing Director or CEO within design consultancy firms.
• Experience collaborating with globally recognized hospitality brands.
• Involvement with Smart Cities, ESG initiatives, sustainability programs, and digital transformation.
• Certifications like PMP, LEED, PMI, RIBA, or similar internationally recognized credentials.
• Recognition via published thought leadership, conference speaking, awards, or participation in iconic developments.

Industry Coverage

• Architecture and Design
• Luxury Hospitality
• Tourism and Destination Development
• Master Planning
• Mixed-Use Community Development
• Residential and Commercial Projects
• Healthcare
• Education
• Cultural and Institutional Projects
• Infrastructure and Urban Development

Location

Position based in Doha, Qatar with regional and international scope covering GCC, MENA, and selected global markets.