Head of Project Management - Design Services

Role Overview

The Head of Project Management for Design Services leads the project management division across all design offices, ensuring smooth planning, execution, coordination, and delivery of multidisciplinary design projects. The role encompasses strategic leadership of design project managers, establishing project governance, resource optimization, commercial oversight, and client relationship management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead project management department for design services across multiple offices.
• Formulate and execute project delivery strategies aligned with corporate goals.
• Develop governance frameworks, methodologies, and best practices for projects.
• Build and nurture a high-performing project management team.
• Drive continuous improvements in project delivery processes.
• Assist the Vice President in strategic planning and business development.
• Oversee multidisciplinary design project delivery ensuring timeliness, budget adherence, and contractual compliance.
• Monitor cost, schedule, quality, and resource utilization of projects.
• Review project execution plans and coordinate across architectural and engineering disciplines.
• Resolve critical project issues and escalate risks as needed.
• Track project profitability and financial outcomes.
• Standardize project procedures, reporting, and ensure quality management system compliance (ISO 9001).
• Implement project audits, risk management, and mitigation strategies.
• Optimize resource allocation and forecast staffing needs across offices.
• Maintain client relationships, participate in executive client meetings, and address commercial and technical matters.
• Manage project budgets, fee proposals, change controls, and support contract negotiations.
• Lead and mentor design project managers, conduct performance evaluations, succession planning, and encourage collaboration and innovation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related disciplines; Master’s degree preferred.
• PMP certification required; Professional Engineering registration preferred.
• Minimum 18–20 years’ experience in engineering consultancy or architectural design firms.
• Minimum 8 years managing complex, multidisciplinary design projects.
• At least 5 years in senior leadership managing project managers.
• Proven track record delivering mega and complex multidisciplinary developments.
• Experience in GCC region, preferably Saudi Arabia.
• Background in international engineering consultancy firms valued.

Technical Skills & Software Proficiency

• Expertise in design project management, governance, delivery, resource & risk management, cost control, and contract & commercial management.
• Familiar with quality assurance, schedule, change, stakeholder, and client relationship management.
• Proficient with Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Power BI, BIM collaboration platforms, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and Microsoft Office 365.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking and executive leadership.
• Sound decision making and business acumen.
• Commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, and performance management abilities.
• People development, influencing, innovation, and accountability minded.