Associate Director – Design Management (Stadiums)

Position status: This opportunity is a secured role that is due to commence in January 2027, subject to approval. If you would like to be considered as we progress with this position, please click to apply.

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 is providing strategic project management consultancy for major new build stadiums, multiple stadium redevelopments and wider precinct transformations in Riyadh. The scope includes the delivery of new stadiums, increasing existing stadia capacity, delivering major mixed-use amenities and introducing robust knowledge-transfer to ensure operational excellence and long-term sustainability beyond construction.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Manage the post contract design management and coordination of complex projects across multiple disciplines and asset types.
• Manage the contractor-led design process, including detailed design completion, specialist subcontractor design, shop drawings, material submittals, samples and method-related design inputs.
• Lead the review and resolution of RFIs, technical queries, site instructions, design clarifications and field-change requests within agreed response periods.
• Establish and maintain design governance processes, design review procedures, and approval workflows.
• Oversee design assurance and compliance reviews against employer requirements, authority conditions, relevant codes, international standards and venue operational requirements.
• Lead technical reviews and design assurance activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate closely with project management, commercial, procurement, construction, and stakeholder teams.
• Manage design-related risks, opportunities, and change management processes.
• Oversee value engineering initiatives while maintaining design intent and quality standards.
• Manage design interfaces with contractors, specialist subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring technical submittals and design information are coordinated with procurement and construction requirements.
• Provide senior-level reporting and presentations to executive stakeholders.
• Drive innovation, best practice, and continuous improvement across the design management function.
• Work closely with site teams to resolve buildability, sequencing, installation and multidisciplinary interface issues affecting construction progress.
• Oversee the review and close-out of as-built drawings, design changes, technical documentation and handover requirements.

You’ll need to have:

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, urban design, construction management, or related discipline.
• Professional membership with a recognised institution (RIBA, RICS, ICE, CIOB, PMI, or equivalent).
• Typically 15+ years of experience in design management, project delivery, or programme management.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary design teams on major complex developments.
• Experience working on large-scale sports and stadium developments, including venues designed to meet FIFA standards.
• Strong knowledge of design management processes, design governance, and stage-gate reviews.
• Proven experience managing international design consultants and stakeholder groups.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies and the relationship between design and delivery.
• Experience working within complex client-side, PMC, or programme environments.

Key Competencies:

Leadership:

• Strategic thinking and decision-making.
• Team leadership and capability development.
• Executive stakeholder engagement.

Technical Excellence:

• Multidisciplinary design coordination.
• Design governance and assurance.
• Quality management and value engineering.

Programme Delivery:

• Risk and change management.
• Schedule and design performance management.
• Cross-functional collaboration.

Stakeholder Management:

• Client engagement and relationship management.
• Consultant management.
• Influencing and negotiation skills.

Success Measures:

• Delivery of coordinated, high-quality design packages in line with programme milestones.
• Effective management of design risks and interface issues.
• Positive stakeholder feedback and successful design approvals.
• Achievement of programme objectives relating to quality, cost, schedule, and functionality.
• Successful coordination between design, commercial, procurement, and construction teams.

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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