Summary
Dar Al Riyadh is seeking a Head of Architecture to lead and grow its architectural design function in Riyadh. The role oversees design delivery from concept through IFC, design quality, authority approvals, BIM workflows, and coordination with MEP, infrastructure, and masterplanning teams. Responsibilities include senior client engagement, commercial and project performance oversight, and leadership and development of a multicultural team. Applicants should have a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree and 18–25+ years of experience in engineering consultancy or design firms, including multinational teams and large-scale projects.
The posting
As published on daralriyadh.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Role Purpose
The Head of Department (HOD) – Architecture is responsible for leading and scaling a high-performing design function delivering complex, large-scale projects. The role combines technical excellence, commercial awareness, and leadership capability to manage multidisciplinary teams, client expectations, and fast-paced project environments.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Department Management
- Lead and expand the Architect department aligned with business growth strategy.
- Establish operational frameworks, design standards, and best practices across projects.
- Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, delivery, and innovation.
- Manage resource planning, utilization, and hiring strategies across global offices.
- Lead concept to detailed design delivery for large mixed-use, residential, commercial, and giga projects
- Establish architectural design standards, governance frameworks, and review protocols
- Manage client engagement at senior level, including presentations and design approvals
- Coordinate with MEP, Infrastructure, and Masterplanning teams for integrated design delivery
- Oversee design quality, authority approvals, and compliance with international standards
- Drive BIM-led design using Autodesk Revit and coordination tools
- Build and lead a multicultural architectural team across multiple locations
2. Technical Excellence & Design Oversight
- Provide technical leadership across all stages of design (concept to IFC).
- Ensure compliance with international standards.
- Review and approve complex design solutions ensuring quality, efficiency, and innovation.
- Drive adoption of digital tools such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and advanced BIM workflows.
3. Client & Stakeholder Management
- Act as primary technical point of contact for key clients and stakeholders.
- Lead high-level meetings, presentations, and design reviews.
- Build long-term relationships with international clients and partners.
- Manage client expectations, variations, and conflict resolution under pressure.
4. Project Delivery & Commercial Management
- Oversee multiple large-scale projects ensuring delivery within time, cost, and quality targets.
- Monitor project KPIs, risks, and performance metrics.
- Support commercial teams in proposals, bid strategies, and technical submissions.
- Ensure profitability and efficient resource allocation.
5. Team Leadership & Capability Building
- Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team across regions.
- Drive performance management, succession planning, and leadership development.
- Foster collaboration across Architecture, MEP, and Infrastructure teams.
- Manage teams in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments.
6. Innovation & Digital Transformation
- Champion BIM, digital engineering, and automation strategies.
- Introduce global best practices and innovative design solutions.
- Support sustainability and ESG initiatives across projects.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s / Master’s degree in relevant discipline.
- 18–25+ years of experience in engineering consultancy/design firms.
- Proven experience managing multinational or global design offices.
- Strong exposure to mega/giga projects (mixed-use, infrastructure, urban development).
- Experience working with international clients (Middle East, Europe, Asia).
- Professional certifications (preferred):
- Project Management Institute (PMP)
- Royal Institute of British Architects (for Architecture)
- Institution of Mechanical Engineers / Institution of Engineering and Technology
Core Competencies
- Strong leadership and decision-making under pressure.
- Client-facing and stakeholder management excellence.
- Commercial and business acumen.
- Multicultural team management.
- Strategic thinking and execution.
- Conflict resolution and negotiation.