Design Director

We harness the power of innovation so that you can change the world and help our customers solve their most complex challenges

Riyadh
R170318
Project/Program Management
Additional posting locations:

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!

When it comes to what you want in your career, if you can imagine it, you can do it at Parsons.  Imagine a career working with intelligent, diverse people sharing a common quest. Imagine a workplace where you can be yourself. Where you can thrive. Where you can find your next, right now. We’ve got what you’re looking for.

Job Description:

Parsons is seeking a Design Director to lead and manage the comprehensive design delivery for a landmark ultra-luxury development project, encompassing high-end buildings and supporting infrastructure. The role involves providing visionary leadership, ensuring design excellence, and managing multidisciplinary design teams across the project lifecycle from concept to IFC stages. The design director will serve as the principal design authority and client interface, driving innovative, sustainable, and context-sensitive solutions while adhering to project requirements and timelines.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Lead the overall design management of buildings and infrastructure packages on a high-profile ultra-luxury development.

  • Establish the design vision and ensure alignment with the client’s aspirations, project goals, and development strategies.

  • Oversee and coordinate design consultants, sub-consultants, and internal teams across architectural, structural, infrastructure, and MEP disciplines.

  • Ensure timely delivery of design packages, maintaining the highest standards of quality, innovation, and compliance with international and local codes.

  • Manage design reviews, technical workshops, and stakeholder presentations.

  • Liaise with the client, regulatory authorities, and other project stakeholders to obtain necessary approvals and align design direction.

  • Lead value engineering exercises and risk reviews as part of design optimization.

  • Ensure design deliverables are coordinated, constructible, and aligned with the project schedule and budget.

  • Champion sustainability, digital design integration (e.g., BIM), and lifecycle thinking within the design process.

  • Provide strategic leadership and mentorship to design teams throughout the project duration.

What Required Skills You’ll Bring:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or Engineering (Master’s preferred).

  • Minimum 20 years of relevant experience, with at least 10 years in a design leadership role on large-scale mixed-use or ultra-luxury developments.

  • Proven track record in delivering complex, multi-disciplinary design projects in the Middle East region.

  • Experience managing design teams across planning, architectural, infrastructure, and engineering disciplines.

  • Strong knowledge of local authority regulations, building codes, and international design standards.

  • Excellent client-facing skills, with the ability to engage and influence at senior levels.

  • Proficiency in design and collaboration tools such as BIM (Revit, Navisworks), AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office Suite.

What Desired Skills You’ll Bring:

  • Chartered/Registered Architect or Engineer (e.g., RIBA, AIA, PE, CEng)

  • Experience with Giga or Vision 2030-related projects is an advantage.

  • Strong commercial awareness and ability to manage design scope and changes.

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

COMPETITIVE BENEFIT OFFERINGS

Financial Wellness

We care about your financial wellbeing. Parsons offers competitive pay and retirement plans to help you build wealth for the future while giving you the flexibility to diversify your investments.

Work Life Harmony

Balance in life is important and time away from the office is imperative to allow you to refresh and focus your attention on the things that matter to you. Parsons supports your time away by providing paid time off and paid flexible holidays.

Career Development

We are committed to fostering the personal and professional growth of our employees. Develop and advance yourself though our comprehensive training, educational and mentorship programs.

Veteran Support

We provide Industry leading benefits to support veterans and active-duty members to provide security for you and your family by offering robust leave and benefits; including paid active-duty military leave and paid time off when transitioning back to civilian life.

Mind & Body

At Parsons we inspire healthier habits, heathier minds, and a healthier you through our wellness program. Participate in our weekly Meditation Mondays and Wellness Wednesdays. Wellness, at Parsons, is more than just your annual checkup.

Health

Health is not a one size fits all. At Parsons, we offer a robust Employee Assistance Program as well as comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans through large, national carriers with the choice of regional PPO, HDHP, or HMO networks.

Want to learn more about the benefits eligible for the Parsons’ location you are interested in? Click below to find out more!
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