Design Director

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading professional services and project management company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in key strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear, Operations & Maintenance and Capital. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn. 

We are seeking an experienced Architectural Design Director to support our Buildings Design team in Riyadh, KSA. This senior role will require a visionary leader who can drive innovative architectural solutions across a variety of projects, ensuring the highest standards of design quality and client satisfaction. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in architecture with proven experience in managing teams and projects within a multidisciplinary environment.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of architects and designers to deliver high-quality architectural solutions that meet client expectations and adhere to industry standards.
• Oversee the planning, design, and execution of multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and expectations while effectively communicating project progress and challenges.
• Develop and implement the design vision and strategy for the office, aligning it with the company’s overall goals and objectives.
• Mentor and develop junior architects and designers, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.
• Establish and maintain design quality control processes to ensure the integrity and feasibility of design concepts throughout all project phases.
• Employ strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address design challenges, identifying innovative solutions to complex issues.
• Work closely with engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure integrated project delivery and effective communication.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements, applying this knowledge to enhance the firm’s design capabilities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Chartered Architect (RIBA, AIA, or equivalent).
• Minimum 15 years of experience in architectural design, with at least 4 years in the Middle East.
• Experience managing your own practice or leading a larger practice is preferred.
• Proficient in architectural design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite) and an understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; proficiency in Arabic is a plus.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team, fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a track record of building and maintaining effective client relationships.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and critical thinking abilities.
• Detail-oriented with a passion for architectural excellence.
• Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.

Salary and Benefits

We offer an excellent package which includes:

• A competitive salary.
• Accommodation allowance.
• Transportation allowance.
• 22 working days annual leave. 
• Medical and life insurance cover.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus scheme.
• Annual flight allowance to point of origin

Atkinsréalis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction or disablement. We oppose all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination. Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applications equally.

We pursue this commitment by

• Having clear and concise procedures and guidelines for both line managers and employees to ensure policies are fully understood and implemented.
• Complying with the relevant employment legislation and codes of practice.
• Ensuring that all existing employees, potential employees, colleagues and customers are treated equally and with respect.
• Ensuring that the workplace is an environment free from discrimination, harassment, victimization and bullying regardless of an individual’s gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction or disablement.
• Making all decisions relating to recruitment, selection or promotion according to the employees’ ability.

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.