Design Manager

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

We are seeking an innovative and detail-oriented Design Manager to join our dynamic team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this pivotal role, you will lead our design function, driving creative excellence while ensuring strategic alignment with organizational goals. As Design Manager, you will oversee design operations, mentor talented team members, and collaborate across departments to deliver exceptional design solutions that exceed customer expectations. This is an exciting opportunity to shape our design vision and establish best practices that elevate our brand presence in the market.

**Essential Attributes:**

- Visionary mindset with the ability to inspire and motivate teams toward excellence
- Detail-oriented approach combined with strategic thinking capabilities
- Resilient and decisive decision-making skills under pressure
- Organized and efficient work style with strong time management abilities
- Empathetic and supportive leadership approach that values team input and diversity
- Transparent communication style with commitment to inclusive collaboration
- Flexible and adaptable approach to evolving project requirements and organizational needs
- Goal-oriented focus on delivering measurable results and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

Develop, evaluate, and implement comprehensive design strategies, plans, and criteria for a variety of projects and initiatives; Assess the feasibility, soundness, and innovation potential of proposed design concepts and solutions; Lead, mentor, and support a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages creative thinking; Oversee specialized design functions, including large-scale design projects, brand development, and design system implementations; Monitor and ensure compliance with design standards, quality benchmarks, and relevant regulations; Serve as a technical advisor and consultant on design-related matters, providing expert guidance to stakeholders and leadership; Evaluate design operations, activities, and team performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and optimization; Prepare detailed reports on design initiatives, project outcomes, and operational metrics, with actionable recommendations for enhancement; Manage design budgets and resources efficiently while maintaining the highest quality standards; Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product, marketing, and engineering to align design solutions with business objectives; Advise leadership and various stakeholders on design-related strategic matters and emerging industry trends; Customize design approaches to meet diverse customer needs while maintaining brand consistency and organizational vision

Requirements

15 years of professional design experience, with at least 8 years in a leadership or management capacity; Proven expertise in design management, team leadership, and project oversight; Advanced proficiency in design software and tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch, or equivalent); Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess design feasibility and impact; Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts to diverse audiences; Demonstrated experience in developing design strategies and establishing design standards; Project management capabilities with experience managing multiple concurrent initiatives; Proficiency in budget management and resource allocation; Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments; Experience in stakeholder management and advising senior leadership

Nice to have

Bachelor's degree in Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or related field; Experience with design thinking methodologies and user-centered design principles; Knowledge of design compliance, accessibility standards, and quality assurance processes; Experience working in a fast-paced, innovative organizational environment; Familiarity with design tools and platforms relevant to digital and print media; Experience mentoring and developing junior designers; Understanding of market trends and competitive design landscape analysis