Senior Design Manager

Job description / Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead the full design and coordination process for large-scale Data Centre Design & Build projects in Saudi Arabia. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical foundation, excellent leadership skills, and a proven track record in managing multidisciplinary design teams from concept to completion within complex, fast-track environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the overall design process for Data Centre projects, ensuring alignment with client requirements, project scope, and technical specifications.
• Oversee all design stages—concept, schematic, detailed design, and construction documentation—for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP disciplines.
• Coordinate between internal design teams, consultants, and contractors to ensure seamless integration across all design disciplines.
• Ensure design compliance with local codes, regulations, and international standards applicable to Data Centre facilities.
• Manage value engineering and design optimization initiatives to achieve technical excellence and cost efficiency.
• Review and approve design submissions, technical reports, and shop drawings.
• Drive design-related meetings, workshops, and design reviews with clients and stakeholders.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to the design team throughout the project lifecycle.
• Work closely with construction and procurement teams to support the full design and build delivery model.
• Manage design risks, change control, and ensure adherence to project schedules and budgets.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil, Architecture, or Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Saudi Arabia (ideally Dammam).
• Proven experience in Data Centre Design & Build projects within KSA.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-disciplinary design teams and coordinate full project scopes.
• Strong understanding of civil, structural, and MEP systems relevant to Data Centres.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and client management skills.
• Familiarity with Saudi building codes, design standards, and permitting processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with Tier 1 contractors or leading design consultancies.
• Proficiency in design management tools and collaboration platforms (e.g., BIM, Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities.

Salary:
SAR 40,000 to 55,000 per month inclusive of fixed allowances.

About the Company

Founded by Aaron Fletcher and Tony Piccolo, FPA is a prominent recruitment and HR consulting firm operating in the Middle East and the UK. With an impressive professional background of over 22 years, both founders have established themselves as reliable partners for top-tier talent acquisition in the industry.

Our firm's skilled team provides a wide range of specialized services, including executive search, specialist recruitment, and industry salary benchmarking, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.

We take a comprehensive approach to ensure that we find the right talent to drive businesses forward. At FPA, we are committed to excellence and leverage our industry expertise to navigate the competitive landscapes of the Construction and Real Estate markets. This dedication to our clients makes us the preferred partner for businesses seeking success in these industries.