Sr. Delivery Design Director

Job Purpose The Senior Design Delivery Director is an executive leadership role responsible for directing and governing the end-to-end design delivery function across Retal Urban Development Company's portfolio of residential, mixed-use, hospitality, commercial, and master-planned development projects. The role ensures the successful planning, coordination, management, and delivery of all design activities from project inception through construction completion. The Senior Design Delivery Director leads multidisciplinary design teams, manages external consultants, establishes design governance frameworks, drives value optimization, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, and aligns design outcomes with Retal's strategic, financial, operational, and market objectives. The position serves as the key interface between executive management, development, project delivery, consultants, and key stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, cost-effectively, and to the highest standards of quality, innovation, sustainability, and customer value. Primary Duties & Responsibilities Design Delivery Leadership Lead and oversee the design delivery function across multiple large-scale developments and project portfolios. Establish and implement design delivery strategies, standards, governance frameworks, and best practices. Ensure design programs support project schedules, commercial objectives, and development strategies. Portfolio Management Direct the design execution of multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and business goals. Monitor overall portfolio performance, design progress, resource allocation, and risk exposure. Design Governance & Quality Assurance Establish design review and approval processes across all project stages. Ensure consistency, quality, innovation, functionality, constructability, and customer-focused outcomes. Chair executive design review committees and gateway approval processes. Strategic Design Management Guide project teams during concept design, schematic design, detailed design, tender documentation, and construction phases. Ensure design solutions align with market demands, customer expectations, operational requirements, and investment objectives. Consultant & Stakeholder Management Lead the selection, appointment, and performance management of architects, engineers, urban designers, and specialist consultants. Foster collaborative relationships with government authorities, utility providers, investors, strategic partners, and key stakeholders. Budget & Commercial Oversight Oversee design budgets and consultant contracts across the project portfolio. Ensure effective cost control and optimization throughout the design lifecycle. Monitor design-related expenditures and provide executive-level reporting. Value Engineering & Optimization Drive value engineering initiatives to achieve optimal balance between quality, functionality, cost, sustainability, and operational efficiency. Identify innovative solutions that improve project feasibility and financial performance. Design Risk Management Identify, assess, and mitigate design-related risks affecting cost, schedule, quality, approvals, and constructability. Ensure proactive resolution of design conflicts and project delivery challenges. Regulatory & Code Compliance Ensure full compliance with Saudi Building Code, municipal regulations, zoning requirements, planning guidelines, and relevant industry standards. Maintain effective relationships with regulatory authorities to facilitate timely approvals. Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate closely with Development, Project Delivery, Construction, Commercial, Procurement, Sales, Marketing, and Asset Management teams. Ensure seamless coordination between design development and project execution activities. Construction Design Support Provide executive oversight of design support during construction. Ensure timely resolution of design-related issues, technical queries, variations, and site challenges. Sustainability & Innovation Lead the integration of sustainability, smart technologies, ESG objectives, and innovative design practices across all developments. Promote environmentally responsible and future-ready development solutions. Organizational Leadership Build, lead, mentor, and develop high-performing design delivery teams. Establish talent development programs, succession planning initiatives, and performance management frameworks. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, excellence, and continuous improvement. Executive Reporting & Communication Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations, strategic reports, and project updates to senior leadership, board members, investors, and stakeholders. Communicate portfolio performance, key risks, opportunities, and strategic recommendations. Cultural & Market Alignment Ensure all developments reflect Saudi Arabian cultural values, regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and market trends. Support Retal's vision of delivering innovative and sustainable communities. Key Competencies Leadership & Strategy Executive Leadership Portfolio & Program Management Strategic Planning Organizational Development Stakeholder Engagement Change Management Technical & Delivery Design Delivery Management Architectural Design Leadership Multidisciplinary Coordination Design Governance Construction Administration Quality Assurance & Quality Control Design Risk Management Value Engineering Commercial & Financial Budget Management Cost Optimization Contract Management Consultant Management Commercial Awareness Financial Acumen Regulatory & Compliance Saudi Building Code Municipal Regulations Planning & Zoning Requirements Regulatory Approvals Management Communication Executive Presentation Skills Negotiation & Influencing Client Relationship Management Written & Verbal Communication Digital Tools AutoCAD Revit BIM Platforms SketchUp Navisworks Microsoft Project Primavera P6 Power BI (Preferred)

Desired Candidate Profile

Education Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, or a related discipline. Master's Degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred. Professional Experience Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in architectural design, design management, and project delivery. Minimum 8-10 years in senior leadership positions overseeing large-scale development projects and multidisciplinary design teams. Proven track record in delivering major residential, mixed-use, commercial, hospitality, or master-planned community projects. Extensive experience managing international and local design consultants. Certifications (Preferred) PMP (Project Management Professional) RIBA, AIA, or equivalent professional registration LEED AP, WELL AP, ESTIDAMA, or equivalent sustainability certification PMI-PgMP or other executive program management certifications Language Requirements Fluent in English (Written & Spoken). Arabic proficiency is highly preferred. Reporting Line Reports To: Chief Projects Delivery Officer (CPDO) Direct Reports Design Managers Senior Design Managers Design Delivery Managers BIM Managers Design Coordinators Specialist Technical Leads