Director - Design and Engineering (CDU 11) 20004443

Overview

The Director, Design & Engineering leads the development and implementation of design and engineering strategies, plans, systems and processes for infrastructure, the built environment and related assets across Qiddiya's Transport Business Unit (TBU) portfolio of projects. This strategic leadership role involves directing and overseeing multi-disciplinary project design & engineering teams, ensuring technical excellence and aligning all design outputs with Qiddiya's vision, TBU's objectives and regulatory and standards frameworks. The post holder works closely with TBU functions and project teams and QIC Districts to ensure alignment with broader QIC and TBU safety goals, objectives and internal and external stakeholder expectations. The role ensures that TBU portfolio design and engineering requirements are clearly defined and fully integrated into the planning, design and execution of all projects within TBU to reflect industry best practice and ensure compliance with third-party authorizing agency requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Define and implement TBU design & engineering strategies and plans across all engineering disciplines : civil (inc. track, tunnels etc.), structural, facilities and buildings (e.g. depot, station etc.), MEP and specialist disciplines (e.g. rolling stock and control and command systems etc.) ensuring alignment with Qiddiya's masterplan, sustainability targets and smart city integration

Develop and implement the strategy and supporting processes required to ensure TBU meets its statutory obligations for securing all necessary design & engineering authorizations across the TBU portfolio in a timely and efficient manner, supporting designated project supply chain partners as required

Act as a role model for TBU leadership behaviours, in line with Qiddiya values and safety culture, leading by example as a positive and engaging presence within the TBU team

Define design & engineering team competency requirements and ensure provision of suitable and sufficient design & engineering resource capability and capacity across TBU projects, supporting recruitment, engagement and assessment as appropriate

Identify and develop TBU's design & engineering requirements, targets and deliverables from concept through to IFC (Issued for Construction) through the provision of appropriate technical standards, specification, codes etc., for action by TBU Projects / Design Consultants and Design & Build Contractors

Develop the TBU's project lifecycle design review process including provision for independent technical assurance and approval through the Client's Engineer and supply-chain Independent Competent Persons (ICPs) in accordance with local regulations and industry best practice

Ensure design & engineering milestones, recommendations, analysis and any other required information for leadership is integrated into TBU project's stage gate activities

Ensure TBU-specific design & engineering requirements are communicated to and shared with TBU project teams, relevant QIC Corporate Departments and other BUs and Districts for robust cross-BU alignment and compliant project delivery

Support effective management of TBU project technical interfaces and resolution of inter-project and cross-functional conflicts as required

Develop and enhance TBU leadership and project teams' knowledge of external design & engineering standards, codes and best practice to ensure adoption of best-in-class performance and timely project delivery

Motivate and inspire a high-performance safety and technical compliance culture through clear direction, feedback, recognition, and collaboration across TBU, QIC and the supply chain

Identify and mitigate critical engineering & design risks using appropriate safety risk tools and conduct workshops as required

Participate in national and industry events to stay abreast of sector best practice and latest trends

Ensure design & engineering requirements, specifications, clauses etc. are included in project tender and documentation, and participate in market engagement, tender preparation and evaluation as required

Contribute to knowledge sharing, lessons learned, innovation and continuous improvement; provide mentoring to support career development (e.g. Chartered Engineer status)

Ensure all contracted responsibilities are discharged in accordance with QIC's business and regulatory requirements

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering or similar relevant discipline (Master's preferred)

20+ years of experience in infrastructure design, with five+ years in a senior leadership role in a major project environment

Chartered Engineer (CEng, PE) or equivalent professional registration (IMechE, IRSE, IET, ICE, etc.)

Transport sector and KSA / regional experience preferred : familiarity with Transport General Authority (TGA) railway guidance, relevant international standards, Saudi building codes and GCC infrastructure standards

Proven track record in delivering major land transport projects

Strong understanding of smart city frameworks and sustainable design principles

Experience with BIM, GIS, and digital twin technologies

Excellent written and verbal communication in English across diverse audiences

Demonstrated leadership to set goals, motivate teams and deliver results

Ability to provide strategic oversight and manage workloads effectively under deadlines

Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills

Ability to lead cross-department collaboration and integration

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Location

Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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