Senior Manager - Design Management (Sports Assets) (SPA303)

The Senior Manager - Technical Design Management will lead and oversee the technical design development of major sports infrastructure assets including stadiums, multipurpose arenas, elite performance centres, training facilities, and associated sports-related developments.The role acts as the technical authority throughout the design lifecycle, ensuring all sports assets achieve the highest standards of architectural, engineering, operational and sporting excellence while meeting project objectives relating to quality, programme, cost, sustainability and future operational performance.Working closely with Development, Delivery, Asset Management, specialist sports consultants, governing bodies and Lead Design Consultants (LDCs), the role will ensure that designs are fully coordinated, compliant with international sports standards, and capable of delivering world-class athlete and spectator experiences.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Design LeadershipLead multidisciplinary technical design management activities across stadiums, arenas, training facilities and sports complexesProvide technical oversight of architectural, structural, civil, MEP, sports systems and specialist consultant deliverablesEnsure design solutions align with project objectives, operational requirements, asset strategies and business case expectationsAct as the primary technical interface between development teams, consultants, contractors and operatorsDrive design excellence across all project stages from concept through detailed design and construction supportDesign Management & CoordinationManage and coordinate Lead Design Consultants and specialist designers throughout the project lifecycleChair and lead technical design workshops, design reviews and coordination meetingsEnsure integration between architecture, structure, MEP, technology, security, crowd management, sports operations and venue-specific systemsMonitor consultant performance against contractual obligations, deliverables and programme milestonesEstablish clear design governance processes and reporting mechanismsSports Venue ExpertiseEnsure designs comply with requirements of FIFA, AFC, IOC, FIBA, World Athletics and other relevant international sports federationsReview venue planning, spectator circulation, hospitality, player facilities, broadcast requirements and operational infrastructureSupport the development of design briefs and technical requirements for sports assetsProvide subject matter expertise relating to sports venue planning, operations and major event readinessReview and challenge design proposals to maximise functionality, operational efficiency and fan experienceTechnical Review & AssuranceLead technical reviews of design submissions, drawings, reports, BIM models and specificationsEnsure designs meet all relevant codes, regulations, accessibility requirements and life-safety standardsImplement quality assurance processes to maintain consistency and compliance throughout design developmentIdentify design risks and coordinate mitigation strategiesReview value engineering proposals without compromising operational functionality or design intentStakeholder ManagementCollaborate with Development, Delivery, Commercial, Asset Management and Operations teamsEngage with governing bodies, operators, end users and specialist sports consultantsPresent technical recommendations and project updates to senior leadership and executive stakeholdersSupport alignment between project objectives and long-term operational requirementsConstruction & Delivery SupportProvide technical support during procurement, tender evaluation and contractor appointment processesReview contractor design submissions during Design & Build stages where applicableSupport site teams with technical issue resolution and design clarificationsParticipate in inspections, testing, commissioning and handover activitiesRequirementsEducationBachelor's Degree in ArchitectureChartered or professionally accredited status preferred (RIBA, ARB, ICE, IStructE, PMI, CIOB or equivalent)ExperienceAt least 10+ years of relevant experienceExperience delivering large-scale sports and entertainment venuesProven track record working on stadiums, arenas, elite training centres, sports complexes or major public assembly buildingsExperience within both client-side and PMC or Tier-1 conrtractorsExperience managing international design teams and multidisciplinary consultantsMajor Project experience in the Middle East is highly desirableExposure to FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games, AFC, Formula 1 or equivalent major sporting infrastructure programmes would be advantageous