Senior Manager - Landscape Design (DEL2)

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Design Manager - Landscape & Public Realm to play a key role in shaping and delivering world-class landscape and public realm environments across Qiddiya's diverse portfolio of entertainment, leisure, cultural and mixed-use developments.The successful candidate will combine exceptional design leadership, technical expertise and project delivery experience, with a proven ability to manage complex multidisciplinary projects from concept through to construction and operational readiness. Working on the client side, the role requires a strategic and collaborative senior manager who can champion design excellence while ensuring projects are delivered safely, sustainably, efficiently and in alignment with Qiddiya's vision, values and development objectives.The role requires extensive experience in large-scale destination developments, including land development and land servicing infrastructure, together with a strong understanding of landscape architecture, public realm design, project governance and consultant management. Experience within the Middle East and familiarity with Saudi Arabian regulations, standards and sustainability requirements are highly desirable.The Senior Design Manager will act as a key interface between internal stakeholders, external consultants and project delivery teams, ensuring that landscape and public realm solutions create memorable guest experiences, support long-term environmental resilience, and contribute positively to Qiddiya's ambition to become a global benchmark for destination development.RequirementsReporting to the Director of Landscape & Public Realm, the Senior Design Manager will:Design Management & Technical ExcellenceLead and manage landscape and public realm design activities across multiple projects, ensuring alignment with Qiddiya's vision, development objectives and approved masterplansChampion design excellence, innovation and creativity in the development of high-quality public realms and immersive guest experiencesEnsure design solutions are functional, sustainable, cost-effective and operationally appropriate while enhancing destination identity and placemaking objectivesOversee the review, coordination and acceptance of technical design deliverables including drawings, specifications, calculations, reports and BIM outputsGovernance & Consultant ManagementSupport procurement and appointment processes for external consultants, including technical reviews, commercial evaluations, tender assessments and appointment recommendationsManage external landscape and public realm consultants, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, programme requirements and quality expectationsDrive accountability and performance across consultant teams through proactive monitoring, coordination and issue resolutionContribute to governance reviews, stage gate processes and executive reporting requirementsProject Delivery & PerformanceOversee planning, delivery and implementation of landscape and public realm projects throughout the full project lifecycleUndertake technical design reviews of landscape and public realm design packages including associated disciplines of Lighting, Signage and WayfindingDevelop and implement project execution strategies to ensure successful delivery against approved scope, programme, budget and quality objectivesMonitor progress, identify risks and opportunities, and implement mitigation measures to maintain project momentumEnsure critical deliverables and milestones are achieved in accordance with project schedules and business objectivesFacilitate effective coordination between landscape, architecture, infrastructure, utility, transportation and engineering disciplinesCompliance, Sustainability & StewardshipEnsure compliance with Saudi Arabian regulations, authority requirements, environmental standards and project-specific design criteriaSafeguard the integrity of the approved Master Plans, Design Guidelines and Development Control requirementsPromote sustainable landscape design principles, water-sensitive urban design, climate-responsive solutions and responsible resource managementSupport the integration of native and adaptive planting strategies, biodiversity enhancement and long-term landscape resilienceEnsure appropriate design risk management processes are undertaken, including the identification, review and transfer of residual risks to delivery teamsHealth, Safety & CultureChampion Qiddiya's commitment to Health, Safety and Wellbeing through proactive management and compliance with all applicable safety protocolsFoster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement and technical excellenceMentor junior team members and contribute to the development of internal capability and knowledge sharingBuild and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, consultants and delivery partners to support successful project outcomesRequired Skills & ExperienceTechnical ExpertiseExtensive experience in large-scale landscape and public realm projects, particularly within mixed-use, entertainment, leisure or destination developments in alignment and compliance to approved master plansStrong knowledge of landscape architecture, public realm design and placemaking principles across a diverse portfolio of project typesProven experience in design matters related to wadi corridors, hydrology and climate-responsive landscape designAdvanced understanding of hardscape and softscape design, detailing and construction methodologies, including high-end podium public realmComprehensive knowledge of Arabian planting palettes, including native and adaptive speciesSolid understanding of irrigation systems, water conservation strategies and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)Experience coordinating with civil, structural, utilities, transport and MEP disciplines within complex project environmentsFamiliarity with sustainability frameworks, environmental best practices and certification systems such as LEED, Mostadam or equivalentProven experience working Client side, in a fast passed development environmentDesign, Commercial & Management SkillsDemonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary design teams and external consultantsStrong project and design management, commercial awareness and programme management capabilitiesExcellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skillsAbility to balance design aspirations with operational, technical and commercial considerationsStrategic mindset with the ability to identify opportunities that enhance project value and guest experienceCommunication & ManagementExcellent stakeholder management and communication skillsConfident presenter with experience engaging peers, executive leadership and external partnersStrong report writing and technical review capabilitiesFluent in English, both verbal and writtenCollaborative management style with the ability to influence, motivate and support the development of high-performing teamsResilient and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving project environmentDigital & Technical ToolsAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPointProficient in AutoCADStrong working knowledge of Revit and BIM workflowsExperience with Adobe Creative Suite (including InDesign and Photoshop) desirableWorking knowledge and experience with digital design management, collaboration platforms including Aconex and ACC together with emerging design management technologiesAlignment with Qiddiya Values and ObjectivesThe Senior Design Manager will be expected to:Deliver Extraordinary Experiences through innovative and memorable landscape and public realm environmentsAct as a Steward of Place by creating sustainable, resilient and environmentally responsible landscapesDrive Excellence through rigorous technical review, governance and quality assuranceChampion Collaboration across disciplines, stakeholders and partnersLead with Accountability by ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with approved objectivesEmbrace Innovation through the adoption of best practice, smart technologies and forward-thinking design solutions that support Qiddiya's long-term visionQualifications Degree- BA(Hons) or Masters in Landscape Architecture or directly related discipline such as Urban Design/ Urban Planning Chartered Landscape Architect or equivalent internationally recognised professional including- LI- Landscape Institute (UK) AILA- Australian Institute of Landscape Architects ASLA- American Society of Landscape Architects