Director - Design Governance

About the Role

The Director of Design Governance is a key leadership role within the Design Excellence vertical under the Central Development Unit (CDU). CDU functions as a center of excellence, promoting consistency across complex projects by implementing standards, tools, and processes aligned with best practices. This role ensures that projects reflect Qiddiya's unique identity through standardized design quality benchmarks.

The Design Governance team holds responsibility for establishing governance and compliance frameworks, monitoring design deliverables approved by the Board, managing a centralized repository of approved design assets, and conducting regular audits to maintain design integrity and quality.

The successful candidate will be a global expert in building typologies and urban design, leading a dynamic team that integrates design, project management, and governance. They will embed standards and resolve compliance challenges to ensure timely and compliant project delivery that aligns with quality and Qiddiya’s vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Support CDU’s design management target operating model (TOM) mandates to align with Qiddiya Investment Company's (QIC) vision and strategies.
• Facilitate organizational integration of design intent with project delivery outputs.
• Bridge Strategic Design Support and Design Governance functions by defining, implementing, and refining frameworks.
• Map project delivery workflows across different delivery models.
• Lead the creation and enforcement of robust design stage-gate frameworks and governance tools.
• Collaborate with Design Procurement Support to align design consultancy selection and management guidelines.
• Operate within CDU’s Design Excellence TOM to support Business Units' delivery.
• Drive the Integrated Design Management Program (IDMP) to fulfill strategic design governance objectives approved for 2026.
• Develop and evolve governance and consultancy management frameworks across QIC’s portfolio ensuring consistent adoption.
• Guide the quarterly publication of the Integrated Design Management Manual (IDMM), maintaining digital and physical copies of procedures.
• Assist in preparing RFP packages aligned with procurement strategies for multidisciplinary consultancy services.
• Lead creation and deployment of baseline specifications adhering to best practices, sustainability, codes, and local/international standards.
• Oversee the compilation of Employer Information Packages to provide consistent design directives to consultants.
• Identify standardization opportunities through prototypes and repeatable designs for best practice guidelines.
• Foster continuous improvement through data-driven analysis and collaboration with Design Excellence functions.
• Promote organizational development by leading awareness, training, mentoring, and knowledge sharing initiatives.
• Establish and implement an Integrated Design Management Excellence training program.
• Build and maintain a centralized repository for QIC-wide Computer Generated Imagery (CGI).
• Interface with BIM, Digital Delivery, and Virtual City teams to enhance Stage Gate Review tools.

Expected Outcomes

• On-time achievement of Design Excellence mandates for 2026-2030 programs.
• Successful adoption of integrated design governance programs aligned with strategic priorities.
• Consistent framework implementation with measurable adoption and continuous refinement.
• Improved design quality, predictability, and efficiency across all mandates.
• Reduction of rework and late-stage design changes, enhancing value and delivery efficiency.
• Strengthened governance clarity through structured reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Efficiency gains via standardization, prototyping, and optimized repeatable design features.

Core Values

Safety

• Prioritize team wellbeing and address challenges proactively.
• Take responsibility for and correct unsafe behaviors.
• Commit to continuous improvement through learning and accountability.

Integrity

• Communicate honestly and fulfill commitments.
• Respect others’ rights, dignity, and professional standards.

Innovation

• Encourage creativity with an open, agile mindset.
• Continuously seek learning and performance improvement.

Collaboration

• Engage openly and transparently with stakeholders, resolving issues collaboratively.
• Celebrate team successes and foster constructive communication.

Inclusion

• Respect cultural diversity and different perspectives.
• Build equitable teams and promote fairness and respect.

Quality

• Ask thoughtful questions tailored to audience needs.
• Maintain uncompromising quality standards and share knowledge as a team.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree in architecture, interior design, urban design, project management, or related design fields, supported by relevant professional experience.
• Professional registration with an internationally recognized discipline authority is advantageous.
• At least 20 years of applicable experience in design, engineering, and governance within major developments.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience working in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
• Proven success managing large-scale, complex, and high-value developments or giga-projects.
• Expertise in integrating design, procurement, and project delivery across complex programs.
• Track record in establishing and applying governance frameworks, policies, and procedures at portfolio level.
• Strong ability to manage executive leaders, project teams, consultants, and contractors.
• Excellent communication, commercial insight, professional judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with Saudi Arabia’s regulatory environment, governing agencies, and relevant codes.
• Experience fostering a culture of empowerment and knowledge sharing.
• Proven leadership within complex, matrix organizations and ability to handle pressure and multiple deadlines.

Additional Information

The role comes with a comprehensive benefits package. Applications will close on June 6, 2026.