Director - Design Procurement Support

Role Overview

• Senior leadership role within Design Excellence, part of CDU.
• Provides strategic, hands-on support to Business Units for consultant engagement.
• Acts as a key enabler for world-class design consultants across all disciplines.

Core Responsibilities

• Drive procurement support, governance, and standardized processes for consultant engagement.
• Lead development of consultant database, templates, and guidelines.
• Ensure consistent, value-driven engagement across all project types and scales.

Candidate Profile

• Subject Matter Expert (SME) in design and development across multiple sectors.
• Proven experience in KSA or GCC giga-projects.

• Strong ability to collaborate and influence within a complex organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement detartments frameworks and tools for consultant engagement.
• Act as liaison between Business Units, Central Procurement, and consultants.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation in consultant management.

Data & Performance Management:

• Maintain a centralized consultant directory with performance metrics.
• Ensure data accuracy and accessibility for informed decisions.
• Create dashboards and reports for performance tracking.

Standardization:

• Develop templates, guidelines, and procedures (e.g., Design Brief, Selection Guideline).
• Ensure compliance with design standards and procurement policies.
• Monitor adoption and provide feedback for improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with Business Units to align consultant capabilities with project needs.
• Build strategic relationships with global consultants and industry leaders.
• Represent DPS in internal and external forums to promote best practices.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Urban Design, Project Management, or related design field (supported by relevant experience).
• Property Development qualifications or certifications are an advantage.
• Professional registration with an internationally recognized body preferred.

Skills:

Design & Development Expertise:

• Broad experience across the full project lifecycle, identifying improvement opportunities and implementing new processes.
• Strong familiarity with design management procedures, manuals, and guidelines from large-scale regional projects.
• Deep understanding of consultant engagement strategies and procurement processes.

Strategic & Technical Competence:

• Proven ability to solve complex problems using innovative and lateral thinking
• Knowledge of KSA regulatory environment, governing agencies, and codes across multiple design typologies.
• Experience in tracking project progress, ensuring alignment with vision, KPIs, and quality standards.

Leadership & Communication:

• Committed to excellence and efficiency, streamlining processes for quality outcomes.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and time management skills, with strong communication ability.
• Confident in stakeholder engagement at all organizational levels; fluent in English (Arabic is an advantage).

Technology & Tools:

• Proficient in MS Office suite., with advanced Excel and Power BI preferred.
• Skilled in digital collaboration platforms and data-driven reporting tools.
• Comfortable leveraging technology for process optimization and decision-making.

Behavioral Attributes:

• Proactive and solution-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership.
• Ability to lead in complex, matrixed organizations, fostering a culture of empowerment and knowledge sharing.
• Resilient under pressure, capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively

Years of Experience:

• 18+ years of relevant experience in project coordination and governance, preferably within large-scale projects and/or multidisciplinary environments.
• Experience in the Middle East is essential.
• Previous client-side experience in real estate or property development is a distinct advantage.