General Manager – Architecture & Design (Principal Architect)

Job Title: General Manager – Architecture & Design (Principal Architect)

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking an accomplished General Manager – Architecture & Design to lead and drive the overall operations of a growing architecture and design consultancy. This leadership role requires an experienced architect with a strong business mindset who can oversee design excellence, project delivery, business development, client relationships, and team leadership.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience delivering hospitality, F&B, retail, commercial, and mixed-use projects, while successfully managing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring the highest standards of quality, innovation, and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall operations, strategic direction, and business performance of the Architecture & Design division.
• Develop and execute the company's business growth strategy, identifying new opportunities and expanding the client portfolio.
• Oversee the planning, design, coordination, and successful delivery of multiple architectural and interior design projects.
• Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with client expectations and quality standards.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams including Architects, Interior Designers, BIM Managers, BIM Architects, BIM Modelers, and Project Coordinators.
• Establish and maintain design standards, technical excellence, and best practices across all projects.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and key stakeholders.
• Participate in client presentations, project negotiations, and executive-level meetings.
• Review and approve concept designs, design development packages, construction documentation, and technical submissions.
• Monitor project profitability, resource planning, budgets, and overall business performance.
• Drive innovation by implementing new technologies, BIM methodologies, and sustainable design practices.
• Mentor and develop department leaders while fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, international design standards, health & safety requirements, and company policies.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture.
• Professional registration or architectural license is preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in Architecture & Design, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience leading architecture and design firms or large multidisciplinary design departments.
• Strong portfolio of hospitality, F&B, restaurants, cafés, retail, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
• Extensive knowledge of architectural design, interior design coordination, BIM workflows, and project management.
• Demonstrated success in business development, client acquisition, contract negotiations, and strategic planning.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing P&L, project budgets, and operational performance.
• Proficiency in industry-standard software including Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, BIM 360, and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working in the GCC, particularly Saudi Arabia, is highly preferred.

Key Competencies

• Executive Leadership
• Strategic Planning & Business Growth
• Architectural Design Excellence
• Retail & Hospitality Design
• F&B & Restaurant Development
• BIM Management & Digital Delivery
• Project & Portfolio Management
• Client Relationship Management
• Financial & Commercial Management
• Team Leadership & Talent Development
• Contract Negotiation
• Quality Assurance & Risk Management

What We Offer

• Competitive executive compensation package.
• Opportunity to lead a growing Architecture & Design organization.
• Exposure to prestigious hospitality, retail, F&B, and commercial developments.
• Collaborative, innovative, and high-performance work environment.
• Long-term career growth with opportunities to shape the future of the organization.

Ideal Candidate Background

Candidates with leadership experience from internationally recognized architecture and design consultancies are highly preferred, particularly those specializing in hospitality, F&B, retail, mixed-use, and commercial developments. Experience working with premium brands, multi-site rollout projects, and large-scale design programs will be a significant advantage.