Director - Design and Engineering (CDU 11) 20004443

The Director, Design & Engineering, leads the development and implementation of design and engineering strategies, plans, systems and processes for infrastructure, the built environment and related assets (e.g. rolling stock etc.) across Qiddiya's Transport Business Unit (TBU) portfolio of projects.

This strategic leadership role involves directing and overseeing multi-disciplinary project design & engineering teams, ensuring technical excellence and aligning all design outputs with Qiddiya's vision, TBU's objectives and regulatory and standards frameworks.

The post holder works closely with TBU functions and project teams and QIC Districts to ensure alignment with broader QIC and TBU safety goals, objectives and internal and external stakeholder expectations.

The role ensures that TBU portfolio design and engineering requirements (e.g. meeting statutory obligations, complying with industry standards and codes, adopting international best practice etc.) are clearly defined and fully integrated into the planning, design and execution of all projects within TBU

to reflect industry best practice and ensure compliance with third-party authorizing agency requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement TBU design & engineering strategies and plans across all engineering disciplines: civil (inc. track, tunnels etc.), structural, facilities and buildings (e.g. depot, station etc.), MEP and specialist disciplines (e.g. rolling stock and control and command systems etc.) ensuring alignment with Qiddiya's masterplan, sustainability targets and smart city integration
• Develop and implement the strategy and supporting processes required to ensure TBU meets its statutory obligations for securing all necessary design & engineering authorizations (e.g. Transport General Authority (TGA) approvals, Civil Defense occupancy certificates etc.) across the TBU portfolio in a timely and efficient manner, supporting designated project supply chain partners as required
• Act a role model for TBU leadership behaviors, in line with Qiddiya values and "Safety First" culture, leading by example as a positive and engaging presence within the TBU team
• Define design & engineering team competency requirements and ensure provision of suitable and sufficient design & engineering resource capability and capacity across TBU projects, supporting recruitment, engagement and assessment etc. as appropriate
• Identify and develop TBU's design & engineering requirements, targets and deliverables from concept through to IFC (Issued for Construction) through the provision of appropriate technical standards, specification, codes etc., for action by TBU Projects / Design Consultants and Design & Build Contractors
• Develop the TBU's project lifecycle design review process including provision for independent technical assurance and approval through the Client's Engineer and supply-chain Independent Competent Persons (ICPs) in accordance with local regulations (KSA Building Codes, TGA Safe Design and Construction railway guidance etc.) and industry best practice (e.g. e, EN50126).
• Ensure design & engineering milestones, recommendations, analysis and any other required information for leadership is effectively integrated into TBU project's stage gate activities.
• Ensure TBU-specific design & engineering requirements are effectively communicated to, and shared with TBU project teams, relevant QIC Corporate Departments (e.g. Fire & Life Safety etc.) and other relevant BUs and Districts to ensure robust cross-BU alignment and efficient and compliant project delivery
• Support effective management of TBU project technical interfaces and support resolution of inter-project and cross-functional conflict issues (e.g. system integration, configuration management) as required
• Develop and enhance as required TBU leadership and projects teams' knowledge and understanding of external design & engineering industry standards, codes and best practice etc. to ensure adoption of ‘best in class' performance and effective and support timely project delivery and legal compliance.
• Motivate and inspire a high-performance safety and technical compliance culture through clear direction, providing continuous feedback, recognizing and rewarding exceptional performance and fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and accountability across TBU and QIC and throughout the supply-chain
• Identify and mitigate critical engineering & design related risks through the application of appropriate safety risk tools and techniques (e.g. HAZOPs, FMEAs etc.) and conduct workshops as required
• Participate and contribute to national and industry-specific events, conferences and thought-leadership to ensure full immersion in sector best practice, keeping abreast of the latest trends and technologies.
• Ensure design & engineering requirements, specifications, clauses etc. are developed for inclusion in project-specific contract tender and other documentation etc., and participate in market engagement, tender preparation and evaluation exercises as required
• Establish opportunities to contribute to design & engineering knowledge sharing, lessons learned working towards a culture of innovation and continuous improvement and provide mentoring and support for new and young employees to broaden their skills and develop career pathways (e.g. to Chartered Engineer status)
• Ensure all aspects of those contracts for which they are responsible are effectively discharged in accordance with QIC's business and regulatory requirements
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering or similar relevant discipline (Master's preferred)
• 20+ years of experience in infrastructure design, with five+ years in a senior leadership role in a major project environment
• Chartered Engineer (CEng, PE) or equivalent relevant professional registration (IMechE, IRSE, IET, ICE, etc.)
• Transport sector and KSA/regional experience preferred: familiarity with Transport General Authority (TGA) railway guidance, relevant international industry and functional standards (e.g. EN50126, NFPA 130 etc.), Saudi building codes and GCC infrastructure standards
• Proven track record in delivering major land transport projects
• Strong understanding of smart city frameworks and sustainable design principles
• Experience with BIM, GIS, and digital twin technologies
• Leverage exceptional written and verbal skills in English to effectively articulate ideas, strategies, and project performance to a range of audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership skills to set clear goals, motivate teams and deliver results
• Ability to provide strategic oversight and guidance in managing and prioritizing workloads, deadline-driven and ability to optimize workload.
• Expert ability to negotiate and influence effectively with internal teams and external agencies etc
• Lead team collaboration and cross department integration collaboratively in a team environment and across multiple departments.