Senior Design Manager - KSA

• About HIVE
  
  

HIVE is a real estate development and operations company redefining modern living through character-driven spaces and community-focused environments. Born from the need to offer people a more meaningful and flexible way to live, HIVE blends personal comfort with shared experiences. Our thoughtfully designed apartments and dynamic hubs cultivate curiosity, dialogue, and a sense of belonging – because life is richer when it’s shared.

As we expand our presence in Saudi Arabia, we are supporting the development of a new generation of build-to-rent and branded residential communities. As Operator, HIVE ensures that each project reflects our brand ethos, delivers on operational functionality, and creates spaces that people love to live in.

• Purpose of Role:
  
  

We are seeking a detail-oriented and design-conscious Design Manager to represent HIVE in our capacity as Operator. Based in Riyadh, this role will be responsible for reviewing and guiding the design of multiple residential projects to ensure alignment with HIVE’s brand standards, operational requirements, and user experience principles.

The Design Manager will work closely with the HIVE’s development partner, design consultants and internal stakeholders to champion the quality, functionality and identity of each HIVE-operated asset from concept to completion.

• Key Role Responsibilities:
• Act as HIVE’s representative on all design-related matters across multiple development projects
• Review and provide feedback on all design submissions (architecture, interiors, landscape, and engineering) to ensure alignment with HIVE’s operational, brand, and user experience standards
• Coordinate with the development team and external consultants to embed operational workflows and spatial efficiencies into the design
• Participate in design workshops, value engineering sessions, and authority coordination meetings as the Operator’s representative
• Support the development of project-specific Design Briefs and Operator Requirements at early stages
• Ensure functionality of shared amenities, unit layouts, back-of-house spaces, and service routes in line with HIVE’s operational model
• Collaborate with HIVE’s Operations, Marketing, and Brand teams to ensure the guest/resident journey is thoughtfully planned and executed
• Monitor design development timelines to ensure key decisions are made in a timely manner without impacting project delivery
• Support post-design activities including mock-up reviews, site inspections, and fit-out coordination from a design and brand compliance perspective
• Assist with updating and putting in place key design workflow documents such as project controls, checklists and design standards.
• Ideal Candidate Profile:
• Minimum 6–8 years of experience in architecture, interior design, or design management
• Prior experience working with operators or brands on hospitality or residential projects is highly desirable
• Strong understanding of spatial planning, lifestyle amenities, and community-centric residential design
• Proven ability to manage design consultants and align stakeholders around design vision and functionality
• Familiarity with Saudi authority processes and design regulations is a plus
• Passionate about elevating the residential experience through thoughtful design and attention to detail
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence developers, consultants, and project teams
• Qualifications
• Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field
• PMP, LEED, or equivalent professional certifications are a plus
• Start Date
• Immediate or as soon as available