Chief Design Officer – Development Company (PIF) Saudi Arabia
On behalf of our client; a pioneering entertainment developer, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The Management Recruitment Group, a world-renowned Real Estate Executive Search Firm, have been retained exclusively to appoint to the post of the Chief Design Officer.
Background
Our client is at the start of a 7-year programme with a multi-billion dollar portfolio of projects. This project consists of residential, leisure, hospitality and world-class destination and resort assets.
With some aspects of the projects started and others still requiring funding and business case preparation, this is a multi-faceted role requiring a full range of skills and capabilities.
Position Overview
As the Chief Design Officer, you will be entrusted with the critical responsibility of ensuring that every facet of the project reflects the overall essence of the Client’s brand and vision. You will lead a team of seasoned designers and collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure that all design elements align with the Client’s overarching narrative and brand identity from a development point of view. This role plays a crucial role in ensuring that real estate projects meet high standards of design quality, aesthetic appeal, functionality, and user experience. Their primary responsibility is to oversee the design aspects of real estate developments, ensuring that they align with the company’s brand identity, vision, and objectives.
Key Accountabilities
You will be responsible for:
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Development and Implementation of Design Strategies: Formulate comprehensive design strategies that reflect the company’s brand image and vision for each real estate project. These strategies should encompass architectural design, interior design, landscaping, signage, and other elements that contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality of the property.
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Ensuring Brand Alignment: Ensure that the design elements of each real estate project are consistent with the company’s brand guidelines and messaging. This includes maintaining brand continuity across multiple properties and ensuring that the design reflects the intended target market and positioning of the project.
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Overseeing Design Process: Manage the design process from concept to completion, overseeing the work of architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and other design professionals. Provide guidance and direction to ensure that design concepts are executed according to the company’s standards and objectives.
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Promoting Design Excellence: Advocate for design excellence within the organization and among project stakeholders. Champion innovative design solutions that enhance the overall quality and value of the real estate assets.
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Collaboration with Stakeholders: Collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders, including developers, investors, architects, contractors, and regulatory authorities, to ensure that design objectives are understood and achieved. Facilitate communication and coordination between different parties involved in the project.
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Review and Evaluation of Designs: Conduct regular reviews and evaluations of design proposals, plans, and documentation to ensure compliance with project requirements, budgetary constraints, and regulatory standards. Provide feedback and recommendations for improvements as needed.
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Management of Budget and Schedule: Work closely with project managers and finance teams to manage design budgets and schedules effectively. Ensure that design activities are completed on time and within budget, while maintaining high standards of quality.
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Industry Trends: Stay abreast of emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in real estate design and development. Incorporate relevant ideas and technologies into project designs to enhance their appeal and competitiveness in the market.
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Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all design activities comply with relevant building codes, zoning regulations, environmental requirements, and other legal standards. Liaise with regulatory authorities as necessary to obtain approvals and permits for design-related activities.
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Monitor and Address Design Risks: Identify potential design risks and challenges early in the project lifecycle. Develop strategies to mitigate risks and address issues proactively to prevent costly delays or disruptions.
Background, Skills, and Qualifications
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Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Design, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
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Minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in design leadership roles within the entertainment, hospitality, or theme park industry.
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Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering large-scale, high-profile projects, with a focus on design excellence and brand alignment.
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Extensive experience on both client-side and contractor roles, with a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and practices.
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Experience working for a top-tier Real Estate Developer or Real Estate organization.
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Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate multidisciplinary teams to achieve shared goals.
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Exceptional communication and negotiation abilities, with the capacity to articulate complex ideas and influence stakeholders at all levels.
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Proficiency in design software and tools, coupled with a thorough understanding of industry standards and regulations.
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Strategic thinker with a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation and continuous improvement
In return
In return, you will be able to have direct design oversight and responsibility for one of the world’s most exciting real estate projects. You will be offered a generous compensation package, which will include a guaranteed high basic, bonus, a sign-on bonus, and executive relocation.
What to do next?
Expressions of interest are welcome to be emailed to amy.hulley@mrgglobal.com – of the Management Recruitment Group. Applications should consist of a CV and a relevant project list.
Applications are open until the role is filled.