Design Manager

Role Summary

The Stadium Design Manager is responsible for leading the design and engineering of the national stadium within the Integrated Sports City. This role ensures all designs comply with international standards, safety codes, and sports federation requirements. The position requires strong knowledge of structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, extensive project management experience, and advanced use of BIM tools. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is central to delivering a high-quality, innovative, and sustainable stadium design.

Key Responsibilities

1-     Leading Design

• Oversee the development of stadium designs, including structural, mechanical, and electrical components.
• Champion innovative, sustainable, and functional design solutions tailored to the unique needs of high-capacity public venues.
• Ensure stadium designs optimize spectator experience, operational efficiency, and lifecycle performance.

2-     Compliance

• Ensure designs meet relevant building codes, safety regulations, accessibility standards, and industry best practices as well as governing sports requirements (e.g., FIFA).
• Interpret and apply best practices and evolving trends in stadium design and construction.

3-     Project Management

• Manage the design lifecycle from concept through construction documentation, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the required quality.
• Coordinate across all design disciplines and with external parties including architects, specialist consultants, contractors, and clients.
• Track deliverables, manage design risk, and lead regular design coordination meetings.
• Provide targeted training and lead knowledge-sharing sessions for the project team to enhance technical capabilities, ensure design alignment, and promote continuous learning.

4-     Technical Expertise

• Provide expert technical direction to multidisciplinary teams, ensuring high-quality engineering output and resolution of complex technical challenges.
• Conduct and review engineering analyses, calculations, and detailed specifications.
• Review engineering drawings, calculations, and specifications.
• Liaise and support with ministry stakeholders to address requests and integrate feedback into design and execution phases.

5-     BIM Implementation

• Oversee the development and coordination of BIM models across disciplines to support design integration and digital delivery.
• Facilitate clash detection and resolution to enhance constructability and reduce risk.
• Promote BIM standards and workflows in alignment with project requirements.

6-     Construction Support

• Participate in construction site inspections to monitor progress and validate compliance with the design intent.
• Provide prompt responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) and resolve design-related issues that arise during execution.
• Work closely with the construction team to adapt designs as needed without compromising performance or safety.

7-     Cost Management

• Evaluate cost implications of design decisions and support the development of cost-effective solutions.
• Collaborate with quantity surveyors and cost consultants to control budget and implement value engineering opportunities without affecting quality or performance.

8-     Risk Management

• Lead design-related risk assessments (e.g., HAZOP, DSEAR) and proactively identify design and construction risks.
• Develop and implement mitigation strategies to address technical, commercial, and operational risks during the design phase.

9-     Innovation and Sustainability:

• Promote innovative design solutions that enhance the functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability of the stadium.
• Integrate sustainable design principles and technologies into the project, aiming for certifications such as LEED or similar.

10-  Collaboration and Integration:

• Ensure the stadium design is integrated with the overall sports city master plan, coordinating with other project managers and design teams.
• Facilitate seamless connectivity between the stadium and other sports city components, enhancing the overall user experience.

11- Client Representation and Knowledge Transfer

• Supporting the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MCSY) in their projects as the client's representative, and contributing to any maintenance plans whenever required. In addition, the position requires active knowledge sharing with project staff and teams, with a particular emphasis on mentoring and developing Omani professionals to ensure sustainable capability building.

Required Skills and Experience:

The Senior Design Engineer – Stadium is required to possess the following credentials as a minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Mechanical or Structural engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is an added advantage.
• 10+ years of experience in managing civil/structural, infrastructure and building related projects with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role on large-scale projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong technical background in the field on civil engineering and/or architecture.
• Ability to lead technical reviews of major projects and to influence stakeholders at senior level.
• Experience is preferred in relation to technical mixed-use construction and associated works delivery for a range of projects. A knowledge of real-estate construction, latest technology systems and construction experience for stadiums and infrastructure is advantageous.
• Proficiency in technical design reviews, constructability assessments, and interdisciplinary coordination.
• Proficient in the use of MS software tools and other such computer software and programmes to oversee the delivery of the development and to provide the necessary management reporting.
• Proficiency in technical software such as Navisworks, AutoCAD, STAAD Pro, ETABS, or other similar engineering and design tools is considered advantageous."
• Excellent inter-personal and presentation skills, combined with the ability to work with all levels of an organisation including senior management, project committees and other external/internal stakeholders.

Additional Desirable Skills:

• BIM Expertise: Proficient in BIM processes and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Cost Management: Understanding of design-related cost drivers and budgeting principles.
• Risk Management: Experience in identifying and mitigating design risks.
• Commissioning Knowledge: Familiarity with system commissioning and handover processes.
• Contractual & Commercial Awareness: Understanding of design deliverables under FIDIC contracts, EPC contracts & Design & Build setups.
• Commissioning and Handover Knowledge:
  Understanding of system commissioning procedures and design responsibilities related to the handover process. Ability to coordinate with commissioning teams to ensure successful transition from design to operational readiness.