Design Manager – Sports Adventure

AtkinsRéalis

Design Manager overseeing design activities for sports and leisure facilities at AtkinsRéalis. Coordinating teams and ensuring compliance with international sports design standards in project management.

Posted 6/23/2026full-timeRiyadh • 🇸🇦 Saudi ArabiaSeniorLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and manage design activities for sports facilities from concept through detailed design and construction stages
Coordinate multidisciplinary teams (architecture, structure, MEP, sports specialists, venue planners, and consultants)
Review and validate design deliverables to ensure compliance with project requirements, international standards, and best practices
Establish and monitor the design programme aligned with overall project milestones
Lead design reviews, workshops, and coordination meetings
Provide expert input on sports facility planning and design
Ensure compliance with international sports standards (e.g., FIFA, IOC, World Athletics, etc.)
Review field/court layouts, spectator sightlines, circulation, and operational functionality
Ensure integration of athlete facilities, media zones, VIP areas, and back-of-house operations
Validate materials, surfaces, lighting, acoustics, and equipment specifications
Promote sustainable and legacy-driven sports design solutions
Act as the key interface between client, operators, sports consultants, and design teams
Coordinate with governing bodies and authorities to secure approvals and certifications
Facilitate stakeholder alignment on operational and functional requirements
Participate in client presentations and technical decision-making forums
Monitor design progress against budget and schedule
Assess impact of design changes on project cost, programme, and functionality
Support value engineering initiatives specific to sports infrastructure
Identify and mitigate risks related to design coordination, compliance, and constructability
Provide technical design support during construction, including review of shop drawings and RFIs
Ensure the design intent for sports facilities is maintained on site
Coordinate with site supervision teams and contractors for issue resolution
Support testing, commissioning, and handover of sports facilities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field
Minimum 12–15+ years of experience in sports facility design and/or design management
Experience in stadiums, major events, or large-scale sports developments
Previous experience in PMC, consultancy, or complex multidisciplinary projects
Strong knowledge of international sports design standards and venue requirements
Strong leadership and multidisciplinary coordination skills
Deep understanding of sports facility planning and operations

Benefits

Comp & perks

Tax-free salary.
Comprehensive life insurance coverage.
Premium medical insurance for you and your dependents.
Generous annual leave balance.
Flexible and hybrid work solutions.
Remote work opportunities outside of country.
Company gratuity scheme.
Discretionary bonus program.
Annual flight contribution.
Relocation assistance.
Transportation & housing allowances (available for remote work locations).
Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

sports facility designdesign managementstadium designmultidisciplinary coordinationdesign validationsustainable design solutionsvalue engineeringtechnical design supportconstruction documentationproject management

Soft Skills

leadershipstakeholder alignmentcommunicationproblem-solvingteam coordinationclient interfacedecision-makingrisk managementfacilitationpresentation skills

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in ArchitectureMaster’s degree in ArchitectureBachelor’s degree in EngineeringMaster’s degree in Engineering