We are seeking an accomplished General Manager Architecture & Design to lead and drive the overall operations of a growing architecture and design consultancy. This leadership role requires an experienced architect with a strong business mindset who can oversee design excellence, project delivery, business development, client relationships, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience delivering hospitality, F&B, retail, commercial, and mixed-use projects , while successfully managing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring the highest standards of quality, innovation, and operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the overall operations, strategic direction, and business performance of the Architecture & Design division.
- Develop and execute the company's business growth strategy, identifying new opportunities and expanding the client portfolio.
- Oversee the planning, design, coordination, and successful delivery of multiple architectural and interior design projects.
- Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with client expectations and quality standards.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams including Architects, Interior Designers, BIM Managers, BIM Architects, BIM Modelers, and Project Coordinators.
- Establish and maintain design standards, technical excellence, and best practices across all projects.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and key stakeholders.
- Participate in client presentations, project negotiations, and executive-level meetings.
- Review and approve concept designs, design development packages, construction documentation, and technical submissions.
- Monitor project profitability, resource planning, budgets, and overall business performance.
- Drive innovation by implementing new technologies, BIM methodologies, and sustainable design practices.
- Mentor and develop department leaders while fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
- Ensure compliance with local regulations, international design standards, health & safety requirements, and company policies.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture.
- Professional registration or architectural license is preferred.
- 15+ years of progressive experience in Architecture & Design, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role .
- Proven experience leading architecture and design firms or large multidisciplinary design departments.
- Strong portfolio of hospitality, F&B, restaurants, caf s, retail, commercial, and mixed-use developments .
- Extensive knowledge of architectural design, interior design coordination, BIM workflows, and project management.
- Demonstrated success in business development, client acquisition, contract negotiations, and strategic planning.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing P&L, project budgets, and operational performance.
- Proficiency in industry-standard software including Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, BIM 360, and Microsoft Office .
- Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working in the GCC, particularly Saudi Arabia, is highly preferred.
Key Competencies
- Executive Leadership
- Strategic Planning & Business Growth
- Architectural Design Excellence
- Retail & Hospitality Design
- F&B & Restaurant Development
- BIM Management & Digital Delivery
- Project & Portfolio Management
- Client Relationship Management
- Financial & Commercial Management
- Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Contract Negotiation
- Quality Assurance & Risk Management
Ideal Candidate Background
Candidates with leadership experience from internationally recognized architecture and design consultancies are highly preferred, particularly those specializing in hospitality, F&B, retail, mixed-use, and commercial developments . Experience working with premium brands, multi-site rollout projects, and large-scale design programs will be a significant advantage.
