Design Manager FLS

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Project Overview:

Expo 2030 Riyadh is a global platform where countries, organizations, and individuals will come together to collaborate. Under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow,” the Expo promotes sustainable development, innovation, and transformative thinking. The event will be held from October 2030 to March 2031 and is expected to welcome over 40 million visits.

The 6 km² Masterplan outlines a comprehensive framework for participation and infrastructure at the Expo. The exhibition space, totaling 491,100 m² GFA, can accommodate up to 197 participating countries and 29 international organizations.

Working collaboratively with our customer, Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC), Bechtel will manage the infrastructure program which comprises early works, utilities, and publicly accessible spaces like streets and parks. Our scope on the six-square-kilometer site will transition into a mixed-use legacy development to serve the community after the six-month event is over. The project’s master plan leverages international sustainability standards for urban afforestation, treated water, and energy sources.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the Design Manager – Fire Life Safety (FLS) will be working as part of a multi-disciplinary team in the Engineering Department and will manage the technical delivery and integration of the fire life and safety design by the client’s design consultants. This role ensures that all designs meet technical standards, regulatory requirements, and project objectives while integrating seamlessly with other disciplines. You will lead and be accountable for the performance of the customer’s appointed Design Consultants in the delivery of the infrastructure design in accordance with budgetary, schedule and quality requirements. 

Support the Engineering Manager (Utilities) in managing and delivering the design in accordance with the Programme and the requirements of the client. Coordinate and monitor the development of the design consultant’s planned activities and provide progress. Plan and organize the review of the design consultant’s deliverables, interfacing with subject matter experts and design review teams. Provide quality assessment reports to Project Management and the client. Assist the Contracts Department and Construction teams in pre-construction and post contract award activities 

Additionally, you will establish and maintain the Engineering Programme Management plans and procedures, ensure compliance with the Customer’s project governance requirements, ensure that the technical design deliverables comply with the Customer’s requirements, stakeholders’ requirements, local and international building code requirements.

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Fire Life Safety (FLS) design scope within the Power & Utilities package, ensuring full alignment with customer requirements, NFPA standards, and Saudi Civil Defense regulations.
• Coordinate with civil, structural, and utilities teams to ensure integrated design solutions within the framework of Bechtel / Client requirements.
• Manage design consultants and sub-contractors, ensuring timely and quality submissions.
• Support permitting processes and liaise with relevant authorities for approvals.
• Conduct technical reviews and value engineering assessments in consultation with client appointed design consultants.
• The design manager shall participate in design workshops and interdisciplinary coordination sessions with relevant design consultants and stakeholders.
• Monitor design risks and implement mitigation strategies. Provide technical support during construction and respond to RFIs related to fire life safety design.
• Ensure compliance with the Customer’s project governance procedures & requirements. 
• Establish and maintain robust engineering progress and performance measurement processes & reports. 
• Review major changes or deviations in project scope, project material quantities, budget or schedule, and assist particularly with defining the change, obtaining accurate estimates of the hours involved, and notifying trends in accordance with Project Change Control procedures.​  
• Ensure engineering coordination efforts with Project Manager, Procurement/Contracts, Construction, Startup, Environmental Safety and Health (ES&H) and Project Controls.​  
• Direct preparation of project studies, reports, forecasts, special engineering reports as required. 

Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires bachelor's or master’s degree in mechanical/electrical engineering, with overall 15 -20 years of experience and 8-10 years of relevant experience in big infrastructure projects.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong technical knowledge of fire protection systems design, including fire alarm, fire suppression (Automatic sprinkler system, clean agent, foam), fire pump selection, fire water tank sizing, smoke control/smoke ventilation, smoke detection and alarms, system supervision and monitoring, and emergency lighting systems.
• In-depth understanding of local and international fire codes, particularly NFPA, IBC, Saudi Building Code, and Saudi Civil Defense Authority requirements.
• Proven experience delivering FLS design on large-scale infrastructure, utility, or public event/venue projects.
• Experience managing and coordinating multiple design consultants in a high-performance, schedule-driven environment.
• Working knowledge of BIM platforms and coordination tools (Revit, Navisworks), as well as FLS-specific simulation tools.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Ability to review and validate FLS engineering documentation, drawings, and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with design integration in power and energy infrastructure is highly desirable.
• Previous experience in Saudi Arabia and knowledge of local permitting and authority engagement processes preferred.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English; Arabic language skills are an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, adapt to change, and resolve complex technical challenges proactively

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

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