General Manager, Practice Studio Leader

General Manager
International Architecture Practice
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

FORM Careers has been exclusively engaged to appoint a General Manager for a globally recognised architecture practice establishing its KSA studio.

The practice is due to open its Riyadh studio in October and is already mobilising its team. With signed and ongoing project work in the Kingdom, this is not a standing start. The foundations are in place, and the General Manager will take a pivotal role in bringing the operation together and driving its next stage of growth.

We are looking for someone who can effectively be the conductor of the orchestra. Bringing together clients, projects, people, operations and opportunities while representing the practice at the highest level in Saudi Arabia.

The successful candidate will be based in Riyadh and bring credibility, influence and a substantial black book of trusted industry relationships. They will lead the studio operationally, navigate the local regulatory environment, strengthen existing client relationships and open doors to new opportunities across the Kingdom.

An architectural background is preferred, but not essential. We are equally interested in senior professionals with strong business development and leadership experience within the construction consultancy sector, as well as those currently working client-side who may be interested in returning to consultancy. Arabic language skills would be highly advantageous.


Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the establishment and ongoing operation of the Riyadh studio.
• Bring together the people, projects and operational infrastructure required to build a successful KSA business.
• Build senior-level client relationships and drive business development across the Kingdom.
• Leverage an established network to identify opportunities and support the practice in winning work.
• Oversee project delivery and ensure the studio has the right resources in place as the workload grows.
• Navigate regulatory, statutory and approval processes within Saudi Arabia.
• Lead financial performance, reporting, compliance and operational management.
• Build, mentor and develop the local team.
• Represent the practice externally with credibility and strong cultural awareness.

Requirements:

• Senior leadership experience within architecture, design, construction consultancy or development.
• A strong track record of business development, client engagement and winning work.
• Proven experience operating successfully in Saudi Arabia or the wider GCC.
• An established network of clients, developers, consultants and industry contacts within KSA.
• Strong understanding of the Saudi market, regulatory environment and approval processes.
• Excellent leadership, commercial and communication skills.
• Degree in architecture or a related discipline preferred.
• Arabic language skills highly advantageous, alongside strong cultural fluency in KSA.

This is an opportunity to join an internationally recognised design practice at the very beginning of its KSA growth. With live projects already underway, the Riyadh studio opening in October and a team being mobilised, the foundations are already in place. The General Manager will bring it all together, leading the studio locally and helping shape and grow the practice’s presence in Saudi Arabia.

We welcome confidential expressions of interest.