Principal Architect / General Manager – Architecture, Design & Fit-Out (Saudi Arabia) Riyadh

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture with over 15 years of professional experience, including at least 7 years in a senior leadership role. Strong expertise in F&B, retail, and fit-out projects, along with proven business development and commercial management skills, is required.

Job Summary

Principal Architect / General Manager – Architecture, Design & Fit-Out
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Employment Type: Full-Time
Job Overview
We are looking for an experienced Principal Architect / General Manager to lead the overall operations, project delivery, design excellence, and business growth of an established Architecture, Design, Multimedia & Signage company.
The company currently delivers F&B, retail, restaurant, café, and fit-out projects, primarily supporting major brands and businesses within a diversified group. The next phase of growth is focused on expanding into external projects and building a strong third-party client portfolio.
The ideal candidate will combine strong architectural and project leadership with commercial and business development capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the overall operations, strategy, and business performance of the company.
Oversee architecture, interior design, fit-out, signage, and related project activities.
Manage end-to-end delivery of F&B, restaurant, café, retail, and commercial projects.
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to quality standards.
Lead and manage architects, designers, project managers, engineers, and other teams.
Review and approve design concepts, drawings, technical documents, and project deliverables.
Coordinate with clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
Develop and implement business strategies to expand the company beyond group projects.
Identify and develop new external clients and business opportunities across Saudi Arabia.
Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, F&B brands, retailers, hospitality companies, and corporate clients.
Lead client presentations, proposals, commercial negotiations, and project opportunities.
Develop pricing, proposals, contracts, and commercial strategies in coordination with the relevant teams.
Monitor project profitability, budgets, resources, and overall business performance.
Establish efficient project management, design, quality, and operational processes.
Ensure compliance with relevant Saudi building regulations, standards, and industry requirements.
Represent the company in client meetings, industry events, networking activities, and business development initiatives.
Drive a culture of innovation, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
Requirements
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture.
15+ years of professional architectural experience, with significant leadership experience.
Minimum 7 years in a senior management / leadership position.
Strong experience in F&B, restaurant, café, retail, hospitality, commercial, and fit-out projects.
Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong understanding of architecture, interior design, construction, fit-out, and project delivery.
Demonstrated experience in business development, client acquisition, and external project development.
Strong network and relationships within the Saudi/GCC F&B, retail, hospitality, and construction market is highly preferred.
Experience managing budgets, project profitability, contracts, and commercial negotiations.
Strong knowledge of BIM and modern architectural/design technologies.
Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
Strong understanding of the Saudi market and relevant regulations.
Saudi/GCC experience is strongly preferred.
Key Skills
Architectural Leadership
General Management
F&B & Retail Projects
Fit-Out & Project Delivery
Business Development
Client Acquisition & Networking
Team Leadership
Project & P&L Management
Commercial Negotiation
Design & Quality Management
Strategic Planning
Saudi Market Knowledge
Ideal Candidate
A senior architect and business leader who can manage the complete operation of the company while combining design expertise, project delivery, commercial management, and business development. The ideal candidate should be capable of taking the company from primarily serving internal/group projects to becoming a strong external Architecture, Design & Fit-Out service provider in the Saudi market.

Responsibilities

The Principal Architect/General Manager will lead the company’s operations, project delivery, and design excellence while driving business growth into the external market. They are responsible for managing multidisciplinary teams, overseeing project budgets and profitability, and developing new client relationships across the Saudi market.

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