Design Center Leader and Strategic Designer

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Thales people architect solutions at the heart of the defence-security continuum. Interoperable and secure information and telecommunications systems for defence, security, and civil operators, are based upon innovative use of radiocommunications, networks, and cybersecurity. We are ground breaking new digital technologies such as 4G mobile communications, cryptography, cloud computing and big data for use in physical protection systems, and critical information systems.

We have been present in Saudi Arabia for 40 years and with over 600 employees to date, we are growing rapidly. Together we are delivering our signalling, control and train protection systems for the North –South Railway (NSR), the longest system of it’s kind in the world. Together we are key suppliers of In-flight entertainment and connectivity systems as well as air traffic management solutions in Saudi. We are making Saudi Arabia a safer place by securing the country’s critical infrastructure and e-security solutions that secure the country’s electronic payment systems. Thales has been selected to supply major electronic systems for air defence and the Group also supplied communication and optronic systems for the Army, the Saudi Arabia National Guards and the Air Force.

JOB OBJECTIVE

The Head of the Design Center KSA is the on‑the‑ground leader for all Design Center activities in Saudi Arabia, acting as the link between the AMEWA Design Center team in Dubai and local customers, partners, and stakeholders.

He/she is responsible for representing the Design Center locally, engaging directly with government and enterprise customers, key account managers, and project teams to ensure workshops, user research, and co‑design projects are successfully delivered.

The role requires a design thinking mindset, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to operate effectively in the complex Saudi business and governmental environment.

Roles & Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Act as the primary representative of the Design Center in KSA, building strong relationships with local stakeholders and ensuring the DC’s value proposition is clearly understood.
• Ensure full alignment between local activities and the AMEWA Design Center’s strategy and methodologies.
• Coordinate with Dubai DC team to ensure consistent quality and timely delivery of workshops, design projects, and innovation initiatives.
  
  
  

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

• Work closely with Thales KSA Key Account Managers to identify opportunities for design‑led engagement with customers.
• Build and maintain trust with senior stakeholders, especially within Saudi government entities and strategic accounts.
• Facilitate and mediate multi‑party conversations to align customer expectations with project goals.
  
  
  

Design Thinking & User Research

• Lead and facilitate high‑level design thinking workshops in partnership with customers and internal teams.
• Drive user research activities to capture insights that inform solution design and value propositions.
• Translate research findings into clear, actionable deliverables in collaboration with Dubai DC specialists.
  
  
  

Project Coordination & Delivery

• Oversee the successful planning and execution of design projects in Saudi Arabia, ensuring customer satisfaction and alignment with business priorities.
• Coordinate resources between the Riyadh and Dubai Design Centers to maximise efficiency and impact.
• Monitor project progress, manage risks, and ensure delivery excellence.
  
  
  

Capability Building & Advocacy

• Promote a culture of design thinking and innovation within Thales KSA.
• Support the professional development of local team members through mentoring and knowledge sharing.
• Act as an ambassador for the Design Center’s methodologies and tools.
  
  
  

Work Experience Requirements

• Proven experience in design thinking facilitation, strategic design, or innovation project management.
• Strong track record of stakeholder management in complex organisational and governmental contexts.
• Experience working in or with the Saudi market; existing relationships with key public sector stakeholders is a plus.
• Familiarity with large, multinational corporate environments.
  
  
  

Qualification, Certification & Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Strategic Design, Innovation, Marketing, Business, or a related discipline.
• Design Thinking / Innovation / Service Design certification preferred.
• Additional training in stakeholder engagement or business development is an asset.
  
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Stakeholder engagement & relationship building
• Workshop facilitation & co design leadership
• Design thinking & user research
• Cross cultural communication
• Project coordination across multiple locations
• Strategic marketing mindset
• Fluent in English; Arabic strongly preferred
  
  
  

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working. Great journeys start here, apply now!