Senior Sports Architect (Riyadh, KSA)

ARENA – Riyadh, KSA

Job Description – Senior Sports Architect

Role Overview

The Senior Sports Architect will support the delivery of major sports infrastructure projects with a primary focus on International Federation compliance assurance across both design and construction phases. The role is centred on the planning, execution and reporting of Compliance Reviews, ensuring that stadium and training site developments meet required standards while supporting asset owners in achieving compliance through practical and deliverable solutions. The role will also support coordination with multiple stakeholders as and when applicable, in alignment with project governance arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

·         Plan, conduct, and document Compliance Reviews during design and construction phases.

·         Assess design submissions, documentation, and delivered works against International Federation requirements, identifying gaps and non-compliances.

·         Track, manage and report compliance findings, including closure of comments and actions.

·         Provide clear, structured recommendations to achieve compliance through permanent, overlay and/or hybrid solutions, aligned with event-time and legacy requirements.

·         Support the development and maintenance of compliance registers, trackers and reporting outputs.

·         Contribute to governance processes related to compliance assurance and reporting.

·         Identify compliance risks and support their mitigation through coordinated stakeholder engagement.

·         Engage with asset owners and their associated teams to align on compliance requirements, findings, and resolution strategies.

·         Support and contribute to overlay design reviews and assessments, ensuring alignment with tournament requirements.

·         Demonstrate understanding of tournament overlay requirements, including temporary infrastructure, operational zones and event-specific adaptations.

·         Support coordination with relevant stakeholders, including governing bodies, consultants, contractors, and asset owners, as required within the governance framework.

·         Prepare technical notes, compliance reports, audit documentation and review summaries.

Stakeholder & Leadership Responsibilities

·         Support and participate in International Federation compliance workshops, technical sessions and coordination meetings.

·         Present compliance findings clearly, including gaps, risks and required actions.

·         Act as an interface with asset owners and their associated teams on compliance-related matters.

·         Support coordination activities involving relevant project stakeholders where required.

·         Contribute to a collaborative and solution-oriented environment focused on achieving compliance.

·         Support stakeholder engagement activities and facilitate discussions to drive resolution of compliance-related matters.

Key Requirements

·         Minimum 10 years of professional architectural experience.

·         Demonstrated experience in sports architecture, particularly stadium and major sports infrastructure projects.

·         Proven experience in conducting or supporting International Federation compliance reviews, technical audits, or similar compliance assurance processes.

·         Understanding of stadium operations and tournament requirements, including overlay planning.

·         Experience in overlay design, review and integration within stadium environments.

·         Familiarity with compliance governance, reporting processes and technical assurance frameworks.

·         Strong communication, reporting, and stakeholder engagement skills.

·         Ability to interpret technical requirements and translate them into practical, compliant and deliverable solutions.

·         Experience working with multiple stakeholders in complex project environments.