Principal Urban Planner

From Atkins offices in Riyadh, the Senior/Principal Urban Planner will provide technical and professional leadership in the execution of  urban planning projects in KSA and the wider region, with a particular expertise in strategic planning, spatial development strategy and development management.

Job Summary

To be a key member of the Urban Planning team in KSA and provide urban planning services to external and internal clients as part of the Atkins’ Middle East master planning team.  To be involved in strategic planning studies, urban master planning and urban design and public realm projects in the Middle East and Africa.

To provide a key client facing role for Atkins Urban Planning business within KSA and the primary point of contact for current and prospective clients. Lead business development activities of the Planning team within KSA to help develop a pipeline of work that will support the growth of the in-country team.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the production of high-quality urban planning, design and master planning project submissions in KSA and the wider Middle East region.

• Coordinate with and supervise their own team of Urban Designers, Planners and Technical Staff on a day-to-day basis to achieve excellent design quality and documentation, and match or better Atkins QA standards

• Report to Head of Department and Country MD on a regular basis regarding progress, design, quality, resources, changes, site issues, planning issues etc.

• Will be required to travel within the Middle East region to projects in a variety of geographical locations.

• Lead in the preparation of technical and fee proposals for urban planning and urban design projects and other major projects where appropriate.

• Play a key client facing role in the bidding and negotiation process to secure further work

• Developing and maintaining relationships with clients, attending meetings, workshops and seminars

• Responsible for the management of teams and meeting agreed budgets.

• Support the Department Head, Country MD and Operations Director in raising Atkins profile across the Kingdom.

Technical Competencies

Essential

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in urban planning or urban design;

• Minimum 15 years’ post qualification experience in urban planning, master planning and urban design projects with a focus on large scale strategic planning studies;

• Strong English language report writing and analytical skills

• Relevant experience in the GCC and an understanding of the cultural norms and requirements of the region.

• Strong presentation skills and ability to clearly and articulately convey ideas, proposals and concepts in front of large, high profile audiences.

• Experience of leading large, multi-disciplinary project teams across different geographies

• Ability to lead the preparation of commercial and technical proposals within the framework of an established business governance framework.

Preferable

• Knowledge of all necessary software programmes including as a minimum CAD, Adobe Design Suites, Sketch up and MS Office. Knowledge of other necessary software programmes including GIS, CAD, SketchUp, 3D Max etc

• Previous KSA urban planning/design experience on urban planning/design projects.

• Arabic reading and speaking ability

Behavioural Competencies

Essential

• Must have excellent interpersonal skills, be a team player and have a customer focus;

• Previous consultancy experience and be looking to broaden their planning and urban design skill set within a Middle East context;

• Ability to solve problems by thinking laterally and able to understand the needs and requirements of clients to provide planning and design solutions in a rapidly developing country;

• Must be able to work in a large, multidisciplinary, multicultural team and manage challenging multicultural client relationships across a range of geographies;

• Must also be a self-starter who can work without direct supervision from senior management and/or peers;

• Able to be flexible and adapt to working in a demanding Middle East environment including the need to travel when required.

Rewards & Benefits:

We offer an excellent package which includes:

• A competitive salary

• Accommodation allowance

• Transportation allowance

• Annual leave

• Medical and life insurance cover

• Company gratuity scheme

• Discretionary bonus scheme

• 22 working days annual leave (based on 5 days working a week)

• Flight allowance

• Employee Assistance Programme – 24 hour free advice on financial, legal and family care specialists and also access to personal health, fitness and nutrition consultants