Company Description
SOCOTEC ARABIA has been appointed as the PMO for a high-profile, confidential development program in Riyadh City. As part of the executive leadership within a 50-person PMO team, We are seeking an accomplished Town Planning Lead to join our dynamic team. This role will report directly to the PMO Lead and play a pivotal role in steering town planning strategies and ensuring the delivery of exceptional urban environments in Riyadh.
Job Description
Town Planning Strategy & Leadership
- Lead the town planning scope of the program, ensuring alignment with the project's strategic objectives, local regulations, and Riyadh’s cultural heritage.
- Drive the preparation and delivery of town planning frameworks, development guidelines, zoning and land use strategies tailored to Riyadh’s urban context.
Design Oversight & Action Area Coordination
- Direct and oversee external design consultants responsible for the preparation of masterplans and detailed action area plans.
- Ensure that all action area designs are coherent, innovative, and aligned with approved town planning policies and objectives.
Regulatory & Statutory Compliance
- Provide expert guidance on Saudi planning regulations, form-based codes, and performance standards to ensure robust regulatory compliance.
- Interface with municipal authorities and regulatory bodies to facilitate approvals and endorsements.
Heritage & Urban Regeneration
- Integrate heritage conservation principles into the town planning approach to protect and enhance Riyadh’s cultural assets.
- Champion strategies for vibrant, mixed-use regeneration that prioritizes local identity and community well-being.
Technical Review & Quality Assurance
- Lead technical reviews of town planning deliverables from consultants, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment with project aspirations.
- Provide anticipatory, practical solutions to resolve complex planning challenges.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with government agencies, local communities, investors, and developers to communicate planning frameworks and secure buy-in.
- Lead workshops, charrettes, and high-level presentations to articulate planning visions and policies.
Program Integration & Reporting
- Collaborate closely with the PMO Lead to embed town planning milestones and deliverables into the broader program strategy.
- Regularly report on progress, risks, and key planning decisions to senior project stakeholders.
Qualifications
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Town Planning / Urban Planning from an accredited university.
- Postgraduate qualifications in Urban Planning, Urban Regeneration, or related fields are a strong advantage.
Experience
- Minimum 20 years of professional experience in town planning, urban regeneration, and policy frameworks.
- At least 5 years of experience working in Saudi Arabia, with 10 years across the GCC, demonstrating a deep understanding of regional planning policies, urban contexts, and approval processes.
- Proven track record of leading or overseeing large-scale urban planning projects, with direct involvement in complex, multi-disciplinary developments.
Core Competencies
- Expertise in statutory planning, zoning, development control regulations, and heritage protection frameworks.
- Strong experience in reviewing and steering design consultant outputs to achieve coherent, sustainable urban outcomes.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and presentation skills, with the ability to influence high-level decisions.
- Deep familiarity with planning approval processes in KSA, including documentation, submissions, and negotiations.
Additional Information
Certifications & Software
- Professional accreditation with a recognized planning body (RTPI, AICP, or equivalent) preferred.
- Proficiency in planning and GIS tools, alongside understanding of digital planning workflows.