Town Planning Lead

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.