Principal Urban Planner

Robert Bird Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consultancy in Abu Dhabi is looking for a Principal Urban Planner/Urban Designer to lead high-impact master planning and urban design projects. The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s degree and significant experience with a track record of managing complex projects. Responsibilities include overseeing project deliverables, mentoring team members, and supporting business development efforts. Join a dynamic environment where your ideas are valued and contribute to sustainable urban development across the UAE and GCC.

Benefits

Dynamic workplace

Collaborative environment

Opportunities for growth

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in master planning, urban design, or regional planning.
• Experience leading at least 10 projects as Lead Planner or Designer.

Responsibilities

• Lead project delivery and drive design quality.
• Create and present reports and presentations to stakeholders.
• Mentor team members and support business development.

Skills

Project ownership

Creative planning

Leadership capability

Client engagement

Team mentoring

Education

Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design

Job description

Join a global consultancy with 16,500+ professionals, delivering integrated planning, design, and engineering solutions across 40+ countries.

Lead high-impact master planning and urban design projects, shaping sustainable and future-ready cities across the UAE and GCC.

Work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, contributing to thought leadership, talent development, and regional growth.

About Surbana Jurong :

Surbana Jurong Group is a global urban, infrastructure, and engineering consultancy delivering sustainable solutions that shape cities and communities worldwide. With a strong and growing presence in the Middle East, SJ supports government entities, developers, and institutions through master planning, urban design, infrastructure, environmental planning, and program management services.

About the Role :

We are seeking a Principal Urban Planner / Urban Designer to join our Master Planning & Urban Design team in Abu Dhabi. This is a senior role responsible for leading project delivery, driving design quality, and supporting strategic growth across complex planning and urban design assignments in the UAE and wider GCC.

The role requires a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership capability, and client engagement experience within a multidisciplinary consultancy environment.

Key Responsibilities :

• Take full ownership of project deliverables, ensuring quality, timeliness, and successful client approvals.
• Lead and guide project teams to deliver creative, high-quality planning and urban design outputs aligned with SJ standards.
• Structure reports and presentations, monitor progress, review outputs, and present to clients and stakeholders.
• Work closely with Project Managers to ensure smooth project delivery and maintain strong client relationships, including support for payment recovery.
• Participate in client and stakeholder training and capacity-building activities, including on-the-job training.
• Assess project workloads and resource availability to support effective team deployment.
• Mentor planning and design team members by identifying skill gaps and supporting capability development.
• Conduct internal workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Assess team performance and capability and provide feedback to the Sector Lead.
• Support the Sector Lead in business development through technical proposals, delivery programmes, resource planning, and input into financial submissions.

Qualifications and Experience :

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience delivering at least 10 master planning, urban design, or regional planning projects as Lead Planner or Designer.

Why Join Us?

At Surbana Jurong Group, we bring together talent, teamwork, innovation, and a dynamic workplace to solve complex challenges creatively and collaboratively. Be part of a global multidisciplinary consultancy where your ideas and expertise are valued and rewarded.

Recruitment Notice :

All recruitment activities are managed directly by our Talent Acquisition team. Unsolicited CVs will not be accepted, and Surbana Jurong Group is not responsible for any associated fees.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!