Manager Planning and Development

Sime Darby Property; Selangor; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading property development firm in Malaysia is looking for a Planning & Development Manager. This strategic role involves overseeing the feasibility studies and master planning for high-rise developments. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Urban Planning or Architecture and 5-8 years of experience in the property development sector. Key responsibilities include site analysis, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder communication. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and presentation skills, along with proficiency in relevant design software.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in strategic planning or architectural roles, preferably in the property development industry.
• In-depth knowledge of Malaysian property development laws and planning guidelines.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead site acquisition analysis and site assessments.
• Develop master plans and ensure compliance with Malaysian regulations.
• Prepare presentations to gain approvals from senior management.
• Manage relationships with government planning bodies.

Skills

Strategic planning

Analytical ability

Problem-solving skills

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Urban & Regional Planning, Architecture, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Revit

GIS tools

Job description

Role Overview

The Planning & Development Manager, Development Expansion and Master Planning is a key strategic role responsible for leading the initial feasibility studies, master planning, and authority engagement for all new high-rise and mixed-use development projects. This position focuses purely on the high-level pre-planning phase, ensuring visionary design, optimal land use (massing, zoning, composition), and immediate compliance with Malaysian regulatory frameworks before project execution begins. A critical aspect of the role is presenting these strategies effectively to senior management and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Pre-Planning & Feasibility Analysis

• Lead comprehensive site acquisition analysis, conducting rigorous site assessments to evaluate potential and constraints.
• Perform high-level due diligence on land titles, surrounding infrastructure, and market context to determine project viability and risk profile specifically for products typologies.
• Develop innovative site utilization plans and feasibility reports that define development parameters, density targets, and optimal land use strategies towards end users and business sustainability.

2. Master Planning, Massing, and Design Composition

• Drive the conceptual master planning process, formulating strategic massing models that balance density requirements with aesthetic impact and sustainable design principles specific to development environments.
• Define the architectural composition and urban design guidelines for high-rise assets, ensuring design excellence and market competitiveness.
• Oversee the selection and briefing of external architectural consultants, translating high-level company vision into clear design mandates.

3. Regulatory Compliance & Authority Engagement

• Ensure all pre-planning efforts strictly adhere to Malaysian planning regulations, local council guidelines (e.g., DBKL, MBSA, and other relevant authorities), and building codes relevant to property developments.
• Manage the preparation and strategic submission of conceptual planning applications to relevant authorities to secure initial approvals and de-risk projects early.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key government planning bodies and utility providers to facilitate smooth pre-planning negotiations and approvals.

4. Presentation & Stakeholder Communication

• Prepare and deliver high-impact presentations to the senior management to gain approval for design concepts and planning strategies.
• Effectively communicate complex planning rationale and design intent to non-technical stakeholders (sales, marketing, finance teams).
• Represent the company in public hearings and authority meetings, professionally advocating for the proposed development schemes.

5. Financial & Risk Management Support

• Provide critical input into initial financial models (GDV, cost estimates, ROI), including market study - ensuring planning decisions align with commercial objectives.
• Identify and flag potential project risks related to planning, zoning, and design during the earliest stages of development.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Urban & Regional Planning, Architecture, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in strategic planning or architectural roles, preferably within a Malaysian property developer setting with exposure to high-rise and mixed-use projects and other related to property development industry.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in design and planning software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, and GIS tools.
• Industry Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of Malaysian property development laws, planning guidelines, products proposition and the local authority approval process.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical ability, high-level problem-solving skills, exceptional presentation and communication skills, and strategic thinking.