Environmental & Sustainability Lead

Zutari; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Saudi Arabia seeks a visionary professional to lead the integration of sustainability principles into major infrastructure and urban programs. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in environmental strategies for large-scale projects, a relevant degree, and strong communication skills in both English and Arabic. This role emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders and a commitment to advancing sustainability standards aligned with national goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Sustainability, Urban Planning, Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 10–15+ years of experience, with a track record of leading environmental or sustainability strategy on large-scale urban or infrastructure projects.
• Excellent English and Arabic communication skills are essential. This includes the ability to write and review professional reports.
• In-depth knowledge of Saudi regulatory context, including experience working with NEOM, The Red Sea Development Company, or similar.
• Strong understanding of smart cities technologies, digital infrastructure, and data integration (preferred for Smart Cities Consultant).
• Experience with ESG, carbon management, and climate adaptation/resilience planning
• Certified in LEED, BREEAM, Mostadam, or similar sustainability frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Proven leadership capability with the ability to manage complex teams and deliver high-impact results.
• Experience managing large ESIAs in Saudi, especially for urban development projects.
• Experience in obtaining registration for ESIA consultants with the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) and the Royal Commission.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of sustainability strategies, environmental frameworks, and climate-resilient planning across high-impact urban and infrastructure projects.
• Oversee environmental impact assessments, strategic environmental assessments, and other compliance processes aligned with Saudi regulatory frameworks and international best practices.
• Collaborate with urban planners, architects, engineers, clients, D&B contractors and government entities to embed sustainability and smart technologies in masterplans and detailed designs.
• Act as the technical lead on sustainability certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM, Estidama, Mostadam).
• Develop and apply smart city frameworks, digital twins, and data-driven decision-making tools for liveable, efficient, and resilient urban environments.
• Build and maintain stakeholder relationships with government bodies, developers, and international partners.
• Monitor KPIs and sustainability metrics across multiple projects, reporting progress to senior leadership and clients.
• Mentor and lead multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring knowledge transfer and skills development.
• Liaise and collaborate with members of the Zutari Sustainability BU based in Greater Africa.

Job description

Overview

Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact. Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with over 90 years of experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa and the Middle East. We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people’s lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue? We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and sharing a sense of urgency. People who have an impact on our teams and the broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

Role Overview

Zutari is seeking a highly motivated and visionary professional to lead the integration of environmental, sustainability, and smart city principles into major infrastructure, urban development, and city-scale programs across Saudi Arabia. This role will be instrumental in aligning project outcomes with national and international standards, including Saudi Vision 2030, NEOM, and other giga-project sustainability goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of sustainability strategies, environmental frameworks, and climate-resilient planning across high-impact urban and infrastructure projects.
• Oversee environmental impact assessments, strategic environmental assessments, and other compliance processes aligned with Saudi regulatory frameworks and international best practices.
• Collaborate with urban planners, architects, engineers, clients, D&B contractors and government entities to embed sustainability and smart technologies in masterplans and detailed designs.
• Act as the technical lead on sustainability certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM, Estidama, Mostadam).
• Develop and apply smart city frameworks, digital twins, and data-driven decision-making tools for liveable, efficient, and resilient urban environments.
• Build and maintain stakeholder relationships with government bodies, developers, and international partners.
• Monitor KPIs and sustainability metrics across multiple projects, reporting progress to senior leadership and clients.
• Mentor and lead multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring knowledge transfer and skills development.
• Liaise and collaborate with members of the Zutari Sustainability BU based in Greater Africa.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Sustainability, Urban Planning, Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 10–15+ years of experience, with a track record of leading environmental or sustainability strategy on large-scale urban or infrastructure projects.
• Excellent English and Arabic communication skills are essential. This includes the ability to write and review professional reports.
• In-depth knowledge of Saudi regulatory context, including experience working with NEOM, The Red Sea Development Company, or similar.
• Strong understanding of smart cities technologies, digital infrastructure, and data integration (preferred for Smart Cities Consultant).
• Experience with ESG, carbon management, and climate adaptation/resilience planning
• Certified in LEED, BREEAM, Mostadam, or similar sustainability frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Proven leadership capability with the ability to manage complex teams and deliver high-impact results.
• Experience managing large ESIAs in Saudi, especially for urban development projects.
• Experience in obtaining registration for ESIA consultants with the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) and the Royal Commission.

We believe that a diverse workforce is a key to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices.