Lead Principal Urban Planner

AtkinsRéalis; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is hiring a Lead Principal Urban Designer in Riyadh. The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of experience, ideally in the Middle East. This role involves leading urban planning projects aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and engaging with stakeholders. Benefits include a tax-free salary, premium medical, and flexible working solutions. Applicants should possess strong problem-solving skills and proficiency in design software.

Benefits

Tax-free salary

Comprehensive life insurance

Premium medical insurance

Generous annual leave

Remote work opportunities

Flexible work solutions

Annual flight contribution

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience with at least 10+ in Middle East.
• Experience on large-scale urban development projects.
• Good understanding of Saudi planning frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Drive the preparation of master plans and land use strategies.
• Lead site analysis and development assessments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for integrated planning.

Skills

Urban Planning

Problem-Solving

Communication

GIS

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Education

Master's degree in Urban Planning

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

GIS software

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Job Description

AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Lead Principal Urban Designer in Riyadh, KSA.

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn .

Learn more about our career opportunities at : https : / / careers.atkinsrealis.com

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Lead Urban Planner to join our growing urban planning and master planning team in Saudi Arabia. The successful candidate will technically lead the planning, design, and delivery of large-scale developments aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. This role will involve working across multidisciplinary teams, contributing to strategic and site-scale planning, and engaging directly with clients and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the preparation of master plans, urban development frameworks, and land use strategies.
• Lead site analysis, feasibility studies, and development assessments to inform planning decisions.
• Manage and coordinate planning reports, concept designs, zoning layouts, and urban guidelines.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (transport, infrastructure, environment, economics, and architecture) to deliver integrated planning solutions.
• Engage with Saudi government authorities, developers, and private stakeholders during project delivery.
• Support the preparation of bids, proposals, and client presentations for planning opportunities in KSA.
• Contribute to workshops, design charrettes, and stakeholder consultation sessions.
• Mentor junior planners and contribute to building team capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or related field.
• 15+ years of professional experience with at least 10+ in Middle East (Saudi market experience is strongly preferred)
• Experience working on large-scale master planning / urban development projects, ideally within KSA giga-projects or city‑scale plans.
• Good understanding of Saudi planning frameworks, regulatory processes, and municipal requirements.
• Proficiency in GIS, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and planning / design software.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and report‑writing skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English (Arabic an advantage).
• Membership of a recognized professional body (RTPI, AICP, ISOCARP, etc.) is desirable.

Why choose AtkinsRéalis?

• Tax‑free salary.
• Comprehensive life insurance coverage.
• Premium medical insurance coverage for you and your dependents.
• Generous annual leave balance.
• Remote work opportunities outside of country.
• Flexible / hybrid work solutions.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Relocation assistance.
• Transportation & housing allowances : Available for remote work locations.
• Employee Wellbeing Program : 24 / 7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, as well as personal health, fitness, and nutrition consulting.

Your difference makes a difference. We care for our people and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where you can thrive and build a future you want to be a part of.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AtkinsRéalis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforces. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction, or disability. We oppose all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination.

Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applications equally.

We pursue this commitment by :

• Having clear and concise procedures and guidelines for both line managers and employees to ensure policies are fully understood and implemented.
• Complying with the relevant employment legislation and codes of practice.
• Ensuring that all existing employees, potential employees, colleagues, and customers are treated equally and with respect.

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world‑class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.