Lead Principal Urban Planner

SNC-Lavalin Fayez Engineering; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm is seeking an experienced Lead Urban Planner in Riyadh, KSA. The role involves leading the planning and design of large developments aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, engaging with stakeholders, and mentoring junior planners. Candidates should have 15 years of experience, a degree in Urban Planning, and proficiency in relevant software. The company offers tax-free salaries and comprehensive benefits, promoting an inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Tax-free salary

Comprehensive life insurance

Premium medical insurance

Generous annual leave

Remote work opportunities

Flexible work solutions

Transportation & housing allowances

Employee Wellbeing Program

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead site analysis, feasibility studies, and development assessments.
• Drive preparation of master plans and urban development frameworks.
• Engage with Saudi government authorities and stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning or related field

Tools

GIS

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Overview

Lead Principal Urban Designer role based in Riyadh, KSA. AtkinsRéalis is seeking an experienced urban design professional to lead planning, design, and delivery of large-scale developments in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

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 end-to-end services across the 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.

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 disablement. 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 Scommitted 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.