Senior Airport Planner

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

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is looking for a Senior Airport Planner to manage and deliver aviation projects in Riyadh. Responsibilities include project management of airport masterplans, facilities planning, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have an engineering degree, proficiency in multiple technical areas of airport planning, and excellent communication skills. This is a full-time, permanent position offering professional development opportunities and competitive benefits.

Benefits

90 calendar days’ paid maternity leave

Competitive annual leave

Professional institution subscription

Annual company performance bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Degree in aeronautical engineering, civil engineering, air transport management, or airport planning required.
• Fluency in English required; additional languages valued.
• Proven experience in aviation industry required, preferably with chartership qualification.
• Demonstrable experience in multiple technical fields within airport planning.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver a variety of airport projects including masterplans and capacity analysis.
• Act as Project Manager for small to medium-sized planning projects.
• Collaborate with aviation disciplines across multiple projects.
• Provide training and guidance to junior staff.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Fluency in English

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Education

Degree in aeronautical engineering, civil engineering or related

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Power BI

Navisworks

Revit

Job description

Senior Airport Planner will work on aviation projects within Saudi Arabia, reporting to the Aviation Client Director.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver a variety of projects including airport masterplans, facility planning, capacity and demand analysis, and simulation modelling.
• Coordinate and manage airport planning & capacity tasks across airfield, apron, terminals, satellite buildings, landside transport, ancillary/support facilities and utilities.
• Act as Project Manager for small to medium-sized projects or workstreams involving airport planning activities.
• Learn new technical, project management and people management skills from experienced project and technical principals.
• Transfer technical knowledge to new graduates and train them on projects you manage.
• Report to and liaise with clients and key stakeholders on small projects you manage or larger projects you are working on.
• Coordinate, manage, produce and submit proposals under the guidance of Bid Principals.
• Collaborate with other aviation disciplines, including airfield engineering, transaction advisory, forecasting, project & asset management, and business planning.

Role Requirements

• Degree in aeronautical engineering, civil engineering, air transport management, or airport planning (other relevant qualifications may be considered).
• Fluency in English; knowledge of other languages will be valued.
• Relevant aviation industry experience, preferably with a chartership qualification or transferable skills from another relevant industry.
• Demonstrable experience in more than one technical field within airport planning (airfield & apron, operations, terminal, landside, utilities, airspace, etc.).
• Proactive, learning mindset, and ability to embrace teamwork and collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Methodical approach to problem solving with critical thinking skills.
• Organise yourself and others within small projects and workstreams, including resource coordination across disciplines.
• Proven capabilities in project management, programme management, and commercial acumen.
• Manage and supervise junior staff, including training them to develop new skills.
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent written communication, attention to detail, and ability to produce accurate technical drawings and reports.
• Proficient in Word, PowerPoint, Excel (Power BI desirable).
• Competent in drawing platforms such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, AviPlan, Infraworks, Navisworks, Revit, etc., for airfield and terminal spatial planning outputs.
• Knowledge of simulation & modelling tools for airfield and terminal facilities.
• Commitment to Mott MacDonald’s ethical behaviour policy: highest standards of ethical practice, no bribery or corrupt practice.

Staff Conduct Expectations

• Act professionally.
• Maintain integrity.
• Exercise due skill, care and diligence.
• Act in good faith.
• Comply with all applicable laws.

Our Purpose

At Mott MacDonald, we aim to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, and transforming our clients’ businesses, communities, and employee opportunities.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of our organisation. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively work to create a diverse and inclusive working environment.

Flexible Working

We support our staff in creating a work-life balance that works for them and welcome candidates seeking career flexibility. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed at the interview stage.

We Can Offer

• 90 calendar days’ paid maternity leave.
• Competitive annual leave.
• An annual professional institution subscription.
• Annual company performance bonus scheme – subject to company performance.

Location & Contract

Location(s): Riyadh, SA
Contract Type: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time
Market: Transport
Discipline: Aviation
Job Ref: 11467
Recruiter Contact: Salem alnahdi