Senior Urban Planner (team leader role)

SETEC; Al Khobar; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading urban planning firm in Al Khobar is seeking a Senior Strategic Urban Planner to lead a multidisciplinary team. This senior-level role requires a minimum of 15 years of experience in urban planning, particularly in the Middle East. The successful candidate will oversee the development of strategic local plans aligned with governmental objectives. Strong command of both Arabic and English is essential. This opportunity involves impactful urban transformation initiatives as part of Vision 2030.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in urban and regional planning.
• Experience in leadership roles for urban development projects.
• Proven experience in the Middle East, understanding political and cultural challenges.
• Strong command of Arabic and English; good command of French is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of urban local plans.
• Manage a multidisciplinary team in Paris and Khobar.
• Ensure consistent urban planning methodology.
• Prepare reports and technical briefings for stakeholders.
• Coordinate with stakeholders for project alignment.
• Represent the project in client meetings.

Skills

Urban systems understanding

Leadership and team management

Analytical and problem-solving

Planning and organizational skills

Public speaking and presentation skills

Graphic design

Education

Master’s degree in Urban Planning or Regional Planning

Job description

About us

Setec TPI Consulting Engineers is seeking a Senior Strategic Urban Planner to lead a team of international urban planners in charge of developing strategic local plans for targeted governorates of the Sharqia Region.

This task is prepared as part of a major urban transformation initiative in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, related to implementing the Vision 2030. The project is under the umbrella of government authorities in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in delivering at least five strategic local plans, ensuring alignment with stakeholder expectations, governmental regulations, and community priorities. The project’s Terms of Reference (ToR) and workplan will be made available to the candidate during the recruitment process.

This is a senior-level role for professionals committed to driving impactful urban transformation aligned with Vision 2030.

Mission

• Lead the preparation and delivery of at least five urban local plans in accordance with client-provided standards and guidelines.
• Manage and lead a multidisciplinary team of 1 to 7 professionals located in Paris and Khobar.
• Ensure consistent application of urban planning methodology across project teams and deliverables.
• Prepare high-quality reports, urban planning documents, presentations, and technical briefings for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate closely with stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment and effective project implementation.
• Represent the project in client meetings and discussions, addressing both technical and political challenges.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in urban and regional planning, with leadership roles in similar urban development projects.
• Master’s degree in Urban Planning or Regional Planning (Urban Design degrees are not suitable unless supported by highly relevant experience).
• Proven experience working in the Middle East with a strong understanding of the political, cultural, and planning challenges in the region.
• Strong command of both Arabic and English is essential, and good command of French is an asset.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of urban systems and spatial analysis and planning frameworks.
• Leadership and team management skills with a collaborative and strategic mindset.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Solid planning and organizational skills are mandatory.
• Appetite for public speaking, presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and navigate political dynamics.
• Graphic design