Lead Urban Planner

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Generous leave provisions

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Urban Planner to spearhead Cape Town's urban development initiatives. You will shape sustainable, livable, and economically viable city strategies, leading a team of planners and consultants to implement planning frameworks across government, community, and private sectors.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and project leadership, with a focus on delivering people-centric urban environments in a dynamic city setting.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning or related field.
• 10+ years in urban planning with at least 3 years in leadership/supervision.
• Knowledge of SPLUMA and SA planning policy frameworks.
• Experience in master planning and land use management.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and timelines.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Professional accreditation from SAPI desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term urban development strategies and master plans for designated areas.
• Conduct spatial analysis, research, and feasibility studies to inform planning decisions and policy formulation.
• Lead and mentor a team of urban planners and support staff, overseeing project workflows and deliverables.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders to build consensus and participation.
• Prepare and present planning proposals, reports, and recommendations to decision-makers and the public.
• Ensure compliance with provincial and municipal planning legislation, policies, and guidelines.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, environmental specialists and others to integrate diverse perspectives.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of plans and policies, recommending adjustments as needed.
• Identify opportunities for innovative urban design and sustainable development.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

GIS expertise

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning

Tools

GIS Software

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Lead Urban Planner to spearhead innovative planning initiatives in Cape Town, Western Cape . This pivotal role involves shaping the future development of urban environments, focusing on sustainability, livability, and economic viability. You will be responsible for developing comprehensive urban strategies, master plans, and policy recommendations that address the unique challenges and opportunities facing one of South Africa's most dynamic cities. This position requires a visionary leader with a proven track record in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and project management within complex urban contexts. The successful candidate will lead a team of planners and consultants, ensuring the effective implementation of planning frameworks and fostering collaborative relationships with government agencies, community groups, and private developers. Join us to make a significant impact on urban development and create enduring, people-centric environments in the beautiful city of Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term urban development strategies and master plans for designated areas.
• Conduct spatial analysis, research, and feasibility studies to inform planning decisions and policy formulation.
• Lead and mentor a team of urban planners and support staff, overseeing project workflows and deliverables.
• Engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, community representatives, business leaders, and the public, to build consensus and facilitate participation in the planning process.
• Prepare and present complex planning proposals, reports, and recommendations to decision-making bodies and the public.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant provincial and municipal planning legislation, policies, and guidelines.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, environmental specialists, and other professionals to integrate diverse planning perspectives.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented plans and policies, recommending adjustments as needed.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for innovative urban design and sustainable development practices.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Design, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in urban planning, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of South African planning legislation (e.g., SPLUMA) and policy frameworks at national, provincial, and municipal levels.
• Demonstrated experience in leading strategic planning projects, master planning, and land use management.
• Exceptional analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and timelines effectively.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to engage diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proficiency in GIS software and other relevant planning and design tools.
• A strong understanding of sustainable development principles and their application in urban contexts.
• Professional accreditation from the South African Planning Institute (SAPI) or equivalent is highly desirable.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary package, complemented by excellent benefits including comprehensive medical and retirement plans. You will have access to continuous professional development, including workshops, conferences, and further academic support. The position provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of Cape Town , working on high-impact projects within a supportive and forward-thinking organization. Our client values work-life balance and offers generous leave provisions. The work environment is dynamic and collaborative, with regular opportunities for professional networking and contribution to urban policy discussions.