Senior Urban Planning and Design Specialist

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Urban Planning and Design Specialist to lead complex urban projects, shape land-use frameworks and drive sustainable development with government, communities and developers.

Required is a Pr Pl registration with SAPI, 8+ years in planning and design, GIS proficiency, and strong leadership to deliver high-impact master plans and policy guidance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning/Design or related field.
• Professional registration with SAPI as Pr Pl is essential.
• 8+ years in urban planning and design roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead urban structure plans, frameworks and land use schemes.
• Conduct master planning and precinct planning for developments.
• Facilitate public participation and stakeholder engagement.
• Prepare planning reports, guidelines and policy recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with SPLUMA and municipal policies.
• Collaborate with engineers, architects and environmental scientists.
• Advise on land use applications, rezoning and township processes.
• Manage timelines, budgets and project resources.
• Stay updated on trends in sustainable development and smart cities.

Skills

Senior planner

Stakeholder engagement

GIS

Project leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Urban and Regional Planning degree

Master's preferred

Tools

GIS (ArcGIS)

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading urban development and environmental consulting firm, is seeking a highly skilled and visionary Senior Urban Planning and Design Specialist to join their established team in Soweto, Gauteng . This role is pivotal in shaping sustainable urban environments and implementing innovative design solutions for integrated human settlements. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of urban planning principles, spatial development frameworks, land use management, and public participation processes. You will lead complex urban planning projects, engage with diverse stakeholders including government agencies, communities, and developers, and contribute to the strategic direction of urban growth in the region. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated professional to make a tangible impact on urban regeneration and development, working within a respected organization committed to creating livable and sustainable cities. Your expertise will be crucial in transforming urban landscapes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of urban structure plans, spatial development frameworks, and land use management schemes.
• Conduct urban design studies, master planning, and precinct planning for new developments and redevelopments.
• Facilitate public participation processes and stakeholder engagement for planning projects.
• Prepare detailed planning reports, design guidelines, and policy recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with national legislation (e.g., SPLUMA) and municipal planning policies.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, architects, and environmental scientists.
• Provide expert advice on land use applications, rezoning, and township establishment processes.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful project delivery.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends in urban planning, sustainable development, and smart city concepts.

Requirements

• Bachelors or Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• Professional registration with the South African Planning Institute (SAPI) as a Professional Planner (Pr Pl) is essential.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in urban planning and design roles.
• In-depth knowledge of South African planning legislation, policies, and frameworks.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and conflict resolution.
• Proficiency in relevant planning software and GIS applications is an advantage.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and lead teams effectively.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, benchmarked against industry standards for senior professionals, along with a performance-based incentive program. Employees receive comprehensive benefits including medical aid, a retirement annuity fund, and life insurance. We are committed to fostering continuous professional development through access to advanced training, workshops, and support for attending relevant conferences and professional forums. This role offers exposure to significant and impactful urban development projects, with excellent opportunities for career growth and leadership within a dynamic and socially responsible organization.