Master planning Lead

SOCOTEC ARABIA has been awarded the prestigious PMO contract for a confidential project in Riyadh City. As part of this high-profile initiative, we are seeking an accomplished Western expatriate Masterplanning Lead with a proven record in world-class urban development and masterplanning projects. This senior role will report directly to the PMO Lead and will play a pivotal part in shaping and delivering transformative masterplans that integrate culture, sustainability, and innovation at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Master planning Leadership

• Lead the master planning efforts for the urban development program, ensuring alignment with the project's strategic objectives and long-term vision.
• Drive the design and implementation of masterplans that integrate urban design, landscape architecture, and large-scale development planning.

Team Coordination

• Lead multidisciplinary teams of urban designers, planners, landscape architects, and consultants.
• Ensure a cohesive and coordinated approach, successfully integrating diverse technical inputs.

Placemaking & Urban Development

• Champion placemaking initiatives that create sustainable, vibrant, and resilient communities.
• Ensure cultural authenticity are respected within a contemporary urban development framework.

Codes & Technical Guidance

• Provide expert leadership on form-based and performance-based codes (or equivalent).
• Ensure the masterplan adheres to regulatory requirements while promoting high-quality, cohesive design.

Design Reviews & Technical Oversight

• Undertake and coordinate design reviews of consultant and in-house outputs.
• Provide strategic, anticipatory advice to resolve design and implementation challenges.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage confidently with senior stakeholders, including government entities, sovereign wealth funds, local communities, and international partners.
• Lead workshops, charrettes, and high-level presentations to communicate strategies and secure alignment.

Program & Project Integration

• Ensure Master planning milestones are fully integrated with the broader PMO program management framework.
• Maintain alignment with project timelines and long-term urban development objectives.

Risk & Consultant Management

• Identify risks early in the Master planning lifecycle and put in place mitigation strategies.
• Guide and oversee third-party consultants to ensure delivery meets world-class standards.

Quality & Delivery

• Guarantee timely, high-quality delivery of masterplans that embody excellence in urban design, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

Scope of Work & Deliverables

• Lead the development of comprehensive, integrated masterplans aligned with the project’s long-term vision.
• Coordinate technical and design inputs across multiple disciplines into a cohesive outcome.
• Facilitate workshops, charrettes, and presentations with stakeholders to ensure alignment and buy-in.
• Oversee design reviews and quality assurance processes, ensuring compliance with global best practices.
• Work closely with the PMO Lead to embed Master planning within the broader program framework.

Qualifications & Experience

• Educational Background: Postgraduate degree in Urban Design, Urban Development, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 20 years of global masterplanning and urban development leadership, including delivery of at least 5 landmark, large-scale projects.
• International Exposure: Must be a Western expatriate with demonstrated success in world-class masterplanning and development projects across North America, Europe, or equivalent international hubs.
• Masterplanning Expertise: Deep experience in placemaking, urban development, and codes-based planning frameworks.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead diverse, multidisciplinary teams in complex, high-value projects.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with senior stakeholders and investors.
• Design Management & Delivery: Strong ability to deliver on time and within scope while ensuring uncompromising design quality.
• Professional Certifications: Recognized credentials in urban planning, design, or project management preferred (e.g., RIBA, RTPI, AICP).

Certifications & Software

• Professional accreditation with a recognized planning body (RTPI, AICP, or equivalent) preferred.
• Proficiency in planning and GIS tools, alongside understanding of digital planning workflows.