Principal - Urban Planner

Job Description

WSP seeks a Principal - Urban Planning to provide technical and professional leadership in the execution of urban planning projects across the GCC and the wider region, with a particular expertise in strategic planning, spatial development strategy and development management.

• To be a key member of the Development, Planning and Urban Design (DPUD) team in Saudi Arabia and provide urban planning services to external and internal clients as part of the WSP Middle East DPUD team.
• To be involved in strategic planning studies, regional and city plans, master planning and urban design projects in the wider Middle East region.
• To provide a key client facing role for WSPs DPUD team, within Advisory Services and a key point of contact for current and prospective clients. Work closely with the Head of DPUD and leadership team to support business development activities and help develop a pipeline of work that will support the growth of the in-country and broader DPUD team.
• Work with the wider multidisciplinary team developing bids and proposals to secure new work for the team and WSP more broadly.
  
  
  

• Participate in the production of high-quality urban planning, design and master planning project submissions in the Middle East region.
• Coordinate with and supervise projects teams of Urban Planners, Urban Designers, Graphic Designers, GIS specialists and multiple other technical disciplines on a day-to-day basis to achieve excellent design quality and documentation, and match or better WSP’s QA standards.
• Report to the Head of DPUD on a regular basis regarding progress, design, quality, resources, changes, site issues, planning issues etc.
• Will be required to travel within the Middle East region to projects in a variety of geographical locations.
• Participate in the preparation of technical and fee proposals for urban planning and other major projects where appropriate.
• Play a key client facing role in the bidding and negotiation process to secure further work.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with clients, attending meetings, workshops and seminars.
• Responsible for the management of teams and meeting agreed budgets.
  
  
  

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in urban planning.
• Planning certification such as Certified Practicing Planner (CPP) or AICP or CIP.
• Minimum 15 years’ post qualification experience in urban and regional planning and master planning projects with a focus on large scale strategic planning studies.
• Strong English language report writing and analytical skills.
• Relevant experience in the GCC and an understanding of the cultural norms and requirements of the region.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to clearly and articulately convey ideas, proposals and concepts in front of large, high-profile audiences.
• Experience of leading large, multi-disciplinary project teams across different geographies.
• Ability to lead the preparation of commercial and technical proposals within the framework of an established business governance framework.