Technical Director - Urban Planning

About This Role

Overview AtkinsRéalis are seeking an expert-level Technical Director for the Strategic Planning department in Riyadh to play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the Kingdom's spatial and infrastructural future. This position is responsible for setting the strategic vision and technical direction of planning and urban development initiatives, ensuring they align with Riyadh's'and Saudi Arabia's long-term growth objectives and the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The director will oversee projects of major importance and very high profile which integrate land use planning, transportation systems, environmental sustainability, and smart city technologies into cohesive, forward-thinking urban frameworks.

We are looking for a seasoned professional with exceptional presentation skills, proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships—including challenging clients—and a strong track record of bringing multidisciplinary teams together to deliver transformative outcomes. Due to the high profile of projects, we are seeking individuals with more than 20+ years of experience and extraordinary leadership capabilities.

Your role

• Lead the technical direction and strategic planning of very high-profile urban development projects across Riyadh and KSA.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams including planners, architects, engineers, and GIS specialists, fostering collaboration and alignment.
• Oversee the design, review, and approval of regional and local plans, metropolitan land, zoning regulations, and land use strategies.
• Collaborate with government agencies, private developers, and international consultants to ensure alignment with national and regional planning frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, environmental standards, and international best practices.
• Provide expert guidance on infrastructure integration, mobility planning, smart city technologies, and public realm enhancements.
• Represent the department in public forums, stakeholder meetings, and policy discussions with confidence and clarity.
• Act as a unifying force across teams and stakeholders, ensuring seamless coordination and delivery of strategic objectives.
• As a senior leader, the Technical Director will manage multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international consultants. They will be instrumental in guiding the preparation and implementation of local and regional plans, strategy plans, city plans and visions, structure plans, zoning regulations, and guidelines.
• The role demands a deep understanding of urban dynamics, regulatory environments, and the socio-economic factors influencing urbanization in the Gulf region, particularly within the context of rapid development and modernization.
• Beyond technical oversight, the Director will serve as a key advisor and public representative of the Strategic Planning department. They will champion innovation, advocate for sustainable and inclusive urban policies, and ensure that all planning efforts are grounded in data-driven analysis and global best practices. This role requires a balance of visionary thinking, operational excellence, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes to deliver transformative urban outcomes.
• You will be part of our tight-knit strategic planning team which covers the MENA region and beyond. We work in very close collaboration with other departments and sectors and pride ourselves on the inclusive and collaborative environment.

About You

• Master's degree in Regional and Urban Planning.
• Minimum 20 years of experience in urban planning, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Extensive experience in planning and delivering major strategic plans at the national, regional, and local (city) levels—including comprehensive plans, regional strategies, structure plans, and long‑range spatial frameworks.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale urban and regional development projects.
• Strong understanding of Saudi Vision 2030 and its implications for urban growth.
• Exceptional presentation and communication skills, with experience handling high-stakes and challenging client interactions.
• Demonstrated ability to unite diverse teams and drive collaboration toward shared goals.
• Fluency in English required; Arabic proficiency is a plus.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career.

This Includes

• Tax-free salary.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Medical insurance.
• Annual leave balance.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Transportation & housing allowances.
• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.

Seize every opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your expertise, and be recognized for the impact you make.

About AtkinsRéalis We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's'infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

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