Technical Director - Urban Planning

Atkins Realis Group

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.