Lead Principal Urban Planner

Overview

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Lead Urban Planner to join our growing urban planning and master planning team in Saudi Arabia. The successful candidate will technically lead the planning, design, and delivery of large-scale developments aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. This role will involve working across multidisciplinary teams, contributing to strategic and site-scale planning, and engaging directly with clients and stakeholders.

Your role

• Drive the preparation of master plans, urban development frameworks, and land use strategies.
• Lead site analysis, feasibility studies, and development assessments to inform planning decisions.
• Manage and coordinate planning reports, concept designs, zoning layouts, and urban guidelines.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (transport, infrastructure, environment, economics, and architecture) to deliver integrated planning solutions.
• Engage with Saudi government authorities, developers, and private stakeholders during project delivery.
• Support the preparation of bids, proposals, and client presentations for planning opportunities in KSA.
• Contribute to workshops, design charrettes, and stakeholder consultation sessions.
• Mentor junior planners and contribute to building team capabilities.

About you

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or related field.
• 15+ years of professional experience with at least 10+ in middle east (Saudi market experience is strongly preferred)
• Experience working on large-scale master planning / urban development projects, ideally within KSA giga-projects or city-scale plans.
• Good understanding of Saudi planning frameworks, regulatory processes, and municipal requirements. · Proficiency in GIS, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and planning/design software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English (Arabic an advantage).
• Membership of a recognized professional body (RTPI, AICP, ISOCARP, etc.) is desirable

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.
• Comprehensive life insurance coverage.
• Premium medical insurance for you and your dependents.
• Generous annual leave balance.
• Flexible and hybrid work solutions.
• Remote work opportunities outside of country.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Relocation assistance.
• Transportation & housing allowances (available for remote work locations)
• 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.

Find out more.