Director Environment and Sustainability - KSA

We are looking for a Director Environment and Sustainability to be based in Riyadh, KSA

We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization connecting people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We’re bringing together the best and brightest to bring brilliant ideas to life—that’s the power of 36,000+ strong around the world.

Our clients in the Middle East, have some of the world’s most transformative projects underway. There is an increasing demand for environmental and sustainability consultancy services within the Middle East, to support the growth of community development and infrastructure projects in real estate, government, utilities (energy, water and waste) and transport sectors. Our clients in these transport, energy and built environment sectors need Environmental strategies not only at the project level but also at the corporate portfolio and organisational levels.

We are now seeking to appoint a Director Environment and Sustainability to drive the practice forward. The successful candidate will have proven experience in Environmental Consulting on large-scale international projects ideally in KSA, UAE and the broader Middle East region. The role will require experience in the coordination and delivery of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies, environmental inputs to master planning and the preparation and implementation of construction-related environmental management plans (including site monitoring and auditing). 

This is an excellent career development opportunity for the right candidate who is looking to progress their career to the next level and in a fast-paced and exciting field of work. You will join an international team of Environmental experts located locally and across the globe and you will support our key clients by working on mega projects. You will work collaboratively with a range of technical specialists on a broad range of projects, lead and coordinate

Environmental services and related deliverables, work closely with clients, develop new areas of business and mentor others in the team. 

The right candidate will be based in Riyadh or Dubai, but will be required to work across the broader Middle East and will be able to develop a successful working relationship with the discipline leads of other Business Units within the Middle East, as well as the technical specialists in the UK and India.

Key responsibilities:

The role will be varied and will require the day-to-day leadership of the Environmental Advisory service line. Our projects require project management, client and stakeholder liaison, coordination with design and site teams and technical inputs to EIAs and other studies. The candidate will also be expected to carry out associated environmental investigations and reporting, including contributions to design and contract documentation. The role will cover projects from conception through to delivery on-site, so there is likely to be a requirement to support/monitor the work of contractors and to undertake environmental inspections and audits at construction sites, or to support others undertaking these tasks.

The priorities of this role include:

• Leading the Environmental Advisory Service Line in the Middle-East;

• Leading the environmental team, with direct line management responsibilities;

• Leading the Service Line Strategy and growth;

• Leading and supporting bids for new work and business development.

• Leading and preparing environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and providing inputs to master plans and feasibility studies in support of the delivery of major infrastructure.

• Leading and supporting client and stakeholder requirements while facilitating project delivery.

• Leading and supporting the Atkins infrastructure and property delivery teams for environmental mitigation, enhancements and to promote sustainability.

• Leading and providing environmental audits of construction sites, to ensure compliance with construction environmental management plans.

• Leading and supporting specialists in developing high-quality project deliverables within proposed schedule and budget constraints.

• Liaison with environmental, planning, urban design, and landscape teams in the U.K. and in other Middle East offices (especially KSA and UAE) and aiding with the delivery of assignments in those countries as required.

• Maintaining environmental certifications/accreditations within the different regions of the GCC.

• Supporting environmental permit applications (EPAs) with key regulatory bodies in KSA and UAE. 

Required qualifications and experience:

• Degree qualified in a relevant field.

• Master's degree in EIA, Environmental or Marine Science.

• Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv).

• Along with strong general EIA coordination skills, a specialist in sustainability, marine/coastal, contamination/geo-environmental science, or groundwater/surface water, waste, noise, air quality or ecology would be considered advantageous.

• Proven experience (15-20 years) in the delivery of EIA and understanding its application to infrastructure projects in the Middle East region and internationally.

• Good working knowledge of EIA legislation in the Middle East and preferably KSA and UAE.

• A combination of technical skills in the environmental and engineering aspects of urban planning and development and of strategic advisory services.

• Personal commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills; capable of presenting detailed subject matter to a variety of stakeholders.

• Excellent organizational abilities.

• Willingness and ability to interact with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, clients and develop effective teamwork relationships.

• Fluency in written and spoken English - knowledge of Arabic would be helpful.

• Excellent report-writing skills.

• Flexibility with willingness and ability to work independently, or as part of a team.

• Willingness to travel within KSA, UAE and the GCC region.

• Membership of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA/CIEEM/CIWEEM) or similar professional institute would be advantageous.

• Construction site experience desirable.

Salary and benefits

We offer an excellent package which includes:

• A competitive salary.

• Accommodation allowance. 

• Transportation allowance. 

• 22 working days annual leave.

• Local public holidays.  

• Medical and life insurance cover. 

• Company gratuity scheme. 

• Discretionary bonus scheme. 

• Annual flight allowance to point of origin.