Land Use Planner

Roles and responsibilities

Join our dynamic team to play a pivotal role in one of the most ambitious and game-changing development projects of our time. As the Senior Land Use Approvals Manager, you will oversee the intricate regulatory and permitting processes required to bring our vision to life. You'll collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, manage stakeholder relationships, and ensure seamless alignment with zoning, environmental, and planning standards. This is a high-impact role with an opportunity to shape the future of urban development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

You'll be working on a transformative, globally-significant gigaproject that seeks to redefine how we live, work and most importantly PLAY! You'll work alongside industry-leading professionals and enjoy unparalleled opportunities for professional advancement and skill development in a fast-paced environment.

• Project Planning and Assessment:
• Evaluate land use proposals to ensure they align with Qiddiya City and District policies, regulations and guidelines
• Evaluate proposals from Asset Teams that would result in changes to the District Masterplan
• Oversee impact assessments of proposed land use planning changes to the District Masterplan
• Lead and manage all updates and refinements to the District Master Plan alongside the internal team and utilizing consultancy expertise where required
• Stakeholder Coordination:
• Act as a liaison between the District Master Developer, architects, engineers, government ministries and agencies, and community stakeholders
• Coordinate regulatory approvals to ensure seamless coordination with District build programme
• Maintain relationships with all internal stakeholders to ensure that any City-level strategies are analysed and implemented into the District Master Plan where necessary
• Process Management:
• Monitor the progress of approval processes and resolve delays or issues
• Maintain accurate records of permits, approvals, and correspondence
• Instruct consultants to land and asset change requests and implement these into the District Master Plan if approved
• Procurement of dedicated and/or multidisciplinary consultancy expertise as and when required, ensuring compliance with all internal policies and processes
• Lead and manage weekly and monthly reporting to District Leadership on all Land Planning matters
• Policy Understanding and Advocacy:
• Stay informed about changes in land use regulations, policies and strategies at a regional, national, state and Qiddiya City level
• Advocate for project approvals by presenting data and justifications to regulatory bodies and all internal stakeholders, boards and Senior Management

Desired candidate profile

• Educational Background:
  • Bachelors Degree (ideally a Masters) in urban planning, land development, environmental science, project management or a related field
• Experience:
  • A minimum of 9-12 years of experience in land use planning, permitting and compliance, development approvals, master planning and/or land development, with at least 3-years experience of working on large-scale projects.
  • Proven track record of securing permits for complex, large-scale developments
  • Private sector development experience would be highly desirable
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong understanding of master planning process, end-to-end land development, stakeholder management and process management
  • Familiarity with GIS tools, CAD software, and environmental impact analysis desirable
  • Strong knowledge of zoning laws, entitlement processes, and regulatory frameworks (ideally within GCC)
  • Experience of leading a team desirable
• Soft Skills:
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities
  • Adept at managing multiple stakeholders and navigating political landscapes
  • Fastidious attention to detail