Project Principal - Urban Planning and Master Planning

About the role

Mott MacDonald is looking for an experienced urban planning and master planning professional to strengthen its regional capability across all master planning stages. The role combines technical leadership, design coordination, authority engagement, project and commercial management, and support to client and design-partner relationships. It suits a senior practitioner who can direct and assure work while staying technically engaged in developing planning solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead land development commissions from feasibility through detailed planning, design guidelines and authority approval stages
• Provide technical direction on spatial frameworks, land use, development capacity, density, GFA, population, community facilities and design guidelines
• Review and challenge sub-consultant proposals for design quality, spatial coherence, commercial viability and regulatory compliance
• Coordinate architecture, transport, infrastructure, landscape, sustainability and specialist inputs into integrated master plans
• Lead or support planning submissions, technical workshops and engagement with authorities and stakeholders in the UAE and wider Middle East
• Manage master plan updates, deviations and design changes as projects move into infrastructure, public realm and asset design
• Build delivery partnerships with international and regional architects, developers and specialists, and define scopes, programmes, deliverables, resources and fees
• Manage project performance (scope, programme, budget, quality, risk, change) and maintain client and partner relationships
• Mentor multidisciplinary team members and grow the regional urban planning portfolio

Required profile

• Bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture or a related discipline
• Significant experience in urban planning, urban design or masterplanning, including substantial Middle East project experience
• Proven experience leading complex CMP and DMP commissions for major mixed-use, residential, waterfront, hospitality, entertainment or regeneration developments
• Strong understanding of UAE planning requirements and authority approval processes
• Desirable: experience in UAE, KSA or other GCC markets, masterplan custodianship, working with developers or Lead Design Consultants, and membership of an internationally recognised professional body

Required skills

• Land-use planning, development capacity, GFA and density studies, plot and block planning, development controls and design guidelines
• Technical methodologies, scopes, programmes, resource plans and fee proposals
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Desirable: AutoCAD, GIS, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite

What we offer

• Permanent full-time position in Dubai
• Annual bonus opportunities and longer-term participation under the employee ownership model
• Medical and life insurance, annual leave, maternity and paternity leave
• Support for professional membership and learning and career development