Senior Manager - Land Use Approvals (RES348)

Join our dynamic team to play a pivotal role in one of the most ambitious and game-changing development projects of our time. As Senior Manager - Land Use Approvals, you will oversee and help lead 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 giga project 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 and/or Precinct Masterplan
• Oversee impact assessments of proposed land use planning changes to the District and/or Precinct Masterplan
• Lead and manage all updates and refinements to the District and/or Precinct Master Plan alongside the internal team, utilizing multi-disciplinary 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 program
• Maintain relationships with all internal stakeholders to ensure that any City-level strategies are analyzed 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 and/or Precinct 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
• Lead coordination with Risk Management colleagues to ensure timely and accurate reporting to the Business Unit on all issues and risks

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

Requirements:
Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, environmental science, land development, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.

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 5-years’ experience of working on large-scale projects
• Proven track record of securing permits for complex, large-scale developments and/or processing planning/permit applications on behalf of a municipal authority
• Private sector development experience would be highly desirable as would experience of entertainment-focused end uses including, but not limited to, theme parks, gaming and e-sports venues

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 building and 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

Benefits:
• The opportunity to be part of one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious city developments.
• A role dedicated to a specific residential asset type, allowing you to build deep expertise in your area.
• A fast-paced, high-impact environment where strategic thinking and execution excellence are highly valued.
• Collaboration with global industry leaders in real estate development, architecture, and planning