WSP in the Middle East is seeking a Principal – Urban Planner to provide technical and professional leadership on urban planning projects across the GCC and wider Middle East. The role focuses on strategic planning, spatial development strategy, and development management. The candidate will lead multi-disciplinary teams, manage client relationships, and support business development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in urban planning projects, including strategic planning, regional/city plans, master planning, and urban design.

• Lead project teams consisting of Urban Planners, Urban Designers, GIS specialists, and other technical disciplines, ensuring design quality and adherence to WSP QA standards.

• Act as a client-facing representative for WSP’s DPUD team, supporting bidding and negotiation processes.

• Develop high-quality project submissions and technical/fee proposals.

• Travel within the Middle East to various project sites as required.

• Report regularly to Head of DPUD on project progress, resources, design quality, and planning issues.

• Manage project budgets and ensure timely delivery of outputs.

• Build and maintain relationships with clients, attending workshops, meetings, and seminars.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Urban Planning.

• Planning certification such as Certified Practicing Planner (CPP), AICP, or CIP.

• Minimum 15 years of post-qualification experience in urban and regional planning, master planning, and large-scale strategic planning studies.

• Strong report writing, analytical, and presentation skills in English.

• Experience leading large, multi-disciplinary project teams across multiple geographies.

• Relevant GCC experience and understanding of regional cultural norms.

• Ability to prepare commercial and technical proposals within an established governance framework.

Work Type: Full-time, Hybrid