Head of Master Planning & Landscaping - Middle East

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

As the Middle East continues to lead some of the world's most ambitious urban, economic, and infrastructure transformation programs, we are seeking a visionary and commercially minded leader to take on the role of Head of Master Planning & Landscaping - Middle East.

This strategic leadership position will be responsible for shaping the growth, technical excellence, market position, and overall performance of Jacobs' Master Planning business across the region. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team of planners, urban designers, landscape architects and specialists while partnering with clients to create innovative, sustainable, and future-ready communities.

The Role

As Head of Master Planning, you will provide leadership across business development, project delivery, team development, and strategic planning initiatives throughout the Middle East. Working closely with regional and global leadership teams, you will drive the vision and growth of the practice while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and grow Jacobs' Master Planning practice across the Middle East.
• Develop and execute a regional business strategy aligned with Jacobs' growth objectives.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with government entities, developers, private sector clients, and strategic partners.
• Champion the pursuit and delivery of major master planning, urban development, economic development, and infrastructure-led planning projects.
• Drive technical excellence, innovation, sustainability, and digital integration across all planning activities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of planning professionals.
• Collaborate across Cities & Places, Transportation, Water, Environment, Energy, and Advisory teams to deliver integrated client solutions.
• Support strategic pursuits, bids, proposals, and key account management activities.
• Ensure strong commercial, operational, and financial performance of the business.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a respected planning leader who combines technical credibility with strategic business leadership and a proven ability to drive growth.

Here's what you'll need

• Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in master planning, urban development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex projects.
• Strong understanding of planning, development, and infrastructure trends across the Middle East.
• Proven track record in client relationship management and business development.
• Experience leading major bids, pursuits, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen and project governance experience.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and leadership skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working across multiple Middle East markets, including KSA, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
• Exposure to giga-projects, national vision programs, smart city initiatives, and large-scale urban transformation projects.
• Established network within government, semi-government, and private sector organizations.
• Professional accreditation or membership with a recognized planning institute.

The successful candidate will

• Strengthen Jacobs position as a trusted leader in master planning across the Middle East.
• Expand market share and client relationships in strategic growth sectors.
• Build a high-performing and engaged team recognized for technical excellence.
• Deliver profitable growth while maintaining exceptional project outcomes for clients.
• Create a clear vision for the future of the Master Planning practice in the region.

Candidates should submit

1 A current CV/Resume.

2 A brief statement of interest (maximum two pages) outlining

• Relevant experience and achievements.
• Leadership philosophy.
• Vision for the growth and development of the Master Planning business in the Middle East.
• Why they are the best candidate for this opportunity.

From our inclusive employee networks to our positive mental health champions – we’re committed to driving a culture of caring where you can be you. Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally - and together, our diverse perspectives and unique backgrounds power our collective strength. We collaborate and share! By supporting one another, we all succeed.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities to do good too – from participating in our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.

No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

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