Master Planner Manager (m/f/d)

Our client is one of the Middle East’s most ambitious and forward‑thinking sustainable urban developments – a landmark, city‑scale project that integrates mixed‑use communities, clean technology, smart‑city infrastructure, and world‑leading environmental standards. The organisation is entering a significant delivery phase with a substantial pipeline of large‑scale mixed‑use projects and is looking for a Master Planner Manager to safeguard design quality, drive integration, and ensure every building and public realm proposal contributes to a globally recognised vision.

As Master Planner Manager, you will be the hands‑on internal design authority for all master planning and architectural submissions across the city. Acting as the key reviewer and coordinator, you will ensure that third‑party concept designs, detailed packages, and construction documentation align with the organisation’s business plan, design standards, and sustainability ambitions. You will manage a broad spectrum of external consultants – city planners, architects, engineers, surveyors – and be the primary interface with Abu Dhabi government agencies, particularly the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).

This is not a remote design review position; it requires someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves to produce internal test fits, pre‑concept options, and high‑quality visualisations when needed, while simultaneously driving performance and compliance across multiple concurrent projects.

• Lead the design and technical review of all master plans, concept designs, schematic designs, and detailed design submissions for large‑scale mixed‑use developments.

  
  
  

• Act as the central point of contact and performance manager for external consultants (planners, architects, MEP, sustainability, traffic, facade, and specialist vendors), ensuring timely, coordinated, and SLA‑compliant deliverables.

  
  
  

• Drive sustainability and smart‑city integration, ensuring all designs meet LEED certification targets and DMT Estidama (sustainability compliance) requirements as a business‑critical priority.

  
  
  

• Navigate the full DMT approval process, managing exhaustive submission procedures and building positive, effective relationships with Abu Dhabi regulatory authorities.

  
  
  

• Prepare internal test fits, feasibility studies, and polished presentation materials – including high‑quality animations and rendered plans – to support senior management decision‑making.

  
  
  

• Contribute to RFP scope documents, bid evaluations, and contract negotiations related to master planning and architecture.

  
  
  

• Continually improve design management processes, identify interface risks, and ensure strict compliance with document control, information security, and QHSE policies.

  
  
  

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urban Design, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

  
  
  

• Minimum 8–10 years of relevant experience in master planning, urban design, or architectural design management, with a strong focus on large‑scale mixed‑use developments in the UAE.

  
  
  

• Demonstrable, hands‑on experience with the Abu Dhabi regulatory environment, particularly DMT approval procedures and Estidama  compliance.

  
  
  

• Track record of reviewing and governing third‑party designs, managing multiple external design consultants simultaneously, and delivering coordinated, buildable solutions.

  
  
  

• Proven ability to embed sustainability standards (LEED, Estidama) into the design review and approval cycle.

  
  
  

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the confidence to represent the organisation externally to authorities and consultants.

  
  
  

Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite; strong visualization and animation capabilities (Lumion, 3ds Max, or similar) are essential.

  
  
  

• Thorough knowledge of Abu Dhabi codes, local authority requirements, and master planning frameworks.

  
  
  

• Commercial acumen – experience in value engineering, feasibility analysis, and constructability review.

  
  
  

Behavioural Competencies:

• Hands‑on reviewer by nature: detail‑oriented, curious, and unwilling to compromise on quality.

  
  
  

• Resilient and agile – comfortable managing a demanding workload in a fast‑paced, multi‑stakeholder environment.

  
  
  

• Able to influence without direct authority, building strong relationships across internal teams and external partners.

  
  
  

• A chance to shape a globally significant, sustainability‑led city development at a pivotal delivery stage.

  
  
  

• Highly competitive, tax‑free compensation package.

  
  
  

• An influential, high‑visibility role within a collaborative and vision‑driven design leadership team.

  
  
  

• Opportunity to work at the cutting edge of master planning, sustainable design, and smart‑city integration in Abu Dhabi.

  
  
  

If you meet the above criteria and are ready for a career‑defining challenge, please submit your CV demonstrating relevant master planning and design review experience.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.