Urban Solutions - Director of Urban Planning and Design

Join a company that is passionately committed to the pursuit of a better world through positive change. With more than 65 years of business and technical expertise in infrastructure, resources and energy, and our 10,000 colleagues in 150 countries tirelessly work toward bettering the industries and communities in which we operate. With practical solutions that are safe, innovative and sustainable, we think globally while acting locally. Are you looking for an opportunity to join a diverse group of professionals who are committed to remaining exceptional? We look forward to hearing from you.

Our expertise in infrastructure includes planning and advisory services, transit, aviation and highways. Want to be part of the creation and construction of our cities? Then the Urban Solutions team is for you!

Hatch is seeking a Director of Urban Planning and Design in the Middle East to join its global multi-disciplinary Urban Solutions practice. The Urban Solutions team brings together experts in development strategy and economics, social impact, urban planning and design, and transport planning as well as all the strategic and technical capabilities found within Hatch to inspire positive change in cities and communities across the world.

Urban Solutions at Hatch was established in 2016 and has grown organically since then, including two integrations, one in the UK and one in Australia. It currently has approximately 90 staff based in 12 Hatch offices worldwide. The next phase of growth will be further geographical expansion along with additional capabilities such as master planning and delivery of large-scale developments, particularly transit-oriented developments, industrial areas and free zones, and mixed-use hubs and recreational complexes. This exciting role will oversee our Middle East region business which already has a competitive foothold in the market along with a capable team.

Reporting to the Regional Director for Urban Solutions, the Director will be based in Abu Dhabi and responsible for growing our presence across the Middle East and contributing to the global Urban Solutions business practice, in coordination with colleagues around the world. The Director will provide leadership on deliverables and further develop the business, including responsibility for bidding on new opportunities, delivering and promoting the Hatch brand in the Middle East.

Hatch is an employee-owned, multidisciplinary professional services firm, established for over 65 years, that delivers a comprehensive array of technical and strategic services. Our global network of 9,000 professionals work on the world’s toughest challenges. Our experience spans over 150 countries around the world in the metals, energy, infrastructure, digital, and investments market sectors.

Responsibilities: 

• Act as a trusted advisor and leader within Hatch’s Urban Solutions business and contribute to the growth of the practice in the region through successful submission of bids and competent execution of project deliverables
• Liaise, network and encourage collaboration across Hatch’s disciplines and businesses that contribute to the Urban Solutions offer and provide Urban Solutions support to other units of the company operating within the Middle East – e.g., Metals, Energy, Transit, Ports & Terminals, etc.
• Client presentations and engagement
• Support ongoing and future regional and global Urban Solutions business development efforts
• It is expected that the Director has a good network of Clients in the Region
• Project leadership (design/ technical)
• Project bidding including leading technical and commercial proposals
• Team leadership, mentorship and growth
• Support in creating a market presence for Hatch in the Middle East including the preparation and update of capability statement and company brochures
• Responsible for urban planning, design and master planning detailed design
• Experience dealing with local authorities having jurisdiction over regulatory compliance aspects such as DDA, Trakhees, Dubai Municipality, DMT, RCRC and Riyadh/ Jeddah Amanah.
• Prepare and review design reports and project specifications
• Delivery of a wide range of projects across mixed use/ commercial/ residential/ industrial uses
• Thorough knowledge of preparation of reports including concept and detailed master planning reports, urban design guidelines and DCR’s.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Sketchup and associated presentation tools such as - Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and MS Office suites. Also, Revit, CityEngine and BIM360 is encouraged.
• Design assessment, technical and QAQC reviews

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree (Masters preferred) in architecture, urban planning, urban design, or related fields
• 15+ years of experience in urban development consulting or a related field
• Previous experience in a consultancy environment; preference given to experience in a multidisciplinary global consultancy
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Demonstrable research and project delivery skills
• The ability to work collaboratively on the local, regional and global scale; build relationships and influence effectively, with colleagues, clients and stakeholders
• The ability to work independently as needed
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills in complex and changing environments.

Why join us?

• Work with great people to make a difference
• Collaborate on exciting projects to develop innovative solutions
• Top employer

What we offer you:

• Flexible work environment
• Long term career development
• Think globally, work locally

Don't meet every single requirement? You don't need to. At Hatch, we are building a diverse, inclusive workplace that fosters innovation. If you're interested in this role, we encourage you to apply even if your past experiences don't perfectly align with the skills we've listed.

We're committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate and serve. Hatch is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants without regard to age, race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran, or any other protected status. If you have any accommodation requirements, please let us know. We'll do our best to meet your needs in accordance with applicable local legislation.