Summary
LEAD Development is seeking an Executive Director to lead strategic planning, masterplanning, landscape planning and infrastructure development for large-scale mixed-use communities. The role covers utilities, roads and mobility, regulatory approvals, consultant oversight, capital budgets, risk management and team leadership. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, urban planning or architecture, with a master’s degree or MBA preferred, and 15–20 years of relevant experience including at least 5 years in executive leadership. Experience delivering master-planned communities in the UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi, and familiarity with local authorities and infrastructure standards are required.
The posting
As published on leaddevelopment.ae. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Job Summary
The Executive Development Director – Planning & Infrastructure is responsible for shaping and executing the strategic planning, infrastructure, and landscape framework for large-scale, mixed-use communities. This role leads all aspects of Masterplanning, urban design coordination, infrastructure development (utilities, roads, mobility), and regulatory interface to ensure world-class, future-proof environments that enable exceptional lifestyle offerings.
The role requires strong leadership qualities and ability to coordinate with other disciplines with communication skills and management of staff.
Masterplanning & Urban Strategy
a. Lead the masterplanning team for the planning and development of masterplans for integrated communities comprising residential, commercial, educational, hospitality, retail, wellness, and cultural assets.
b. Ensure alignment with the Lead Development vision, commercial goals, and brand standards.
c. Oversee zoning, density allocation, land use optimization, and phased implementation strategies.
d. Drive and oversee the landscape planning and design of the communities and projects.
Infrastructure Development
a) Drive the planning, design, and execution of all backbone infrastructure: utilities (power, water, sewerage, irrigation), mobility networks (roads, transit, micromobility), stormwater, telecom, and smart city systems.
b) Define infrastructure strategies that support sustainable, resilient, and technologically enabled communities.
c) Ensure infrastructure capacity matches long-term development phasing and asset classes.
Regulatory & Government Liaison
a) Manage engagement with planning authorities, utility agencies, and municipality bodies to secure all necessary NOCs, masterplan approvals, and infrastructure permits.
b) Lead negotiation of development agreements, service provisions, and infrastructure obligations.
c) Ensure compliance with national and local planning policies, building codes, and environmental regulations.
Technical Oversight
a) Oversee consultants and technical advisors responsible for infrastructure masterplans, utility modeling, mobility studies, and EIA reports.
b) Ensure design integration across disciplines (civil, landscape, MEP, transport) and with vertical asset development teams.
c) Champion innovative infrastructure solutions including district cooling, smart mobility, and renewable integration.
Budgeting & Cost Management
a) Set infrastructure and landscape CAPEX budgets and ensure effective cost control throughout design and execution phases.
b) Coordinate with finance, procurement, and development teams to align infrastructure delivery with project cash flows and delivery timelines.
Risk & Interface Management
a) Identify and mitigate infrastructure risks including delays, coordination failures, or scope gaps.
b) Act as interface lead between planning, infrastructure, vertical development, and construction functions.
c) Support contingency planning and scenario modelling for major infrastructure packages.
Leadership & Team Development
a) Build and lead a high-performing internal team of planning and infrastructure professionals.
b) Provide strategic direction and mentorship, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.
c) Support knowledge transfer and capability development across the wider organization.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, or architecture; Master’s or MBA preferred.
- 15–20 years of experience in large-scale urban development, including at least 5 in executive leadership roles.
- Proven delivery of infrastructure for master planned mixed-use communities in the UAE and Abu Dhabi in particular.</li
- Familiarity with Abu Dhabi government engagement, local authorities, utility providers, and infrastructure design standards.
Core Competencies:
- Strategic planning and execution across infrastructure, urban systems, and landscape
- Deep technical expertise in civil, utility, and mobility infrastructure
- Strong regulatory and stakeholder management skills
- Excellent cross-functional coordination and team leadership
- Commercial awareness and capital planning acumen
- High standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability
The duties and responsibilities described above are not comprehensive and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.