Compito
Job Title: Master Planning & Urban Design Expert
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Employment Type: Consultant / Project-Based Assignment
Industry: Industrial Zones, Economic Zones, Urban Planning, Infrastructure, Investment Development
Job Description
The consultant will be responsible for supporting the development and review of master plans at the industrial zone scale, including land-use planning, urban design, infrastructure sequencing, regulatory frameworks, operating models, feasibility analysis, investor services, and business development governance.
This role requires a senior profile with hands-on experience in industrial zones, economic zones, logistics zones, manufacturing clusters, free zones, or large-scale development master planning.
Key Responsibilities
Master Planning & Urban Design
Develop, review, and enhance master plans for large-scale industrial zones.
Apply urban design principles to land-use planning, zoning, circulation, infrastructure, plot allocation, public realm, and phasing.
Prepare and review high-quality graphical outputs, planning diagrams, land-use maps, zoning plans, development control guidelines, and urban design frameworks.
Support land-use optimization and spatial planning strategies for industrial, logistics, commercial, utilities, and support functions.
Building Standards, Codes & Regulatory Frameworks
Develop and review regulatory frameworks, planning guidelines, building codes, standards, and development control regulations.
Support governance structures related to planning approvals, compliance, permitting, licensing, and development management.
Ensure alignment with applicable planning, safety, environmental, infrastructure, industrial, and authority requirements.
Scenario-Based Planning for Industrial Zones
Lead scenario development exercises for new industrial zones and economic zones.
Assess development scenarios based on land-use mix, infrastructure phasing, investor demand, operational readiness, and commercial feasibility.
Support infrastructure sequencing, plot development strategy, phasing plans, and investment prioritization.
Provide recommendations for optimal development scenarios based on technical, commercial, and operational criteria.
Operating Model & Commercial Architecture
Design and support the implementation of industrial zone operating models.
Develop licensing frameworks, asset endorsement models, tenant approval processes, fee structures, service models, and commercial architecture.
Define roles and responsibilities across zone authority, operator, developer, investors, tenants, and government stakeholders.
Support the transition from concept planning to operational readiness.
Feasibility & Financial Modeling
Develop feasibility and financial models for large-scale master planning projects.
Prepare cost, revenue, demand, phasing, investment, and stress-testing models.
Evaluate financial viability under multiple planning, commercial, and infrastructure scenarios.
Support decision-making through clear financial analysis, sensitivity testing, and scenario comparison.
Business Development & Investor Attraction
Develop strategic business development plans for industrial zones from concept to operational launch.
Support investor attraction strategies, market positioning, sector targeting, and competitive benchmarking.
Map value chains and identify priority sectors, anchor investors, and investment opportunities.
Develop market communication frameworks and investment promotion materials.
Service Design & Process Development
Design investor and tenant service journeys, operating processes, and service delivery standards.
Develop internal workflows covering investor onboarding, licensing, approvals, plot allocation, tenant support, and post-establishment services.
Create process maps, SOPs, service charters, and governance procedures for industrial zone operations.
Governance, Compliance & Institutional Framework
Design and implement governance frameworks for business development, investor services, regulatory compliance, and operational management.
Develop policies, procedures, SOPs, compliance structures, approval matrices, and institutional operating guidelines.
Ensure clear coordination between planning, commercial, regulatory, licensing, infrastructure, and investor relations functions.
Profilo
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Urban Design, Civil Engineering, Real Estate Development, Economics, Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Real Estate Development, Economics, MBA, or related field is preferred.
Professional certifications in urban planning, project management, financial modeling, real estate development, or economic zone development are an advantage.
Experience Requirements
Minimum 12–15 years of relevant experience in master planning, urban design, industrial zone development, economic zones, free zones, logistics parks, or large-scale development.
Proven experience in preparing and reviewing master plans at industrial zone or economic zone scale.
Strong experience in regulatory frameworks, building codes, planning standards, development controls, and governance structures.
Hands-on experience in scenario planning, feasibility studies, financial modeling, infrastructure phasing, and land-use optimization.
Experience in business development, investor attraction, operating models, licensing frameworks, fee structures, and tenant services.
Previous GCC experience is highly preferred.
Required Skills
Strong master planning and urban design capability.
Excellent graphical representation and planning communication skills.
Deep understanding of industrial zone development, land-use planning, infrastructure sequencing, and economic development.
Strong financial modeling and feasibility assessment skills.
Ability to develop operating models, regulatory frameworks, SOPs, governance structures, and commercial architecture.
Strong business development mindset with investor attraction and value chain mapping experience.
Excellent stakeholder management, presentation, reporting, and strategic advisory skills.
Ability to work with government entities, developers, operators, investors, and technical consultants.
Preferred Background
Candidates with experience in one or more of the following will be preferred:
Industrial cities
Economic zones
Free zones
Logistics zones
Manufacturing clusters
Defense, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing industrial zones
Special economic zones
Large-scale government master planning projects
Investment promotion agencies
Industrial real estate development