81 Director Of Planning jobs in the United Arab Emirates

Working closely with the Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning, the
Senior Director of Strategic Planning
will be responsible for supporting the development and execution of Miral Destinations' strategy and strategic planning processes. This role involves working closely with the Miral Destinations leadership team to develop a compelling vision, creating actionable business plans, while at the same time, ensuring alignment across the organisation.

The Senior Director of Strategic Planning is expected to have excellent presentation skills and be able to create visually impactful documents that clearly and effectively communicate with key internal and external stakeholders. By combining data-driven insights with strong storytelling abilities, the Senior Director of Strategic Planning will be expected to be able to shape and communicate strategies that drive the organisation's short- and long-term success.

Strategic Planning and Development

• Lead the development and continuous refinement of Miral Destinations' long-term strategic plans while ensuring alignment with the company's vision, and business goals.
• Work with the Miral Destinations leadership team to identify opportunities for growth, market expansion, and business performance improvements.
• Facilitate discussions with the leadership team to set organisational priorities, performance and resourcing.
• Analyse market dynamics, industry trends, the competitive landscape, and other insights to inform strategic decision making.
• Formulate short-term and long-term strategic objectives, ensuring these goals are integrated into business plans overall strategic direction.

Execution of Strategic Initiatives

• Drive the implementation of the strategic plan while ensuring alignment across the business.
• Where required, develop project plans, timelines, and monitor KPIs to measure the progress of strategic initiatives.
• Identify and manage any business risks associated with the execution of strategic initiatives. At the same time proactively addressing any challenges as they arise.
• Work in conjunction with other related Miral business entities and stakeholders to ensure the delivery of projects

Market Analysis and Competitive Intelligence

• Lead ongoing market analysis to understand relevant industry trends, market and competitive dynamics, and any emerging opportunities both locally and internationally.
• Gather and synthesise data on local and international market conditions, customer needs, and technological developments to inform the strategy.
• Provide actionable insights to Miral Destinations' leadership by identifying potential risks and opportunities for growth.
• Conduct regular scans of the competitive environment to analyses and assess the Miral Destinations' positioning relative to competitors.

Leadership and Team Management

• Provide strong leadership and foster a collaborative and high-performing work culture by setting clear expectations and goals.
• Invest in the growth of team members by providing regular feedback and on the job training.
• Regularly assess team performance by providing constructive feedback; look to implement performance improvement plans when necessary.
• Provide leadership and direction to other strategy team members, business analysts, and crossfunctional teams.
• Set performance goals and professional development opportunities for direct reports.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and cross-functional cooperation.

Storytelling, Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Develop high-quality and visually engaging presentations that clearly communicate strategic initiatives and progress to key stakeholders including the Miral Destinations leadership team, board, or other stakeholder groups.
• Craft compelling narratives using data-driven insights and storytelling to create alignment and inspire action.
• Act as an advisor to the SVP of Strategic Planning on key business decisions while offering insights into opportunities and risks.
• Have the ability to tailor strategic messaging to different audiences, ensuring clarity and impact across, business units, and external partners.

Market Research, Competitive Analysis and Continuous Improvement:

• Drive market intelligence and knowledge sharing by staying at the forefront of industry trends, market dynamics, and changes in consumer behavior through thorough research and intelligence gathering.
• Undertake competitor analysis by monitor competitors' pricing strategies, promotions, and customer engagement tactics. Utilise this information to inform decisions that keep the destination competitive in the market.
• Stay up-to-date with industry best practices and innovative approaches to strategy development and execution.

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Strategy, Economics, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

• 10-15+ years of experience in strategy or strategic planning type roles. Ex MBB and Big 4 Management Consulting is highly regarded
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a managerial or leadership position
• Familiarity with theme park or entertainment industry is highly preferred.
• Mastery of PowerPoint and other presentation software, with a demonstrated ability to create visually compelling, executive-level presentations.
• Exceptional storytelling skills, with the ability to weave data and strategy into a clear, engaging narrative that resonates with diverse audiences.
• Ability to develop and communicate clear, forward-thinking strategies that drive business success.
• Proven track record of developing and executing corporate strategies that drive business growth.
• Experience in leading large-scale strategic initiatives and working with crossfunctional teams.
• Strong background in market analysis, financial modelling, and competitive research.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to drive results.
• Expert user of Microsoft Office suite

Desirable:

• Collaborative: Works well in cross-functional teams and builds strong relationships across departments.
• Detail-Oriented: Pays attention to detail, ensuring that all aspects of the strategy are well thought out and effectively communicated.
• Visionary: Can think long-term, anticipate market trends, and shape the Miral Destination's strategy to stay ahead of the competition.
• Self starter: Always thinking about what next

The ideal candidate will be responsible for heading internal audit functions in a large organization.

Working closely with the Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning, the Senior Director of Strategic Planning will be responsible for supporting the development and execution of Miral Destinations' strategy and strategic planning processes. This role involves working closely with the Miral Destinations leadership team to develop a compelling vision, creating actionable business plans, while at the same time, ensuring alignment across the organisation. The Senior Director of Strategic Planning is expected to have excellent presentation skills and be able to create visually impactful documents that clearly and effectively communicate with key internal and external stakeholders. By combining data-driven insights with strong storytelling abilities, the Senior Director of Strategic Planning will be expected to shape and communicate strategies that drive the organisation's short- and long-term success.

• Lead the development and continuous refinement of Miral Destinations' long-term strategic plans while ensuring alignment with the company's vision, and business goals.
• Work with the Miral Destinations leadership team to identify opportunities for growth, market expansion, and business performance improvements.
• Facilitate discussions with the leadership team to set organisational priorities, performance and resourcing.
• Analyse market dynamics, industry trends, the competitive landscape, and other insights to inform strategic decision making.
• Formulate short-term and long-term strategic objectives, ensuring these goals are integrated into business plans and overall strategic direction.

• Drive the implementation of the strategic plan while ensuring alignment across the business.
• Where required, develop project plans, timelines, and monitor KPIs to measure the progress of strategic initiatives.
• Identify and manage any business risks associated with the execution of strategic initiatives; proactively addressing challenges as they arise.
• Work in conjunction with other related Miral business entities and stakeholders to ensure the delivery of projects.

• Lead ongoing market analysis to understand relevant industry trends, market and competitive dynamics, and any emerging opportunities both locally and internationally.
• Gather and synthesise data on local and international market conditions, customer needs, and technological developments to inform the strategy.
• Provide actionable insights to Miral Destinations' leadership by identifying potential risks and opportunities for growth.
• Conduct regular scans of the competitive environment to analyse and assess Miral Destinations' positioning relative to competitors.

• Provide strong leadership and foster a collaborative and high-performing work culture by setting clear expectations and goals.
• Invest in the growth of team members by providing regular feedback and on the job training.
• Regularly assess team performance by providing constructive feedback; implement performance improvement plans when necessary.
• Provide leadership and direction to other strategy team members, business analysts, and crossfunctional teams.
• Set performance goals and professional development opportunities for direct reports.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and cross-functional cooperation.

• Develop high-quality and visually engaging presentations that clearly communicate strategic initiatives and progress to key stakeholders including the Miral Destinations leadership team, board, or other stakeholder groups.
• Craft compelling narratives using data-driven insights and storytelling to create alignment and inspire action.
• Act as an advisor to the SVP of Strategic Planning on key business decisions while offering insights into opportunities and risks.
• Ability to tailor strategic messaging to different audiences, ensuring clarity and impact across business units and external partners.

• Drive market intelligence and knowledge sharing by staying at the forefront of industry trends, market dynamics, and changes in consumer behavior through thorough research and intelligence gathering.
• Undertake competitor analysis by monitoring competitors' pricing strategies, promotions, and customer engagement tactics. Utilise this information to inform decisions that keep the destination competitive in the market.
• Stay up-to-date with industry best practices and innovative approaches to strategy development and execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Strategy, Economics, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• 10-15+ years of experience in strategy or strategic planning roles; Ex MBB and Big 4 Management Consulting highly regarded.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a managerial or leadership position.
• Familiarity with theme park or entertainment industry highly preferred.
• Mastery of PowerPoint and other presentation software, with demonstrated ability to create visually compelling, executive-level presentations.
• Exceptional storytelling skills, with the ability to weave data and strategy into a clear, engaging narrative that resonates with diverse audiences.
• Ability to develop and communicate clear, forward-thinking strategies that drive business success.
• Proven track record of developing and executing corporate strategies that drive business growth.
• Experience in leading large-scale strategic initiatives and working with crossfunctional teams.
• Strong background in market analysis, financial modelling, and competitive research.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to drive results.
• Expert user of Microsoft Office suite.
• Collaborative: Works well in cross-functional teams and builds strong relationships across departments.
• Detail-Oriented: Pays attention to detail, ensuring that all aspects of the strategy are well thought out and effectively communicated.
• Visionary: Can think long-term, anticipate market trends, and shape the Miral Destination's strategy to stay ahead of the competition.
• Self-starter: Always thinking about what next.

• Director

• Full-time

• Business Development and Sales

• Travel Arrangements

As a Director at Initiative, you will work with the General Manager to drive Business within Initiative through our vision and product excellence. Leading the team and responsible for the interpretation and overall quality of media strategies, planning, presentations and buying for the team. You are responsible for the overall client satisfaction, ensuring that all deliverables are being met promptly and of the highest quality. You will be responsible for the structure, professionalism, and performance of the team. With a focus on an open working environment, offering support, training and insights to team members.

Responsibilities

Product

• Understands clients' overall business and marketing objectives, displaying a sound knowledge of all media, working efficiently as part of an overall integrated team.
• Thought leadership development in aligning all offline, digital, content, and social strategies with communications, marketing, and business objectives.
• Control of major media strategy and media objectives across all client brands and tiers.
• Works closely with the team to develop and deliver upon Performance Media KPIs for conversions to brand app usage
• Support Media and Digital Managers and communications teams in defining the offline and digital vision for the brands
• Proactively seek creative media opportunities appropriate to the business in the Middle East region
• Build a strong profile in the industry for the client group and the agency
• Contributes to innovation and idea generation
• Total management of workflow throughout the entire strategy, planning, implementation and optimization process
• Support in high-level conversations about the role of digital, social, social, and content, its ROI, and how it integrates within the consumer journey.
• Central contact for all traditional and online media responsibilities
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of client brand portfolio, business developments, and audience segments
• Translate insights into viable media planning strategies
• Investigate and evaluate new media opportunities that are relevant to the client's media strategies
• Ensure insight into competitive activity, including implications to the client
• Monitor and ensure client KPIs are being achieved
• Create a good rapport between the planning team and the brand team with the appropriate client
• Be the go-to person for the clients and ensure a salient relationship
• Ensure effective crisis management and efficiently leverage the structure within the agency whenever needed to resolve conflicts

Pitching

• Work with the General Manager to identify areas of organic growth and new revenue streams
• Work with the General Manager and or as part of the Agency Pitch team to support and lead on areas of new regional business pitches.

People

• Contribute to the development of all team members and work along with HR in implementing relevant training programs in line with their career objectives
• Breed a passionate culture of innovation and integration within the team
• Ensure that appraisals are done as per HR guidelines and company policy. Control the appraisal output through quarterly milestones to ensure that team members are on track.

Direct message the job poster from Initiative MENA

As a Director at Initiative, you will work with the General Manager to drive business within Initiative through our vision and product excellence. You will lead the team and be responsible for the interpretation and overall quality of media strategies, planning, presentations and buying for the team. You will be responsible for overall client satisfaction, ensuring that all deliverables are met promptly and of the highest quality. You will oversee the structure, professionalism, and performance of the team, with an open working environment that offers support, training and insights to team members.

Product

• Understands clients' overall business and marketing objectives, displaying a sound knowledge of all media, working efficiently as part of an overall integrated team.
• Thought leadership development in aligning all offline, digital, content, and social strategies with communications, marketing, and business objectives.
• Control of major media strategy and media objectives across all client brands and tiers.
• Works closely with the team to develop and deliver upon Performance Media KPIs for conversions to brand app usage.
• Support Media and Digital Managers and communications teams in defining the offline and digital vision for the brands.
• Proactively seek creative media opportunities appropriate to the business in the Middle East region.
• Build a strong profile in the industry for the client group and the agency.
• Contributes to innovation and idea generation.
• Total management of workflow throughout the entire strategy, planning, implementation and optimization process.
• Support in high-level conversations about the role of digital, social, and content, its ROI, and how it integrates within the consumer journey.
• Central contact for all traditional and online media responsibilities.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of client brand portfolio, business developments, and audience segments.
• Translate insights into viable media planning strategies.
• Investigate and evaluate new media opportunities that are relevant to the client's media strategies.
• Ensure insight into competitive activity, including implications for the client.
• Monitor and ensure client KPIs are being achieved.
• Create a good rapport between the planning team and the brand team with the appropriate client.
• Be the go-to person for the clients and ensure a salient relationship.
• Ensure effective crisis management and efficiently leverage the structure within the agency whenever needed to resolve conflicts.

Pitching

• Work with the General Manager to identify areas of organic growth and new revenue streams.
• Work with the General Manager and/or as part of the Agency Pitch team to support and lead on areas of new regional business pitches.

People

• Contribute to the development of all team members and work with HR in implementing relevant training programs in line with their career objectives.
• Breed a passionate culture of innovation and integration within the team.
• Ensure that appraisals are done as per HR guidelines and company policy. Control the appraisal output through quarterly milestones to ensure that team members are on track.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Advertising and Marketing

Industries

• Technology, Information and Media, Advertising Services, and Medical Practices

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Initiative MENA by 2x

The Head of Planning and Controls oversees the department across multiple projects, ensuring alignment with delivery timelines and operational goals.

The role operates within defined corporate, financial, and health & safety frameworks while navigating local regulations and market dynamics.

• Lead and manage the planning team to align with business needs and operational objectives
• Motivate, retain, and develop staff through regular appraisals, performance development reviews, and training initiatives
• Ensure alignment with workforce availability, market trading conditions, and contractual terms
• Maintain strong relationships and coordination with senior planning staff and business unit leadership

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Possess a minimum of 15 years of managerial and/or technical experience working leading main contractors.
• Demonstrated success in strategically leading a major contract, business unit, region, or professional function
• Proven experience in complex negotiations within multi-agency and multi-stakeholder environments

Overview

Search Central New York jobs and find the career you were made for

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next! When it comes to what you want in your career, if you can imagine it, you can do it at Parsons. Imagine a career working with intelligent, diverse people sharing a common quest. Imagine a workplace where you can be yourself. Where you can thrive. Where you can find your next, right now. We’ve got what you’re looking for.

Associate Director – Master Planning — Dubai, UAE

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Associate Director – Master Planning to join our team. In this role you will work on marquee urban development projects and create master plans that will change the fabric of our cities. This position is responsible for co-managing the Master Planning Team from a design and business perspective for the successful delivery of Master Planning projects to high quality standards of design and technicality in accordance with the Client’s expectations. The Master Planning Associate Director will be required to demonstrate an expert understanding of local and international urban planning and urban design best practices.

• Lead multidisciplinary team and ensure that team members are given clear instructions and guidance.
• Assigns work to professional staff and ensures appropriate training is provided.
• Prepare work programs to translate project objectives into detailed plans and take on the responsibility to subdivide work assignments and tasks to the project team.
• Perform and manage complex and sensitive professional urban planning and urban design tasks, research and analysis.
• Review, monitor, and ensure compliance with local and international standards.
• Gather, compile, and analyze data on economic, social, and physical factors affecting the developments.
• Develop technical inputs to support the delivery of high-quality plans, reports, and presentations.
• Maintain contact and coordination with multiple external agencies involved in translating the Government’s development mandate and master plan objectives into work plans through maintaining meaningful working relationships to facilitate a shared understanding.
• Support business development activities including the preparation of bids, pricing and content development.
• Prepare business presentations to promote the works of the Design and Planning studio.
• Support Key account management and nurture client relationships per business strategy.

• Master degree in Urban Planning and Urban Design, Architecture or closely related field.
• Minimum 15+ years of progressive urban planning and design experience working on a variety of projects.
• Experience and engagement with clients in the Middle East is a must.
• Experience in producing master plans, conceptual designs and illustrative layouts.
• Creative thinking and in-depth understanding of current best practices.
• Thorough understanding of local statutes and planning rules and regulations.
• Ability to involve and represent wide-range and diverse interests in the development planning and design process and to reconcile conflicting demands.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability for performing in a lead capacity on a project.
• Proficiency in various design software and 3D modeling tools.

• Professional certifications such as AICP, RTPI.
• Ability to perform in a lead capacity on a project.

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information. We truly invest in and care about our employees’ wellbeing and provide opportunities for growth. Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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Requisition #

ENG-L9.44

Job title

Project Director – Transport Planning

Category

Contract type

Permanent (Employee)

Full Time

Description

Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact.

Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with over 90 years of experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa and the Middle East.

We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people’s lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue?

We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and sharing a sense of urgency. People who have an impact on our teams and the broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy

About the role:

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Project Director – Transport Planning (UAE based) to lead the development of strategic transport masterplans that shape the future of mobility in cities and regions. This role requires deep expertise in long-term transport planning, policy formulation, and integration of future mobility solutions to support sustainable urban growth. The candidate will be responsible for guiding clients through complex planning challenges and delivering transformative, high-impact strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development of national, regional, and city-level Transport Masterplans, aligned with long-term urban growth, sustainability, and economic development goals
• Develop integrated multi-modal mobility strategies that support accessibility, livability, and carbon reduction
• Shape policy frameworks and high-level mobility strategies that enable innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity in transport systems

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted advisor to government agencies, urban developers, and infrastructure clients
• Lead high-level consultations and workshops with public and private stakeholders to build consensus around transport visions and investment priorities
• Translate complex urban mobility needs into clear, actionable strategies

Future Mobility & Innovation

• Guide the integration of emerging mobility trends (e.g., shared mobility, electric vehicles, Mobility-as-a-Service, autonomous transport) into planning frameworks
• Advise on smart mobility policies, governance structures, and funding mechanisms to support modern urban transport ecosystems

Project & Team Management

• Oversee a portfolio of large-scale, multidisciplinary projects, ensuring high-quality delivery on time and within budget
• Lead and mentor teams of planners, urban designers, policy analysts, and engineers
• Coordinate with technical and digital teams to integrate spatial analysis, GIS, and data-driven planning tools into the strategic planning process

Business Development

• Identify and pursue new project opportunities in strategic transport planning across public and private sectors
• Prepare high-quality technical proposals and contribute to market positioning efforts in the region
• Support the company’s growth by expanding its reputation in strategic mobility planning and future transport systems

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Transport Planning, Urban Planning, or related discipline
• 15+ years of progressive experience in transport strategy and policy, with a strong portfolio of leading complex masterplanning projects
• Proven experience delivering transport plans at city, regional, or national levels
• In-depth understanding of mobility trends, land use integration, sustainability principles, and transport governance
• Visionary leadership and strategic thinking
• Excellent stakeholder and client management
• Expertise in sustainable and future-focused transport planning
• Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills
• Team leadership and collaboration in multidisciplinary environments

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment and work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices.

Description Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact. Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with over 90 years of experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa and the Middle East.

We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people s lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue? We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and sharing a sense of urgency. People who have an impact on our teams and the broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy

About the role: We are seeking an experienced and visionary Project Director Transport Planning (UAE based) to lead the development of strategic transport masterplans that shape the future of mobility in cities and regions. This role requires deep expertise in long-term transport planning, policy formulation, and integration of future mobility solutions to support sustainable urban growth. The candidate will be responsible for guiding clients through complex planning challenges and delivering transformative, high-impact strategies.

Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development of national, regional, and city-level Transport Masterplans, aligned with long-term urban growth, sustainability, and economic development goals
• Develop integrated multi-modal mobility strategies that support accessibility, livability, and carbon reduction
• Shape policy frameworks and high-level mobility strategies that enable innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity in transport systems

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted advisor to government agencies, urban developers, and infrastructure clients
• Lead high-level consultations and workshops with public and private stakeholders to build consensus around transport visions and investment priorities
• Translate complex urban mobility needs into clear, actionable strategies

Future Mobility & Innovation

• Guide the integration of emerging mobility trends (e.g., shared mobility, electric vehicles, Mobility-as-a-Service, autonomous transport) into planning frameworks
• Advise on smart mobility policies, governance structures, and funding mechanisms to support modern urban transport ecosystems

Project & Team Management

• Oversee a portfolio of large-scale, multidisciplinary projects, ensuring high-quality delivery on time and within budget
• Lead and mentor teams of planners, urban designers, policy analysts, and engineers
• Coordinate with technical and digital teams to integrate spatial analysis, GIS, and data-driven planning tools into the strategic planning process

Business Development

• Identify and pursue new project opportunities in strategic transport planning across public and private sectors
• Prepare high-quality technical proposals and contribute to market positioning efforts in the region
• Support the company s growth by expanding its reputation in strategic mobility planning and future transport systems

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor s or Master s degree in Transport Planning, Urban Planning, or related discipline
• 15+ years of progressive experience in transport strategy and policy, with a strong portfolio of leading complex masterplanning projects
• Proven experience delivering transport plans at city, regional, or national levels
• In-depth understanding of mobility trends, land use integration, sustainability principles, and transport governance

Key Competencies:

• Visionary leadership and strategic thinking
• Excellent stakeholder and client management
• Expertise in sustainable and future-focused transport planning
• Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills
• Team leadership and collaboration in multidisciplinary environments