Senior Principal Airport Planner

About Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 experts operating in more than 50 countries. As an employee-owned business, the company focuses on fostering a supportive environment for its team members.

The Role of Senior Principal Airport Planner

Mott MacDonald is seeking a Senior Principal Airport Planner to join its Aviation team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role involves leading and delivering complex aviation projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and stakeholders to ensure technical excellence and successful project outcomes. The Senior Principal Airport Planner will report to the Aviation Client Director and will also contribute to business development within the aviation sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams in the successful delivery of airport planning and aviation projects.
• Act as Technical Lead, ensuring technical quality and compliance with Mott MacDonald Business Management Systems.
• Conduct technical reviews and provide guidance for project delivery.
• Manage and coordinate design engineering activities, including stakeholder engagement, budget control, and project reporting.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for clients and maintain client relationships.
• Identify project risks and opportunities, implement mitigation measures, and communicate issues to project leadership.
• Develop and strengthen the capabilities of aviation teams in Saudi Arabia.
• Utilize global design centers and specialist expertise to support project delivery.
• Support business development, proposal preparation, and work-winning initiatives in the aviation sector.
• Promote Mott MacDonald’s aviation capabilities and contribute to securing new opportunities.
• Support continuous improvement and digital ways of working, including knowledge sharing.
• Demonstrate safe, ethical, and inclusive behaviors aligned with Mott MacDonald values.

Candidate Requirements

• Education: Degree in aeronautical engineering, civil engineering, architecture, air transport management, airport planning, or a related discipline.
• Experience: Over 10 years of significant aviation industry experience, demonstrating leadership in airport planning projects.
• Technical Expertise: Professional experience across multiple airport planning disciplines, including airfield and apron planning, terminal planning, landside infrastructure, operations, utilities, and airspace planning.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage medium to large projects or workstreams.
• Project Management: Strong project and program management skills, including commercial and contractual awareness.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with clients and stakeholders.
• Business Development: Ability to develop client relationships, identify opportunities, and contribute to winning new work.

Desirable Qualifications

• Chartered status or qualifications aligned with a recognized professional institution.
• Experience in growing and developing teams within project or organizational environments.
• Knowledge of airport planning software and digital design platforms such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, AviPlan, Infraworks, Navisworks, and Revit.
• Experience with airport simulation and modeling tools for terminal and airfield capacity and demand analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Power BI.

Application Information

This full-time position offers an opportunity to influence major airport planning projects across the region. Salary details will be discussed during the recruitment process.