Manager of Planning

Job Purpose: The Manager of Planning acts as the Manager for planning and upfront design of all major and capital projects within PDEC; including Master Planning, Project Planning, Space Planning, Urban Planning, and Land Use Planning with a heavy emphasis on Laboratory Planning. You will lead the architectural and engineering planning team in managing and overseeing all feasibility and design phase efforts. In collaboration with the Head of Construction Project Management (CPM), the Manager of Design and Engineering, and the Director of Planning, Design, Engineering and Construction (PDEC), the Manager of Planning will develop and organize the work by developing and implementing processes and procedures that support world class execution of laboratory construction projects, campus and community planning. Major Accountabilities: You will: Lead and oversee the planning teams in the development of studies (including feasibility studies), investigations, analysis, planning, and design phase management of the physical environment at KAUST – specifically prioritizing laboratory planning of all types (biological/chemical sciences, physical sciences, computer and electrical sciences). Act as the manager in Facilities Management (FM) responsible for responding to project requests initiated by University, Research, and Community stakeholders and routing those projects, as is appropriate. In collaboration with the Director of Planning, Design, Engineering and Construction, the Manager of Planning will develop a team of planners responsible for organizing the early phases of projects to identify a clear scope, high-level planned budget, and schedule as well as to manage the feasibility study and early design phases of construction projects. Work with internal colleagues collaboratively to develop processes and procedures that support the PDEC and FM organizations fully and functionally. Fully support the research and lab environments as well as the utilities infrastructure environments through sophisticated planning and design phase management of projects. Develop executive project reports and presentations for senior leadership. Focus on communications of project strategy, objectives and impacts on, or by other projects. Resolve and escalate planning issues. In collaboration with the PDEC Director and other colleagues, support the development and updates of the KAUST Master Plan. Support the review of projects and requests relative to Master Planning and Land Use Planning guidelines through the oversight of responsible team members. Oversee the Land Use Committee process and preparation. Develop and implement policies, processes, and templates that support best practices for planning and design (Project Budgets, Schedules, Governance Charts, Feasibility Studies, Reports, and Executive Communications). Oversee or develop space programs, concept layouts, and other planning methodologies as required. Be responsible for collaborating with Procurement and the General Counsel’s Office on contracts and tender/request for proposal documents for the feasibility study and design phases of projects. Develop and oversee the Space Planning efforts across KAUST spaces to support best in class space utilization. Qualifications: You will have: A Bachelor or Masters degree in engineering, architecture or a related field. An Engineering or Architectural license, or equivalent preferred. Experience: You will have: A minimum 10 years of work experience (or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience). Experience in laboratory planning, engineering, architecture, campus planning and project management or a related field.