Project Director – Transport Planning

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

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.