Head of Department Urban Planning

The HoD, Urban Planning, will provide strategic leadership to the Urban
Planning Department by planning, directing, and managing multidisciplinary
urban planning and development projects across India and international markets.
The role is responsible for business growth, technical excellence, project
delivery, client relationship management, and development of a high-performing
team while contributing to the organization's long-term growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic
Leadership

• Lead and provide strategic direction to the Urban Planning
  Department.
  
• Develop departmental business plans aligned with organizational
  goals.
  
• Identify emerging opportunities in urban planning, smart cities,
  transit-oriented development, municipal infrastructure, climate resilience
  and sustainable urban development.
  

2. Business
Development

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities with Central and
  State Governments, Urban Local Bodies, Development Authorities,
  Multilateral Agencies and private sector clients.
  
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, funding
  agencies and strategic partners.
  
• Lead preparation of Expressions of Interest (EOIs), RFQs, RFPs and
  technical proposals.
  
• Participate in bid strategy, commercial discussions and contract
  negotiations.
  
• Achieve departmental order booking and revenue targets.
  

3. Project
Management

• Provide overall leadership for planning, execution and delivery of
  urban planning assignments.
  
• Ensure projects are delivered within agreed timelines, budgets and
  quality standards.
  
• Review project methodologies, deliverables and reports.
  
• Monitor project performance, resource utilization and financial
  health.
  
• Resolve technical and contractual issues during project execution.
  

4. Technical
Leadership

• Provide expert guidance on: Master Plans, Development Plans, Regional
  Plans , Smart City Projects, Urban Mobility Plans, Transit-Oriented
  Development (TOD), GIS-based Planning, Municipal Infrastructure Planning, Land
  Use Planning, Urban Renewal & Redevelopment, Environmental and
  Sustainable Planning.
  
• Ensure technical quality and compliance with national and
  international standards.
  

5. Team Leadership

• Build, mentor and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team.
  
• Guide Project Managers and technical professionals.
  
• Conduct performance reviews and identify capability development
  needs.
  
• Promote knowledge sharing, collaboration and innovation.
  

6. Financial
Management

• Prepare and manage departmental budgets.
  
• Monitor profitability and financial performance of projects.
  
• Improve utilization of manpower and resources.
  
• Ensure timely invoicing, collections and financial closure of
  projects.
  

7. Client
Relationship Management

• Act as the primary interface with key clients.
  
• Build long-term relationships through excellent service delivery.
  
• Represent the organization in client meetings, conferences and
  industry forums.
  
• Enhance customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  

8. Quality,
Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with organizational quality systems.
  
• Implement risk management practices.
  
• Ensure adherence to contractual obligations, statutory requirements
  and professional ethics.
  
• Promote continuous improvement across departmental processes.
  

Requirements

Qualification

• Essential - Master's Degree in Urban Planning / Town Planning /
  Regional Planning or equivalent from a recognized institution.
  
• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering or Planning.
  
• Membership of recognized professional institutions will be an added
  advantage.
  
• PhD in Urban Planning from a recognized professional Institute will
  be preferred
  

Experience

• Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in urban
  planning, urban development, regional planning, and infrastructure
  consultancy, with at least 8–10 years in a leadership role managing
  multidisciplinary teams and large-scale assignments.
  
• Successfully leading large multidisciplinary urban planning
  assignments.
  
• Managing teams of planners, architects, engineers, GIS specialists
  and economists.
  
• Working on externally funded projects supported by agencies such as
  the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, JICA or similar organizations.
  
• Delivering assignments for Government departments, Development
  Authorities and Urban Local Bodies.
  
• Business development, proposal preparation and client acquisition.
  International consulting assignments will be an added advantage.
  

Required Competencies

Technical
Competencies

• Urban Planning and Regional Planning, Master Planning, Smart Cities,
  GIS Applications, Transport & Mobility Planning, Municipal
  Infrastructure Planning
  
• Urban Policy and Governance, Sustainable Development
  
• Project Management, Contract Management & Proposal Preparation
  

Leadership
Competencies

• Strategic Thinking, Business Acumen, Client Relationship Management,
  Team Leadership, Decision Making, Negotiation Skills, Stakeholder
  Management, Financial Acumen
  

Behavioural
Competencies

• Integrity and Professional Ethics, Results Orientation, Collaboration,
  Communication and Presentation Skills, Adaptability, Mentoring and
  Coaching, Customer Focus