Senior Manager - Land Access - 20004458 (CDU911)

The Senior Manager – Land Access is a strategic leader responsible for securing and managing all land access requirements critical to the success of the Transport Business Unit (TBU) at Qiddiya. This role oversees complex, high-value land negotiations and regulatory clearances, ensuring seamless integration of land access into project design, construction, and operational phases. 

Operating at the intersection of governance, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure delivery, the Senior Manager will work with senior leadership, government entities, and private stakeholders to ensure timely, compliant, and risk-mitigated access to land for giga-project development. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional strategic insight, negotiation expertise, and deep understanding of Saudi Arabia’s regulatory landscape, contributing directly to Qiddiya’s Vision 2030 ambitions. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

• Lead the TBU’s end-to-end land access strategy, ensuring alignment with Qiddiya’s strategic objectives and regulatory obligations. 

• Direct complex negotiations with government entities, landowners, and other stakeholders to secure permissions, clearances, and agreements. 

• Maintain a centralized, audit-ready land access database, capturing ownership details, permits, timelines, and compliance documentation. 

• Develop and oversee KPI-driven dashboards and reports that track land access progress, challenges, and emerging risks for executive review. 

• Provide strategic guidance to project teams on land-related constraints, opportunities, and integration into project timelines. 

• Establish and nurture high-trust relationships with regulators, municipal authorities, and community leaders to facilitate timely land access. 

• Act as Qiddiya’s senior point of escalation for all land access matters, resolving conflicts and mitigating risks proactively. 

• Monitor changes in Saudi Arabian regulatory and legal frameworks, assessing their implications and advising leadership on strategic responses. 

• Ensure all activities are fully compliant with Qiddiya’s governance protocols, relevant laws, and Vision 2030 policy priorities. 

• Mentor and develop junior team members, setting high standards for negotiation, documentation, and stakeholder engagement excellence. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Real Estate, Business Administration, or related field from a recognized institution (Master’s degree preferred). 

• Education from a top-tier global university is highly desirable. 

Years of experience 

• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in land access, acquisition, or related functions within large-scale infrastructure or urban development projects. 

• Demonstrated experience in high-value negotiations, regulatory approvals, and stakeholder management at a senior level. 

• Proven track record working on giga-projects, complex urban developments, or major public sector programs in the Middle East/GCC. 

• In-depth understanding of Saudi Arabian regulatory processes, governance structures, and Vision 2030 objectives. 

Professional Certifications (if required) 

• Recognized certifications in project management, stakeholder engagement, or land administration preferred. 

• GIS, land information systems, or legal framework certifications are an asset.