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