Project Planning & Development - Senior Manager / HOD

The Head of Project Planning & Development will lead and oversee the end-to-end planning, design, and execution strategy for all township developments within the business unit. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for translating the Group’s strategic vision into tangible development outcomes. The incumbent will direct a multidisciplinary team, manage complex stakeholder relationships, ensure regulatory and financial compliance, and drive innovation and sustainability across large-scale, multi-phase projects.

• Regional Project Strategy & Master Planning

• Develop and drive the regional development roadmap, aligning with the Group’s overall township vision and business objectives.

• Lead master planning efforts for multiple townships, ensuring commercial viability, regulatory compliance, and community-centric designs.

• Identify new site opportunities and oversee land-use studies, market research, and macro development strategies.

• Project Planning & Execution Oversight

• Oversee the development of detailed project implementation plans across multiple projects concurrently.

• Ensure alignment of project scopes, schedules, and resources across business units, consultants, and contractors.

• Monitor progress, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure timely delivery within approved budgets and timelines.

• Design Leadership & Innovation

• Provide strategic direction during design stages, ensuring compliance with corporate design standards, sustainability goals, and market relevance.

• Review, evaluate, and approve masterplans, architectural proposals, and engineering solutions.

• Champion design innovation, smart township concepts, and integrated infrastructure planning.

• Feasibility & Investment Analysis

• Lead the feasibility assessment of new and existing development parcels.

• Oversee preparation of investment papers, development strategies, and scenario-based financial models.

• Advise Group leadership on land optimisation, phasing, and development mix strategies.

• Regulatory & Authority Liaison

• Serve as senior representative in all regional statutory, authority, and community engagements.

• Ensure smooth navigation of the planning and approval process, including development orders, land conversion, zoning, and building plan submissions.

• Maintain strong working relationships with local councils and government agencies.

• Cost Control & Value Engineering

• Oversee project budgeting in collaboration with Group Finance, Contracts, and QS teams.

• Champion value engineering and cost-efficiency measures without compromising quality or design integrity.

• Ensure financial prudence across all stages of the development lifecycle.

• Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor a team of project managers, planners, engineers, and support staff.

• Drive a high-performance culture, ensure cross-functional alignment, and support team growth through coaching and talent development initiatives.

• Act as a key liaison with the Group’s senior leadership team on project progress and regional updates.

Requirements

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Town Planning, or a related field.

• Postgraduate qualification (MBA, Urban Development, or a related discipline) is an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 12 years of experience in property development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing township or large-scale mixed-use developments.

• Proven track record in master planning, project management, and authority liaison in Malaysia.

• Exposure to both upstream planning and downstream implementation phases.

Competencies

• Strategic thinking with strong business and commercial acumen.

• Strong leadership, people management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, land matters, and local development policies.

• Proficiency in planning tools and software (AutoCAD, MS Project, Revit, etc.).

Other Requirements

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, matrixed organizational structure.