Americas Cities, Planning, and Design Leader

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values, and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world. Arup is seeking a dynamic Principal to lead our Cities, Planning & Design (CPD) service across our Americas region. You will champion and integrate Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, and Transportation Planning to address clients’ most complex city‑scale challenges.

We partner with public and private sector clients on initiatives that improve residents’ lives, transform and regenerate places through major infrastructure investment, advance decarbonization, promote equity and inclusion, and bolster climate resilience—shaping a sustainable future for all.

• Grow strategic client relationships across key national accounts and priority agencies; expand CPD’s share of city and transport programs.
• Lead pursuits and win work—from positioning and capture through proposal, interviews, and negotiation.
• Deliver excellence as Project Manager/Project Director on complex, multi‑disciplinary planning and design engagements.
• Drive technical rigidity, creativity, and innovation across the five CPD disciplines to differentiate Arup’s integrated offer.
• Build, mentor, and scale high‑performance teams spanning Architecture, Urban/landscape design, urban planning, and transportation planning/advisory.
• Represent Arup at conferences, technical forums, and regional events; contribute thought leadership that advances practice and policy.
• Collaborate across Arup—partnering with portfolio and market leaders in the Americas and globally to deliver on the firm’s mission.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, or a related field.
• 20+ years’ experience leading large‑scale transportation planning and/or city‑scale planning/design programs as PM/PD.
• Professional license (PE, RA, AICP, ASLA or equivalent) or the ability to obtain licensure within 6 months of joining.
• Proven track record with major public clients (city, regional, state/provincial, federal), including procurement and delivery.
• Business development acumen—relationship building, pipeline creation, and consistent win rates.
• Multi‑disciplinary leadership—mentoring and directing integrated teams across Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, and Transportation Planning.

Open to major Arup offices across the United States, Canada, and Latin America (hybrid working encouraged). Regional travel will be required to engage with clients and teams.

• Benefits at Work - At Arup, we have a comprehensive and valuable benefits program that works for our employees and their families while keeping costs low. These benefits provide health and welfare security for you as well as paid time off for rest and renewal. As a member of Arup, everyone shares in our success through a global profit share scheme (payments are dependent on the firm’s financial performance).
  
  Our Global Profit Share Plan (paid bi‑annually) provides an opportunity for you to share in the success of the Firm. As a valued employee of Arup, you can also choose to participate in our 401(k) plan with up to 10% company match to help you save for your future
• Flexible Working
  - We believe that flexible arrangements create a more inclusive way of working that supports our diversity and the wellbeing of our people. Options for alternative schedules and the ability to work outside of the office for a portion of your workweek are available
• San Francisco Hiring Range – Hiring Range
  - The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in San Francisco is $340,000 to $360,000 per year. This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level. Benefits are not included in the base salary. Please note hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of San Francisco will differ.

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all…