Authority of Record​/No Objection Certificate; AOR​/NOC Lead Engineer

Authority of Record/No Objection Certificate (AOR/ NOC) Lead - (PC-L8.4)

Job title

Authority of Record/No Objection Certificate (AOR/ NOC) Lead

Category

Project Controls

Contract type

Permanent (Employee)

Full Time

Description

Zutari:
Co-creating an Engineered Impact

Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with over 90 years' experience. As human-centered engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities, and other stakeholders across Africa and the Middle East. We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people's lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognizes the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

We employ high-performing talent with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done, and striving to improve every day. We value team members who make an impact and leave a meaningful legacy, as well as those who connect with those around them to create new opportunities.

We are seeking an experienced Authority of Record/No Objection Certificate (AOR/ NOC) Lead Engineer to oversee and manage the end-to-end NOC approval process for major buildings and infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia. Based in Riyadh and working closely with project management, design consultants, and government authorities, the successful candidate will play a critical role in securing timely NOCs, ensuring design compliance, and maintaining alignment with national standards and permitting protocols.

This role is essential for coordinating across utility providers, municipal agencies, and regulatory bodies to facilitate the delivery of large-scale programs in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

• Manage and lead the NOC submission process with relevant authorities (e.g., MOMRAH, NWC, SWCC, SEC, STC, MOT, RC, and municipalities)
• Serve as the primary technical lead and point of contact for all AOR and NOC-related matters across buildings and infrastructure projects.
• Track and manage NOC status for all permits, licenses, and utility approvals, ensuring on-time clearances to prevent project delays.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes and new permitting procedures within the Kingdom.
• Coordinate between internal teams (engineering, design, planning) and external stakeholders (consultants, contractors, and government agencies) to resolve technical issues related to NOC submissions.
• Represent the project in official meetings, site inspections, and technical reviews with authorities and stakeholders.
• Review design documentation to ensure compliance with local authority standards and regulatory requirements.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering.
• Minimum 10–15 years of experience in buildings and infrastructure project delivery, with at least 5 years in AOR/NOC leadership roles in Saudi Arabia.
• Possess a value engineering mindset that balances design risk with design optimisation in the context of a competitive contractor landscape.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in managing relationships with Contractor Clients
• Extensive knowledge of the NOC process and authority requirements in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in buildings, urban infrastructure, utilities, water, and transport sectors.
• Proven experience liaising with government authorities and utility providers including MOMRAH, NWC, SWCC, SEC, STC, Royal Commission, and local municipalities.
• Strong understanding of local codes, permitting workflows, and utility corridor management.
• Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams and delivering coordinated submissions across infrastructure projects.
• Experience working within Giga Projects programs (e.g., NEOM, Red Sea, Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate).
• Strong leadership in navigating complex permitting timelines and government interfaces.
• Registration with the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) or eligibility to register is mandatory.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in Arabic is a strong advantage. (SJM, I would suggest this is prerequisite, as well as ability to read/write Arabic).

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices.