Authority & Stakeholder Manager – Design

The Authority & Stakeholder Manager – Design will manage authority approvals and submissions for Arada's master planning and building projects, mainly in Sharjah. The role ensures compliance with makes sure designs meet regulatory requirements, coordinates with consultants, and acts as the main liaison with government entities to secure timely permits and approvals for Arada's developments and coordinates consultant submissions. It is also Arada's main contact with government entities, securing permits and approvals on time and in line with the development programme.

• Manage end-to-end authority submissions for master plans, plot affection/subdivision, building permits, NOCs and approvals across Sharjah authorities, (Sharjah Municipality, Urban Planning Council, Directorate of Town Planning & Survey, SEWA, Sharjah Civil Defence, Roads & Transport Authority, EPAA, telecom providers).
• Act as the main point of contact with government authorities, regulatory bodies and related stakeholders.
• Coordinate with consultants to prepare, review and deliver submission packages to authority standards.
• Track all submissions, NOCs, permits and approvals through a live approvals tracker linked to the project programme. Follow up with authorities and resolve comments and revisions.
• Attend authority meetings, workshops and technical discussions. Capture comments and requirements and pass them to the design and project teams.
• Monitor changes to authority regulations, codes and guidelines and brief the design teams on their impact.
• Manage authority e-services portals, fee payment requests and submission records.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with Sharjah authorities so approvals run smoothly.
• Identify risks, compliance gaps or and potential delays, and propose mitigation strategies.
• Report accurately on approval status, expected timelines and risks to management.
• Keep complete records of all permits, submissions and correspondence.
• Support construction-stage NOCs and Building Completion Certificates.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil/MEP preferred), Architecture or Urban Planning (Engineering background preferred)

• At least 8 years 'experience in design approvals, authority submissions and regulatory compliance at a real estate developer, master developer or consultancy.
• Proven experience in master planning and building project approvals.
• Strong knowledge of Sharjah authority processes, regulations and guidelines (Sharjah Municipality-SEWA-Sharjah Civil Defence). Experience with Dubai authorities is an advantage.
• Established working relationships with Sharjah authorities is are an advantage.

• Ability to identify the risks, issues and opportunities and propose practical solution.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities, including handling several authority interfaces and deadlines at once.
• Proactive problem-solving: able to spot risks, issues and opportunities and propose practical solutions. (merged)
• Project coordination and consultant management skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation and follow-up skills.
• High attention to detail, with strong documentation and reporting abilities.
• Fluent in English. Arabic is highly preferred.