Associate Director – Crowd Specialist

Overview

This role is for an experienced crowd and people-movement professional to take on a senior technical and leadership position on major masterplanning assignments in Jeddah. The focus is on shaping safe, resilient, and people-centred environments through crowd modelling, movement strategy development, and close coordination with multidisciplinary teams.

You will be joining a global consultancy environment known for ambitious projects, a strong learning culture, and a commitment to sustainability, equity, and meaningful long-term impact. The position is designed for someone who wants to influence complex developments and leave a lasting legacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the crowd movement and pedestrian dynamics scope for assigned projects in Jeddah.
• Develop, tune, and check advanced crowd simulation models for normal day use, event situations, and emergency cases.
• Advise on pedestrian flow, access and exit planning, space layout, and operational design throughout the project life cycle.
• Embed crowd-analysis insight into masterplans, mobility strategies, building connections, and public realm concepts.
• Collaborate with masterplanning, engineering, transport, and architectural teams across local and international studios.
• Explain model findings, risk considerations, and design advice to clients, government bodies, and senior decision-makers.
• Assist project leadership with scope definition, programme planning, and quality control for crowd-related deliverables.
• Guide junior team members and help develop better methods, standards, and practices for the wider people-movement discipline.
• Support bid documents and technical proposals when needed.

Profile and Experience

The role calls for a strong technical background in crowd dynamics and the ability to lead workstreams within complex, high-profile projects. You should be confident working across disciplines, presenting technical ideas clearly, and turning simulation outputs into practical design guidance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Urban Planning, Transport, Architecture, or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with advanced crowd simulation platforms such as MassMotion, Legion, Pathfinder, or STEPS.
• Solid grounding in pedestrian movement behaviour, crowd psychology, and human-focused design.
• Ability to use crowd-modelling outputs to inform layouts, operating plans, and masterplanning decisions.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary workstreams and coordinating complex project teams.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to convert technical analysis into clear guidance.
• Proven skill in working with clients, authorities, and senior stakeholders.
• Understanding of large-scale, high-density, or higher-risk settings such as event venues, mega or giga projects, transit hubs, cultural districts, or mixed-use developments.
• Familiarity with Middle East regulations, codes, and operational practices, or the willingness to adapt quickly.
• Postgraduate study or professional membership is an advantage, though not mandatory.

What’s Offered

• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Access to a structured learning and development programme to support growth at every career stage.
• Entitlement to two professional-body memberships or subscriptions.
• An international workplace culture where exceptional projects and colleagues are part of everyday work.

Additional Information

The employer values flexible working styles and welcomes applicants who are looking for greater flexibility in their careers. The team places a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and representation, and encourages applications from people who are underrepresented in the built-environment sector.

If you need any adjustments to make the application process easier or more comfortable, you can request support by contacting the recruitment team at the company’s HR contact email.

Work Location

This is an on-site role based in Jiddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, with hybrid working arrangements mentioned as part of the offer.

Reference

Job reference: VAVsmTrbP7sVSlGBxizLxBBX4wDysO1pSX3E+tVqu80NIy9vzQ3RtvMca//oWOW2u3hriEuoG8Jrf2werk5ykE9lottMMdD6vrGLYInK3RCHKKNKi4hFhBZB600A24JmkobGezj/3S1O