Manager (Planning & Development) (2-year Contract) - Job Opportunity at Hong Kong Housing Society

Eastern District, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Contract
Senior
Posted: June 14, 2025
On-site
HKD 600,000 to HKD 800,000 annually (USD 77,000 to USD 102,000). This estimate reflects the senior management level, specialized planning expertise, professional certification requirements, and Hong Kong's competitive market for experienced urban planners in the public housing sector

Benefits

Strategic leadership role in Hong Kong's housing development sector providing significant career advancement opportunities
Exposure to high-impact urban planning projects addressing Hong Kong's critical housing shortage
Professional development through direct interaction with government authorities and key stakeholders
Management experience overseeing technical teams and consultant coordination
Access to cutting-edge urban planning technologies and Geographic Information Systems

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive research and feasibility studies to identify strategic housing development opportunities across Hong Kong's competitive real estate market
Ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation through assessment of town planning legislation and approval conditions for multi-million dollar development projects
Drive strategic planning approval processes by developing submission strategies for planning briefs, applications, and Master Layout Plans
Provide technical leadership and expertise to cross-functional teams on complex urban design and development control systems
Manage consultant relationships and performance oversight for external technical teams delivering critical project components
Facilitate stakeholder engagement and government relations to advance planning processes through complex regulatory environments
Build organizational capability through team supervision, coaching, and professional development of planning staff

Requirements

Education

Degree holder in town planning or equivalent

Experience

Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP) or the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent with minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience OR Master or Bachelor Degree holder in Town Planning or equivalent with minimum 8 years' relevant experience. At least 2 years' experience in managerial position

Required Skills

Strategic thinking accepting changes good analytical skills presentation skills supervisory skills interpersonal skills Excellent spoken and written English and Chinese Good spoken Putonghua Proficiency in Microsoft Office design/presentation software Chinese Word processing Knowledge in Geographic Information System

Certifications

Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP) or the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Hong Kong's housing crisis continues to drive unprecedented demand for urban planning professionals, with the government's commitment to building 430,000 public housing units over the next decade creating sustained opportunities in the sector Integration of smart city technologies and sustainable development practices is reshaping urban planning methodologies, requiring professionals to adapt to digital planning tools and environmental assessment frameworks Increased focus on community engagement and stakeholder consultation processes reflects growing public participation in planning decisions, elevating the importance of communication and negotiation skills The Greater Bay Area development initiative is creating cross-border planning opportunities, increasing demand for professionals with regional expertise and multilingual capabilities

Role Significance

Typically manages 5-8 planning professionals including junior planners, technical specialists, and administrative support staff. The role involves matrix management of consultant teams and coordination with multiple internal departments
Senior management position with significant organizational impact, requiring both technical expertise and leadership capabilities. The role sits at the intersection of strategic planning and operational execution, with responsibility for shaping housing policy implementation and managing complex stakeholder relationships

Key Projects

Large-scale public housing development projects ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 units Mixed-use urban redevelopment initiatives integrating residential, commercial, and community facilities Strategic land use planning studies for district-level development frameworks Environmental impact assessments and sustainability planning for major housing developments Community consultation and engagement programs for controversial or high-profile projects

Success Factors

Deep understanding of Hong Kong's complex regulatory environment and ability to navigate bureaucratic processes efficiently while maintaining compliance standards Strong stakeholder management capabilities to build consensus among diverse groups including government officials, community representatives, and development partners Technical expertise in modern planning tools and methodologies combined with practical experience in project delivery and risk management Leadership skills to motivate and develop technical teams while managing consultant relationships and ensuring project quality standards Cultural sensitivity and communication skills to work effectively in Hong Kong's multicultural environment and handle public consultation processes

Market Demand

High demand driven by Hong Kong's acute housing shortage and government policy priorities. The specialized combination of planning expertise, regulatory knowledge, and management experience creates a competitive candidate market with strong job security and advancement potential

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Professional planning certification (HKIP/RTPI) is absolutely essential as it provides the legal authority to sign off on planning submissions and demonstrates commitment to professional standards in Hong Kong's regulated planning environment Bilingual communication skills in English and Chinese are crucial for effective stakeholder engagement, as planning processes require interaction with government officials, community groups, and international consultants Strategic thinking and analytical capabilities are fundamental for identifying viable development opportunities in Hong Kong's constrained land supply environment and complex regulatory framework Management and supervisory experience is critical for leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities

Beneficial Skills

Geographic Information System (GIS) knowledge provides competitive advantage in modern planning practice, enabling sophisticated spatial analysis and data-driven decision making Putonghua language skills enhance career prospects given Hong Kong's integration with mainland China and increasing cross-border planning initiatives Experience with presentation software and visual communication tools is valuable for stakeholder engagement and public consultation processes that are increasingly important in planning approval processes Understanding of sustainable development practices and environmental assessment procedures aligns with growing emphasis on climate resilience and green building standards

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to directly impact Hong Kong's housing crisis through strategic planning and development of large-scale public housing projects that serve hundreds of thousands of residents
Contract position structure provides flexibility while offering exposure to high-level strategic planning in one of the world's most challenging urban environments
Unique combination of public sector mission with private sector efficiency, offering the best of both worlds in terms of purpose and professional development
Access to cutting-edge urban planning challenges in one of the world's most densely populated cities, providing unparalleled professional experience

Career Growth

Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing individuals, with progression dependent on project success, professional development, and market opportunities in Hong Kong's dynamic urban development sector

Potential Next Roles

Senior Development Manager or Director of Planning roles within major property developers Principal Planner or Assistant Director positions in government planning departments Senior Partner roles in international planning consultancies Chief Planning Officer positions in housing authorities or urban development corporations

Company Overview

Hong Kong Housing Society

Hong Kong Housing Society is a prominent statutory body established in 1948, serving as one of Hong Kong's largest providers of public and subsidized housing. The organization operates as a non-profit entity with a mission to provide quality housing solutions and community services, managing over 180 housing estates and serving more than 400,000 residents across Hong Kong

Leading position in Hong Kong's public housing sector with strong government backing and community trust. The organization's 75-year track record and extensive property portfolio establish it as a stable, influential employer in the urban development industry
Dominant presence throughout Hong Kong with operations spanning all districts and significant influence on urban planning policy and housing development standards. The organization's role in addressing Hong Kong's housing crisis positions it at the center of regional development initiatives
Professional, mission-driven environment emphasizing public service, community impact, and long-term planning perspectives. The organization values technical excellence, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable development practices, offering stability and purpose-driven work in the public interest sector
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