Ziad Saba

Describe what the Mott Mac Life means to you in three words

Collaboration, innovation, impact.

What do you enjoy about working here?

What I enjoy most is the mix of people and purpose. Working with colleagues from across the world on complex challenges gives me constant opportunities to learn, innovate and make a real difference. Here, curiosity and collaboration are valued, making it easier to drive transformation and create lasting impact.

Tell us about your specialism and why you chose it

I grew into my specialism rather than choosing it outright. Driven by curiosity, my work naturally gravitated toward innovation, strategy and transformation. At Mott MacDonald, this has meant leading corporate innovation, the standardisation or productisation of services and modern methods of construction. It’s where curiosity and creativity deliver real-world impact.

Why did you choose to join Mott MacDonald?

I first came to Mott MacDonald through a collaboration and quickly realised the value of being part of an employee-owned global consultancy. What drew me in was the chance to work across boundaries, sectors, geographies and disciplines, while contributing to projects that shape industries and improve lives. The mix of purpose, innovation and opportunity made me want to stay and grow here.

How has your career progressed since joining?

My career here hasn’t followed a conventional or straight path. Instead, it’s been shaped by challenges, opportunities and a constant drive to make an impact. Each turn has allowed me to grow in new ways, and I value how our business leaders create the space for divergent thinkers to learn, grow and thrive.

What have you learnt while working at Mott MacDonald?

I’ve learned that transformation is never just about systems or structures - it’s about people and personal mastery. Working here has reinforced the importance of collaboration, resilience and adaptability in driving change. I’ve also seen how curiosity and creativity, when supported by a culture of trust, can spark real innovation and lasting impact.

How do you demonstrate Technical Excellence in your work?

For me, technical excellence is about balancing precision with innovation. There’s an undeniable tension between delivering the right solution the first time and exploring new possibilities. I approach this with a scientific method mindset, framing hypotheses, testing ideas, learning from evidence and scaling what works. This way, innovation doesn’t compromise quality but strengthens it, ensuring our work delivers lasting value.

How do you contribute to Mott MacDonald making a difference to people and the planet?

I contribute by driving transformation in the built environment and energy sectors, both central to sustainable development. In the built environment, I focus on industrialised design and construction to reduce waste, improve safety and boost productivity. In energy, my work in techno-economics supports resilience and systems transition. Across both, I bridge advisory and delivery to turn ideas into real outcomes that benefit people and the planet.

Where in the world has your role taken you?

Through Mott MacDonald’s global programmes, I have led and worked with colleagues and projects across Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. My journey has taken me to Canada, the US and South America, and eventually back to the Middle East, giving me a truly global perspective on strategy and innovation.

What are your career highlights and achievements?

Some of my career highlights include co-designing national transformation roadmaps for industrialised design and construction, shaping governance and transformation frameworks that align with long-term visions, and leading digital innovation and service productisation. I’m also proud of working with clients across regions and sectors, turning complex challenges into opportunities for sustainable impact.

Are you involved in any additional initiatives at Mott MacDonald, aside from your day-to-day role?

Beyond my day-to-day role, I’ve always been involved in corporate innovation, practice building and business development. From shaping global digital ventures and product platforms like Moata, to contributing to energy sector transformation, to helping grow our industrialised design and construction and advisory practices in the Middle East.