Associate Director – Development, Planning & Urban Design

About the role

WSP is seeking an Associate Director to lead its Development, Planning & Urban Design (DPUD) practice across the Middle East. Reporting to the Director, you will combine business development, client leadership, operational management and people development to drive sustainable growth and ensure high‑quality project delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Director in executing the strategic vision, annual business plan and growth targets for the DPUD practice.
• Oversee day‑to‑day operations, including resource planning, workload management and senior leadership coordination.
• Lead initiatives that improve operational efficiency, delivery performance, profitability and collaboration.
• Prepare revenue forecasts, pipeline reviews, recruitment and capability plans, and performance reporting.
• Identify emerging markets, client needs and new service opportunities across the region.
• Develop and manage relationships with strategic government, semi‑government and private‑sector clients, acting as Client Account Lead for priority accounts.

Required profile

• Minimum 12 years (144 months) of experience in development, planning and urban design.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex client relationships.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in business development and revenue growth.

Required skills

• Urban Planning
• Development Planning
• Master planning
• Urban Design
• Spatial Strategy
• Sustainability Principles
• Business Development
• Data‑informed Decision‑making
• Commercial Negotiations
• Financial Commercial Management
• Contract Negotiations
• Resource Planning