Design Manager – Infrastructure (Abu Dhabi)

About the role

WSP is looking for an experienced Design Manager to lead multidisciplinary design teams on large‑scale infrastructure and master‑planning projects across Abu Dhabi and the wider Middle East. You will act as the primary design interface with clients, authorities and key stakeholders, ensuring projects move from concept through detailed design to construction support.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams for infrastructure and master‑planning projects.
• Coordinate design inputs across roads, utilities, drainage, structures and public realm disciplines.
• Manage design programmes, budgets, resources and deliverables to meet schedule and quality targets.
• Ensure compliance with Abu Dhabi authority standards, codes and approval processes (e.g., DMT, ADM, ITC, Estidama).
• Lead design risk management, value engineering and constructability reviews.
• Support bid preparation, technical proposals and client presentations.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to the development of WSP’s design management capability in the region.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditation preferred.
• 10–15 years of experience delivering infrastructure and master‑planning design projects.
• Proven experience managing large‑scale projects in Abu Dhabi and the Middle East.
• Familiarity with UAE authorities and local approval processes.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder‑management skills.

Required skills

• Civil Engineering
• Design Management
• Value Engineering
• Constructability Reviews
• Stakeholder Management
• Multidisciplinary Coordination
• Risk Management