Tunnels Lead

About the role

WSP is seeking an experienced Tunnels Lead to join its Middle East Transport & Infrastructure team, based in the UAE and supporting projects across the GCC and wider Middle East. This is a strategic leadership role combining deep technical expertise in tunnel and underground structures design with strong project delivery and people leadership, helping win and deliver major transportation, rail, metro, highway, utility and underground infrastructure projects.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the regional technical authority for tunnelling and underground infrastructure, leading the design and review of TBM tunnels, IMT tunnels, shafts, underground stations, cut-and-cover structures and retaining systems, and giving expert guidance from feasibility through detailed design and construction support.
• Ensure designs meet international standards, local regulations, client requirements and best practice, and drive innovation, value engineering and risk management.
• Lead the delivery of complex tunnel projects across the Middle East, managing technical scope, programme, quality, resources and commercial performance, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
• Develop and grow WSP's tunnels discipline in the region, manage and mentor tunnel engineers and technical specialists, and support recruitment, succession planning and technical capability building.
• Support regional business growth, engage with clients, contractors and government entities, and lead technical inputs for bids, proposals and major project pursuits.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural or Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline; a Master's in Tunnel or Geotechnical Engineering is advantageous.
• Minimum 15+ years of professional experience in tunnel and underground infrastructure engineering.
• Proven experience leading the design and delivery of major tunnelling projects, preferably in rail, metro, highway, utility or underground infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams and large-scale projects; international project experience is highly desirable.

Required skills

• TBM tunnels, NATM / SEM methods, cut-and-cover design, underground station and shaft design, geotechnical and structural analysis, ground-structure interaction, temporary works and tunnel safety and risk management.
• Design software and analytical tools for tunnel engineering.
• Strong project management, commercial awareness, client management and stakeholder engagement, and proven ability to lead technical teams and deliver major engineering commissions.