Design Manager

About the role

WSP is looking for an experienced Design Manager to lead multidisciplinary design teams on large‑scale infrastructure and master‑planning projects in Abu Dhabi and across the Middle East. The role involves overseeing design from concept through detailed design and construction support, ensuring compliance with local authority standards and delivering high‑quality outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams across infrastructure and master‑planning projects from concept to construction support.
• Coordinate design inputs for roads, utilities, drainage, structures, and public‑realm disciplines.
• Act as the primary design interface with clients, authorities, and key stakeholders in Abu Dhabi and the wider region.
• Manage design programmes, budgets, resources and deliverables to ensure timely, high‑quality outcomes.
• 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 in infrastructure and master‑planning design delivery.
• Proven experience managing large‑scale infrastructure master‑plan projects in Abu Dhabi and the Middle East.
• Demonstrated experience working with UAE authorities and navigating local approval processes.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management and communication skills.

Required skills

• Knowledge of Abu Dhabi authority standards and codes (DMT, ADM, ITC, Estidama).