Associate Director - Building Enclosures

WSP in the Middle East; Dubai; On-site; AED 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the Middle East is seeking an Associate Director - Building Enclosures to join our Dubai, UAE team. This senior leadership role drives façade strategy, technical excellence, and innovation across the region, leading early design decisions and complex projects to balance performance, constructability, sustainability, and architectural ambition.

You will oversee high‑quality consulting services, mentor a high‑performing team, and strengthen client confidence through expert guidance and

Qualifications

• 15–20 years of façade engineering experience, with significant Middle East project delivery.
• Chartered engineer preferred (CEng/PE or equivalent).
• Experience delivering high-rise towers and complex geometries.

Responsibilities

• Lead façade design across concept to construction stages.
• Manage project delivery, budgets, and client relationships.
• Mentor and develop the façade team.
• Ensure compliance with codes and standards.

Skills

Façade Engineering

PM/Leadership

Client Engagement

Technical Governance

BIM/Modelling

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Façade Engineering

Tools

BIM

Parametric Modelling

Job description

Job Description:

WSP in the Middle East is currently hiring an Associate Director - Building Enclosures to join our team in Dubai, UAE.

In this senior leadership role, you will drive the strategic growth, technical excellence, and innovation of our façade discipline across the region. You will lead early-stage design direction, guide complex iconic projects, and deliver solutions that balance performance, constructability, sustainability, and architectural ambition. As a recognised façade engineering authority, you will champion bold and buildable façade concepts from inception, ensure rigorous technical governance, and elevate multidisciplinary collaboration.

You will oversee the delivery of high‑quality consulting services, inspire a high‑performing team, and strengthen client confidence through expert guidance and exceptional service.

Your leadership will directly support regional business growth—advancing WSP’s technical reputation, contributing to major project wins, and ensuring strong P&L performance across the façade portfolio.

Responsibilities

Technical & Design Leadership

• Lead façade design across concept, schematic, detailed design, and construction stages.
• Develop innovative concepts and design strategies during early stages, influencing geometry, performance, feasibility, and sustainability outcomes.
• Provide expert guidance on curtain wall systems, unitised façades, glazing technologies, cladding systems, metal structures, and complex geometries.
• Oversee thermal, structural, fire, acoustic, and energy performance analyses.
• Ensure compliance with Middle East codes and international standards (ASTM, BS, EN, NFPA).
• Conduct QA/QC reviews and sign off on major technical submissions.

Project Delivery & Technical Management :

• Lead multidisciplinary coordination with architects, structural and MEP engineering teams, contractors, and specialists.
• Develop design delivery strategies, resource plans, risks registers, and project schedules.
• Resolve complex technical issues and ensure seamless design-to-delivery execution.
• Ensure façade solutions meet client expectations for quality, performance, and efficiency.

Market Expansion:

• Manage commercial elements, including pricing, forecasting, margins, and fee negotiations.
• Support regional growth plans, identifying new business opportunities and supporting RFPs and proposals.
• Strengthen relationships with developers, architects, contractors, and façade fabricators.
• Maintain project profitability and financial governance across façade packages.
• Conferences, Public Speaking, and Innovative Thinking.

Leadership, Mentoring & Team Development:

• Lead, inspire, and manage a diverse team of technical and strategic consultants and subject matter experts. Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture centered on growth, technical excellence, strategic advisory services, and accountability across business lines and global regions.
• Build and lead a high‑performing façade engineering team.
• Promote knowledge sharing, digital innovation (BIM, parametric modelling, automation), and continuous improvement.
• Represent the façade discipline in industry forums, conferences, and technical committees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Façade Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng, PE, or equivalent) preferred.
• 15-20 years of façade engineering experience, with significant Middle East experience delivering major projects.
• Demonstrated experience delivering high-rise towers, complex geometry façades, and large-scale developments.
• Strong understanding of façade systems, building physics, sustainability, fire safety, and advanced materials technologies.

Core Leadership Capabilities

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement, and client-facing experience.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and early‑stage design excellence.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience with P&L or division-level budget ownership.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can.