Associate Director - Dry Utilities

WSP; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm is seeking an accomplished Associate Director – Dry Utilities to lead and manage design projects in Dubai. The role entails providing technical leadership, overseeing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with local standards. Candidates should have 15+ years of experience in dry utilities design, with significant exposure to projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This position promises career growth within a company focused on innovative and sustainable solutions across major infrastructure programs.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in dry utilities design.
• At least 5 years in a senior management/leadership role.
• Proven track record in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and guidance on dry utilities design.
• Manage multi-disciplinary design teams for project delivery.
• Act as the primary client interface and ensure client satisfaction.
• Oversee design reviews and compliance standards.
• Contribute to business development and project proposals.

Skills

Leadership skills

Stakeholder management

Technical guidance

Innovation in design

Client-facing skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Civil, or related Engineering discipline

Master’s Degree in relevant field

Job description

Job Description

WSP are seeking an accomplished Associate Director – Dry Utilities to join our Infrastructure team in Dubai/Sharjah. The successful candidate will lead and manage the delivery of dry utilities design projects, providing technical excellence, strategic direction, and leadership to multidisciplinary teams. With proven expertise in dry utilities design, the ideal candidate will bring extensive experience across both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, delivering innovative and sustainable solutions on major infrastructure programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and strategic guidance on dry utilities design, including power, telecommunications, street lighting, and associated infrastructure.
• Lead and oversee the preparation of concept, preliminary, and detailed designs in compliance with regional authority standards.
• Manage multi-disciplinary design teams to ensure successful project delivery within scope, budget, and schedule.
• Act as the primary client interface, building strong relationships and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Oversee quality assurance, design reviews, and technical compliance with local and international standards.
• Contribute to business development, proposals, and bids, leveraging regional market knowledge and networks.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering professional growth within the team.
• Engage with local authorities and stakeholders to secure approvals and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Drive innovation and sustainability in dry utilities design practices, aligning with the firm’s long-term vision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Civil, or related Engineering discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in dry utilities design, with at least 5 years in a senior management/leadership role.
• Proven track record of delivering dry utilities projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with strong knowledge of authority standards (e.g., ADDC, DEWA, SEC).
• Demonstrated experience in leading design teams on large-scale infrastructure projects such as urban developments, roads & highways, and mixed-use developments.
• Strong client-facing, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in business development and contributing to successful project bids/proposals.
• Chartered Engineer status (e.g., CEng, PE, or equivalent) is highly desirable.

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