Associate Director & Technical Director

WSP USA; Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy is looking for an Associate Director / Technical Director – Façade Engineering to join its team in Dubai. This senior leadership role requires expertise in façade design and project management, with at least 15 years of experience, especially in the Middle East. The candidate will lead groundbreaking projects, drive strategic growth, and foster innovation while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Ideal for leaders passionate about sustainability and architectural ambition.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng, PE, or equivalent) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead façade design across concept, schematic, detailed design, and construction stages.
• Develop innovative concepts and design strategies during early stages.
• Lead multidisciplinary coordination with architects and contractors.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Façade engineering expertise

Project management

Innovative design strategies

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Façade Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

Overview

WSP Middle East is currently hiring an Associate Director / Technical Director – Façade Engineering 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.

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.
• 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.

With us, you can. Apply today.