Design Manager

WSP Global Inc.; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 334,800 - 502,200; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Design Manager to oversee large-scale infrastructure and masterplanning projects. The ideal candidate will have 10-15 years of experience, preferably with strong backgrounds in multidisciplinary coordination and delivering complex design packages. Responsibilities include leading design teams, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with local authority standards, making it a pivotal role in shaping urban infrastructure in the region.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10–15 years’ experience in infrastructure and masterplanning design delivery.
• Strong experience managing large-scale infrastructure masterplan projects in Abu Dhabi.
• Demonstrated experience working with UAE authorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams across projects.
• Act as the primary design interface with clients and authorities.
• Manage design programmes, budgets, and deliverables.

Skills

Multidisciplinary coordination experience

Stakeholder management

Leadership skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

WSP is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join our Abu Dhabi team, supporting the delivery of large-scale infrastructure and masterplanning projects across Abu Dhabi and the wider Middle East region. This role will suit candidates with strong multidisciplinary coordination experience and a proven track record managing complex design packages for major urban, transport, and infrastructure developments.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams across infrastructure and masterplanning projects from concept through detailed design and construction support.

Coordinate design inputs across roads, utilities, drainage, structures, and public realm disciplines.

Act as the primary design interface with clients, authorities, and key stakeholders in Abu Dhabi and across the Middle East.

Manage design programmes, budgets, resources, and deliverables to ensure timely and high-quality project 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.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline (Master’s preferred).

Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditation preferred.

Minimum 10–15 years’ experience in infrastructure and masterplanning design delivery.

Strong experience managing large-scale infrastructure masterplan projects in Abu Dhabi and across the Middle East.

Demonstrated experience working with UAE authorities and navigating local approval processes.

Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in complex, fast-paced consultancy environments.

Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills.

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