Senior Design Manager

WSP Global Inc.; Dubai; On-site; AED 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP Global Inc. is seeking a Design Manager in Dubai to lead multidisciplinary design projects within the Property & Buildings sector, spanning commercial, mixed-use, and high-performance environments.

You will drive design excellence and client partnerships while guiding project teams through governance and innovative delivery methods. The role emphasises advanced BIM and Digital Delivery, leadership of diverse disciplines, and active participation in business growth and strategic pursuits.

Qualifications

• 15+ years' experience in Property & Buildings with leadership of multidisciplinary design teams.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale, complex building projects.
• Experience managing client relationships at senior/executive levels.
• Strong commercial acumen including project financial management and resource planning.
• Knowledge of regional authority requirements and international design standards.
• Advanced BIM and Digital Delivery knowledge.
• Chartered Engineer, Registered Architect, PMP, or equivalent (advantageous).
• Experience with leading international engineering consultancy (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee delivery of multidisciplinary design projects and programmes across the Property & Buildings sector.
• Act as a senior client advisor and strategic relationship manager, building long-term partnerships and identifying opportunities for repeat business.
• Provide leadership and governance to Design Managers and project teams, ensuring consistency in delivery, quality, risk management, and resource utilisation.
• Establish and promote best practice design management aligned with WSP's standards.
• Drive innovation and adoption of BIM, CDEs, Digital Twin, and data-led design approaches.
• Lead project reviews, design assurance processes, and technical governance across a portfolio of projects.
• Support business planning, growth initiatives, and major bid leadership.
• Collaborate with Business Unit leadership on workforce planning and growth strategies.
• Manage commercial performance across projects, including forecasting, utilisation, profitability, and risk mitigation.
• Represent WSP in industry forums and stakeholder engagements.
• Mentor and develop Design Managers, Project Managers, and technical leaders.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Design management

BIM

Digital delivery

Governance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture/Engineering/PM

Master's degree preferred

Tools

BIM

Common Data Environments

Digital Twin

Information Management

Job description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

The Design Manager will be responsible for leading multidisciplinary design projects within WSP’s Property & Buildings sector, spanning commercial, mixed-use, and high-performance environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the delivery of multiple multidisciplinary design projects and programmes across the Property & Buildings sector, ensuring technical excellence, commercial performance, and client satisfaction.
• Act as a senior client advisor and strategic relationship manager, building long-term partnerships and identifying opportunities for repeat business and account growth.
• Provide leadership and governance to Design Managers and project teams, ensuring consistency in project delivery, quality standards, risk management, and resource utilisation.
• Establish and promote best practice design management processes aligned with WSP's Business Management System, Future Ready, Sustainability, and Digital Delivery objectives.
• Drive innovation and the adoption of advanced digital delivery methodologies including BIM, Common Data Environments, Digital Twin technologies, and data-led design approaches.
• Lead project reviews, design assurance processes, and technical governance activities across a portfolio of projects.
• Support business planning and growth initiatives, including strategic pursuits, major bid leadership, client presentations, and market development activities.
• Collaborate with Business Unit leadership on workforce planning, capability development, succession planning, and team growth strategies.
• Manage commercial performance across assigned projects, including forecasting, utilisation, profitability, change management, and risk mitigation.
• Represent WSP in industry forums, professional organisations, and key stakeholder engagements, enhancing the company's market profile and technical reputation.
• Mentor and develop Design Managers, Project Managers, and technical leaders, fostering a high-performing and collaborative delivery culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline (Master's degree preferred).
• 15+ years' experience within the Property & Buildings sector, including leadership responsibility for multidisciplinary design and project delivery teams.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale, complex building projects and programmes across multiple sectors.
• Demonstrated experience managing client relationships at senior and executive levels.
• Strong commercial acumen, including project financial management, resource planning, and business performance oversight.
• Extensive knowledge of regional authority requirements and international design standards.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across architecture, structures, MEP, ICT, fire and life safety disciplines.
• Advanced understanding of BIM, Digital Delivery, Information Management, and emerging design technologies.
• Proven contribution to business development, strategic pursuits, and successful major bids.
• Chartered Engineer, Registered Architect, PMP, or equivalent professional accreditation would be advantageous.
• Previous experience within a leading international engineering consultancy is highly desirable.

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.