Senior Design Manager

WSP USA; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP Dubai is seeking a Design Manager to lead multidisciplinary design projects within the Property & Buildings sector, spanning commercial, mixed-use, and high-performance environments. You will act as a senior client advisor while guiding Design Managers and project teams toward design excellence and strong business outcomes.

The role requires 15+ years of leadership experience in property and buildings, a relevant Bachelor's (Master's preferred), and proficiency in BIM and digital delivery

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Project Management or related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in Property & Buildings with multidisciplinary design leadership.
• Proven delivery of large-scale, complex building projects across sectors.
• Chartered Engineer, Registered Architect, PMP or equivalent desirable.
• Experience managing senior/executive client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee delivery of multidisciplinary design projects and programmes across Property & Buildings.
• Act as a senior client advisor and strategic relationship manager.
• Provide leadership to Design Managers and project teams.
• Establish and promote best practice design management processes.
• Drive BIM, CDE, Digital Twin adoption and data-led design approaches.
• Lead project reviews, design assurance, and governance activities.
• Support business planning, pursuits, and market development.
• Collaborate with leadership on workforce planning and growth strategies.
• Manage project commercial performance including forecasting and risk mitigation.
• Represent WSP in industry forums and stakeholder engagements.
• Mentor and develop Design Managers and technical leaders.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship management

BIM/digital delivery

Project management

Commercial acumen

Mentoring

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Project Management or related

Master's degree preferred

Tools

BIM

Common Data Environments (CDE)

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.

• 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.
• 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.