Senior Director, Development Planning & Urban Design

WSP in the Middle East; Dubai; On-site; AED 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the Middle East is seeking an Associate Director - Development, Planning & Urban Design to lead the DPUD business in the region. The role collaborates with the Director and Technical Directors to drive growth, oversee delivery, and build client relationships while strengthening leadership capability across the regional practice.

You will manage business development, strategy, and delivery across planning, master planning, urban design and related services, mentoring senior staff and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, urban design, architecture or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Extensive experience (typically 12+ years) in urban planning, urban design and development, with a strong background in managing large-scale projects – ideally within the Middle East.
• In-depth knowledge of urban planning, development, and design processes.
• Familiarity with local and international urban design regulations and sustainability principles.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams, senior client relationships and commercial outcomes.
• Experience operating within a major consultancy or comparable complex professional-services environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the DPUD practice in the Middle East and drive sustainable growth.
• Oversee project delivery, client relationships and leadership capability.
• Lead business development, strategy, governance and succession planning.
• Provide senior oversight of scope, programme, quality, risk and resourcing for major commissions.
• Promote integration across planning, urban design, economics, transport and environment.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture or a related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

WSP in the Middle East is seeking an Associate Director - Development, Planning & Urban Design to lead the DPUD business in the region. The role collaborates with the Director and Technical Directors to drive growth, oversee delivery, and build client relationships while strengthening leadership capability across the regional practice.

You will manage business development, strategy, and delivery across planning, master planning, urban design and related services, mentoring senior staff and