Technical Director: Maritime

WSP USA; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA is seeking a Technical Director to lead our Maritime (Port & Coastal) team in Cape Town. The successful applicant will demonstrate technical excellence and innovation, managing projects globally while fostering client relationships and mentoring staff in a vibrant team environment.

Qualifications

• Over 20 years of relevant postgraduate work experience in Port & Coastal Engineering.
• Membership in recognized Port & Coastal institutions, e.g., PIANC.
• International and national recognition as an expert in Port & Coastal Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop and grow the technical team while managing Port & Coastal disciplines.
• Market and secure new projects and clients aligning with strategic goals.
• Lead feasibility studies, design, and reporting from concept to detailed design.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Management

Communication

Technical Excellence

Education

Relevant post-graduate or graduate qualification in Engineering

Registration as a Professional Engineer / Technologist with ECSA

Tools

Port & Coastal engineering design software

Job description

The successful applicant will join our dynamic Maritime (Port & Coastal) team as a Technical Director, focusing on technical excellence, innovative thinking, and teamwork. In this role, we aim to become global thought leaders and ambassadors in our field. The position involves leading day-to-day technical matters related to Port & Coastal disciplines within our Transport & Infrastructure Sector and supporting the Deputy Sector Lead and Discipline Leads across Africa and internationally.

The key responsibility of the Technical Director is to foster a strong client and project culture centered on technical excellence and efficient delivery, balancing client, staff, and commercial expectations. The role covers the entire operating geography of WSP in Africa, with engagement with WSP Global teams worldwide and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Relevant post-graduate or graduate qualification in Engineering.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer / Technologist with ECSA.
• Over 20 years of relevant postgraduate work experience, all in Port & Coastal Engineering.
• Membership in recognized Port & Coastal institutions, e.g., PIANC.
• International and national recognition as an expert in Port & Coastal Engineering, demonstrated through technical publications, presentations, and industry contributions.
• Proven track record in marine infrastructure concept to detailed design, including LNG facilities, quay walls, and marine structures.
• Experience in marine structural design of Port & Coastal structures and infrastructure.
• Experience in designing coastal structures such as revetments, breakwaters, shore protection, and scour protection.
• Knowledge of coastal engineering processes, e.g., wave loading and overtopping.
• Experience in marine temporary works and understanding of construction and constructability.
• Experience with mooring and anchoring designs for offshore and in-port applications.
• Experience in designing marine intake and outfall systems.
• Ability to translate numerical modelling results into design conditions.
• Proficiency in Port & Coastal engineering design software tools.
• Knowledge of relevant design guidelines and standards, e.g., PIANC, DNV, BS codes.
• Strong ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a team, with leadership skills.
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to technical excellence.
• Leadership experience in port & coastal projects, with a focus on client engagement and project delivery.
• Creative and critical thinking, good engineering judgment, and adaptability.
• Financial management skills and proven client liaison experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and grow the technical team, fostering a culture of excellence and commercial awareness.
• Manage, mentor, and oversee technical project deliverables within Port & Coastal disciplines.
• Maintain and enhance technical knowledge for personal and team growth, promoting WSP’s reputation.
• Achieve business goals aligned with strategic plans for the Africa region.
• Market and secure new projects and clients, identifying opportunities and developing strategies.
• Engage with clients, contractors, and partners to strategize, negotiate, and review project progress.
• Support strategic alliances and business growth initiatives.
• Assist in developing overarching strategies to ensure growth and competitiveness.
• Support financial management and risk assessment for projects and contracts.
• Implement and uphold administrative policies in line with company standards.

The successful candidate will also lead Port & Coastal Engineering aspects, including:

• Feasibility studies, design, and reporting from concept to detailed design.
• Preparation of technical specifications, contract documents, and cost estimations.
• Review and evaluate reports, ensuring quality and managing client expectations.
• Proposal development and project leadership, demonstrating deep technical understanding.

Health and Safety

• Model SHEQ standards, promoting safety, environmental, and quality policies.
• Identify SHEQ risks and drive processes toward Zero Harm.
• Promote company values and maintain a safe working environment at all times.