Associate Director - Building Structures

Role Overview

Associate Director - Building Structures at WSP Middle East. The role leads the structural engineering function across multiple large-scale and complex building projects in the Middle East region.

Role Purpose

Provide strategic technical oversight and senior leadership of structural engineering across a portfolio of major building projects, while driving business development, client relationships, and organizational growth in the Buildings sector.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Technical Leadership

• Lead the structural engineering function across multiple large-scale and complex building projects.
• Provide strategic technical oversight, ensuring excellence in design, quality, safety, and project delivery.
• Drive innovation in structural design, digital engineering, and sustainable solutions.
• Ensure compliance with all HSE requirements, quality assurance processes, and regulatory standards.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a senior client advisor, fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and providing trusted technical guidance.
• Represent the organization at client meetings, industry conferences, and professional forums.
• Manage and grow strategic client accounts, identifying opportunities for repeat business and long-term partnerships.

Business Development

• Support business development activities, including client engagement, networking, opportunity identification, and market positioning.
• Lead the preparation of technical proposals, bids, fee submissions, and client presentations for major pursuits.
• Work closely with leadership teams to develop and implement business growth strategies for the Buildings sector.
• Demonstrated success in developing client relationships and securing new business opportunities.

Operations & Financial Management

• Oversee resource planning, project budgets, commercial performance, and delivery schedules to ensure profitability.
• Maintain governance over risk management, contractual obligations, and project controls.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to manage project profitability and business performance.

People & Culture

• Mentor and develop senior engineers and project leaders, promoting a culture of collaboration and technical excellence.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and manage large project portfolios.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering.
• Master's Degree in Structural Engineering or related discipline is preferred.
• Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional accreditation is highly desirable.
• 20+ years of experience in structural engineering, including leadership of major building projects.
• Proven track record delivering high-value, complex developments within consultancy environments.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing large project portfolios.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong expertise in reinforced concrete, steel design, and advanced structural analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE, KSA, and international design standards and codes.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to manage project profitability and business performance.