Associate Director- Vertical Transportation

Role Overview

WSP in the Middle East is recruiting an Associate Director / Associate - Vertical Transportation to join the team in Dubai, UAE. The role requires a qualified and time-served Elevator and Escalator engineer with at least 15+ years' experience in designing vertical transportation systems for buildings, including consulting experience.

Role Purpose

Deliver specialist Vertical Transportation design and supervision services across a wide range of built-environment projects, ensuring robust, efficient and code-compliant solutions that meet statutory requirements and client objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Technical Delivery

• Deliver specialist Vertical Transportation design and supervision services across a wide range of built-environment projects, ensuring robust, efficient and code-compliant solutions.
• Conduct detailed traffic analysis using industry-standard VT simulation and performance-analysis software to evaluate elevator behaviour, optimise system efficiency and validate design assumptions.
• Develop technical design proposals and reports that clearly articulate engineering rationale, system selection, calculations and client-facing recommendations.
• Participate in design review meetings, clarification workshops and technical discussions, contributing engineering insight and ensure high-quality project outcomes.
• Coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary teams (Architecture, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and ELV) to maintain alignment and resolve design interface issues.

Site Supervision & Compliance

• Provide comprehensive site supervision services, including inspection and acceptance testing of complex VT installations.
• Review and approve specialist contractor submissions, including shop drawings, as-built documentation, method statements, O&M manuals, samples, test protocols, warranty documents and training materials.
• Engage with all relevant Local Authority Departments and external stakeholders to secure approvals at every key stage of the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate with local authorities, third-party inspectors and client representatives to ensure compliance with statutory and project requirements.
• Monitor site progress with supplier supervisors to ensure challenges are proactively addressed and programme commitments are met.

Stakeholder & System Coordination

• Attend and contribute to coordination meetings with VT suppliers, specialist subcontractors and project stakeholders to ensure the design intent is consistently implemented and site issues are addressed promptly.
• Liaise closely with the main contractor, consultant project engineers and relevant site teams to resolve technical concerns and maintain alignment with the agreed VT strategy.
• Coordinate all IT, Telecom, ELV and Security system interfaces related to VT installations, ensuring seamless integration with wider building systems.
• Maintain strong working relationships with VT suppliers to ensure full alignment with project specifications, quality expectations and client objectives.

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare and submit weekly VT progress reports for the project manager, highlighting milestones, risks, constraints and planned activities.
• Prepare accurate and timely meeting records, design review notes and design progress reports to support project governance and client communication.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in Vertical Transportation design consultancy across major building and infrastructure developments.
• Extensive Middle East experience, with a proven track record delivering VT solutions across the GCC region.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects.
• Fully conversant with the EN81 suite of codes and standards with working knowledge of the ASME A17.1.

Skills & Competencies

• Expert knowledge of VT systems, international codes, standards, and industry best practices.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, BIM workflows, and related VT design software.
• Strong client-facing, stakeholder management, and project delivery capabilities within a consulting environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and report-writing skills.
• Sound engineering judgment, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deliverables in a fast-paced consultancy environment.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience supporting business development initiatives.