Service Lead - Maritime Planning

Role Overview

Service Lead – Maritime Planning at WSP in the Middle East, based in either the UAE or KSA.

Company Overview

WSP is a global professional services firm. This role is integral to the continued growth of WSP's Maritime business in the Middle East, ensuring technical excellence, client satisfaction, and alignment with WSP's strategic goals.

Role Purpose

Lead the delivery of maritime planning projects from feasibility and master planning through concept design, procurement support, and tender stages. Drive business unit initiatives, manage a high-performing maritime team, and serve as subject matter expert in maritime infrastructure across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and manage a team of 5–10 maritime planning professionals, overseeing workload allocation, capacity planning, and team development.
• Identify skill gaps and hiring needs, support workforce planning, and manage recruitment for junior team members.
• Motivate, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.

Project & Portfolio Management

• Lead maritime planning projects and opportunities from pursuit through delivery, including scope development, risk management, contract negotiations, resourcing, and commercial oversight.
• Forecast project workload, monitor performance against budgets, and identify resource requirements.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate maritime infrastructure requirements into project designs.
• Review and approve technical reports, studies, and presentations to ensure quality and consistency.

Technical Expertise & Quality Assurance

• Serve as a subject matter expert in maritime planning for coastal developments, marinas, and port facilities.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, innovations, and best practices in maritime planning and development.
• Lead research and innovation initiatives, support team upskilling, and identify opportunities to improve and standardize project delivery.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong client relationships, understanding needs and delivering tailored solutions.
• Present project outcomes and recommendations to executive-level client stakeholders.
• Engage with maritime industry suppliers and stakeholders to assess planning, operational, and system considerations.

Business Development & Strategy

• Member of the Maritime Senior Management Team, driving business unit initiatives and contributing to strategic growth.
• Drive business development initiatives within the Maritime Planning sector in collaboration with senior leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in maritime engineering, with a proven track record of successfully leading project delivery.
• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field (preferred).
• Professional registration or certification in Civil Engineering or a related discipline (advantageous).
• Established network of clients and industry contacts across the Middle East (preferred).
• Experience delivering maritime planning projects across the GCC.

Skills & Competencies

• Extensive technical expertise in maritime planning, particularly for industrial ports, dry ports, and marinas.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive, commercially aware, and solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.
• Commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and professional development.