Design Director – Airport

Position Overview

WSP is seeking a seasoned Design Director specializing in airport projects to join their team in Saudi Arabia. This role reports to the Project Director and entails leadership of all aspects of airport design management, ensuring excellence, compliance, and cohesive integration of multidisciplinary efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Take charge of design activities spanning architecture, structural, airside, landside, MEP, and specialized fields, guaranteeing adherence to WSP standards and aviation industry best practices.
• Oversee multidisciplinary team coordination to ensure design packages progress on schedule and integrate seamlessly with procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational requirements.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison with clients, authorities, and airport stakeholders, leading design sessions and resolving complex technical challenges.
• Promote design quality, innovation, sustainability, and compliance with both local regulations and international aviation codes such as ICAO and NFPA.
• Implement robust quality assurance processes aligned with WSP’s global design criteria.
• Proactively identify and manage design risks and changes, supporting the Project Director on scope and commercial impacts.
• Mentor and guide design managers and discipline leads, fostering collaboration across WSP offices in KSA, UAE, India, and beyond.
• Manage resource allocation and performance to meet project delivery goals.

Qualifications and Experience

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in architecture or engineering; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Possess 15 to 20+ years of experience leading airport or major infrastructure design projects.
• Demonstrate a strong track record in managing multidisciplinary design teams within PMC or consultancy settings.
• Experience with airport terminals, airside/landside infrastructure, or major aviation modernization projects, particularly in Saudi Arabia, is advantageous.

Technical Expertise

• Expert knowledge of aviation design standards and regulatory frameworks including ICAO and NFPA.
• Proven ability to coordinate and integrate designs across multiple disciplines effectively.
• Skilled in conducting design reviews, verifying technical documents, and making risk-informed decisions.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong leadership qualities with excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proactive, solution-oriented, and capable of maintaining resilience under pressure.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders on technical strategies and project direction.