Associate Director- Vertical Transportation

Job Description

WSP in the Middle East is currently searching for an accomplished and experienced professional to join our team as an Associate Director / Associate -Vertical Transportationin Dubai, UAE.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified and time served Elevator and Escalator engineer and shall possess at least 15+ years’ experience in designing vertical transportation systems for buildings including experience as a consultant. The successful applicant shall be fully conversant with the EN81 suite of codes and standards with working knowledge of the ASME A17.1.

Responsibilities

• Deliver specialist Vertical Transportation (VT) 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.
• Provide comprehensive site supervision services, including inspection and acceptance testing of complex VT installations. Coordinate with local authorities, third‑party inspectors and client representatives to ensure compliance with statutory and project requirements.
• 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.
• Coordinate all IT, Telecom, ELV and Security system interfaces related to VT installations, ensuring seamless integration with wider building systems.
• 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.
• Prepare and submit weekly VT progress reports for the project manager, highlighting milestones, risks, constraints and planned activities.
• Monitor site progress with supplier supervisors to ensure challenges are proactively addressed and programme commitments are met.
• Engage with all relevant Local Authority Departments and external stakeholders to secure approvals at every key stage of the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary teams (Architecture, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and ELV) to maintain alignment and resolve design interface issues.
• Participate in design review meetings, clarification workshops and technical discussions, contributing engineering insight and ensuring high‑quality project outcomes.
• Prepare accurate and timely meeting records, design review notes and design progress reports to support project governance and client communication.
• Maintain strong working relationships with VT suppliers to ensure full alignment with project specifications, quality expectations and client objectives.
  
  
  

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred, though candidates with strong VT industry experience will also be considered.
• A minimum of 12 years’ proven experience in VT design, installation, testing & commissioning, training, and project handover across complex built‑environment projects.
• Demonstrated leadership capability, with the ability to guide teams, influence stakeholders and drive high‑quality project outcomes.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder‑interfacing skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with clients, contractors, suppliers, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability and willingness to work on-site with flexible hours, based on project demands.
• Competent in AutoCAD, Revit, and associated operating systems/software relevant to VT design, coordination and documentation.
• Expert knowledge of applicable VT codes, standards, and industry best practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to manage internal and external engagements professionally.
• Ability to manage multiple reviews, deliverables and deadlines in a fast‑paced consulting environment.Demonstrates agility and responsiveness to changing project requirements and priorities.
• Applies extensive experience, sound engineering judgement and technical expertise to achieve project objectives.
• Highly detail‑oriented with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Thorough understanding of standard engineering practices, design methodologies, and construction procedures related to VT systems.
• Strong organisational capability, including planning, scheduling and managing workstreams efficiently.