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Project Manager - Master Planning - Job Opportunity at WSP

Dubai, AE
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 17, 2025
Hybrid
AED 180,000 - 250,000 annually (USD 49,000 - 68,000), reflecting Dubai's competitive market for experienced project managers in urban planning, with potential for performance bonuses and expatriate benefits packages that can increase total compensation by 20-30%.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package positioned to attract top-tier talent in the regional market
Comprehensive first-class medical coverage providing extensive healthcare security and family protection
Generous annual leave allocation exceeding industry standards to support work-life integration
Professional subscription coverage demonstrating company investment in continuous learning and career development
Flexible work arrangements including remote work options, part-time schedules, and flexible hours to accommodate diverse lifestyle needs
Global career mobility opportunities across WSP's 69,000+ employee network spanning multiple continents

Key Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end delivery of complex master planning projects from conceptual initiation through final completion, directly impacting urban development outcomes and community transformation
Drive strategic project performance optimization through comprehensive monitoring of schedule adherence, budget control, and quality standards, ensuring measurable client value delivery
Execute dynamic change management protocols for scope, timeline, and budget modifications while maintaining project integrity and stakeholder alignment
Serve as primary client relationship manager and stakeholder liaison, building trust through transparent communication and proactive issue resolution that drives customer satisfaction and repeat business
Establish and maintain comprehensive project documentation systems that ensure regulatory compliance, knowledge transfer, and organizational learning for future project excellence
Facilitate cross-functional stakeholder engagement through structured meetings and collaborative sessions that align diverse interests and drive consensus toward successful project outcomes

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)

Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience in project management, with focus on master planning, urban development, or large-scale infrastructure projects

Required Skills

Proven track record of managing complex projects from conceptual planning to execution, with quantifiable results Strong knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., PMBOK, Agile, Waterfall, PRINCE2) Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project and Primavera P6) Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with senior management, stakeholders, and external partners Excellent reporting, documentation, and presentation skills Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical abilities Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining focus on detail and quality In-depth understanding of relevant regulations, codes, and sustainability practices Proven ability to manage and resolve project conflicts effectively

Certifications

PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent or similar certification is highly desirable
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The Middle East construction and urban planning sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by Vision 2030 initiatives across GCC countries, creating massive demand for master planning expertise in mega-city developments, smart city implementations, and sustainable urban infrastructure projects. Digital transformation in construction and urban planning is accelerating adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM), IoT integration, and AI-powered planning tools, requiring project managers to bridge traditional planning expertise with emerging technology platforms. Sustainability and climate resilience have become mandatory considerations in Middle Eastern urban development, with green building certifications, renewable energy integration, and water conservation strategies now standard requirements in major planning projects.

Role Significance

Typically manages cross-functional teams of 8-15 professionals including architects, engineers, planners, and specialists, while coordinating with external contractor teams that can scale to 50+ personnel on major master planning initiatives.
Mid-to-senior level position with significant autonomous responsibility for project delivery while reporting to senior management, indicating a role that bridges tactical execution with strategic planning input and client relationship management.

Key Projects

Mixed-use urban development projects spanning 100+ hectares with residential, commercial, and recreational components Smart city infrastructure implementations incorporating IoT sensors, sustainable transportation networks, and integrated utility systems Waterfront and coastal development projects requiring environmental impact assessment and community stakeholder engagement Transit-oriented development projects integrating with Dubai Metro expansion and Bus Rapid Transit systems

Success Factors

Mastery of stakeholder management across diverse cultural contexts, as Dubai projects typically involve international clients, local government entities, and multicultural development teams requiring nuanced communication and relationship-building skills. Deep understanding of UAE regulatory frameworks including Dubai Municipality requirements, environmental compliance standards, and federal construction codes, combined with ability to navigate bureaucratic processes efficiently. Financial acumen to manage project budgets exceeding AED 100 million while optimizing resource allocation, managing currency fluctuations, and delivering measurable ROI for clients in a cost-competitive market. Technology integration capabilities to leverage advanced planning software, drone surveying, 3D modeling, and project management platforms that are becoming standard in regional mega-projects.

Market Demand

High demand driven by Dubai's continued urban expansion, preparation for Expo legacy projects, and regional infrastructure development initiatives requiring specialized master planning expertise.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Project management methodology expertise (PMBOK, PRINCE2) is absolutely essential as regional projects follow international standards and require rigorous documentation for multinational stakeholder groups and regulatory compliance across different jurisdictions. Stakeholder management and cross-cultural communication skills are paramount given Dubai's international business environment where projects involve Emirati government entities, European investors, Asian contractors, and global consulting teams requiring diplomatic navigation of diverse interests. Regulatory knowledge and compliance management capabilities are crucial for success in Dubai's complex approval processes, environmental requirements, and building codes that blend international standards with local requirements and cultural considerations. Advanced project management software proficiency (Primavera P6, Microsoft Project) is mandatory as regional mega-projects require sophisticated scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking across multiple concurrent work streams and contractor teams.

Beneficial Skills

Arabic language skills provide significant advantage for government liaison, local stakeholder engagement, and understanding cultural nuances that can accelerate project approvals and community acceptance in Emirati contexts. Sustainable design and green building expertise (LEED, BREEAM, Estidama) is increasingly valuable as regional projects prioritize environmental certification and climate resilience in response to UAE National Climate Change Plan requirements. Digital transformation knowledge including BIM coordination, IoT integration, and smart city technologies aligns with Dubai Smart City 2025 initiative and provides competitive advantage for next-generation urban planning projects. Business development and proposal writing skills are highly beneficial for career advancement as senior roles increasingly require client acquisition, relationship management, and revenue generation responsibilities in competitive regional markets.

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work on globally significant urban development projects that will define Dubai's evolution as a smart city and regional economic hub, providing exposure to cutting-edge planning methodologies and international best practices.
Integration with WSP's global expertise network provides access to specialized knowledge from successful master planning projects in London, Singapore, Toronto, and other world-class cities, enhancing professional development and project innovation capabilities.
Direct involvement in sustainability and climate resilience planning for desert urban environments, requiring specialized expertise in water management, energy efficiency, and environmental adaptation that represents emerging global specialization.
Exposure to diverse cultural and regulatory contexts as Dubai projects often involve international partnerships, providing valuable experience for global career development in urban planning and project management.

Career Growth

Career progression to senior roles typically occurs within 3-5 years given the rapid pace of regional development and high demand for proven expertise in Middle Eastern urban planning contexts.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Project Manager overseeing multiple concurrent master planning projects with budget responsibility exceeding AED 500 million Project Director with regional oversight across GCC markets and business development responsibilities Planning Department Head managing organizational strategy and client portfolio development Independent consulting practice specializing in Middle Eastern urban development and smart city implementations

Company Overview

WSP

WSP is a globally recognized engineering and professional services consultancy with over 69,000 employees worldwide, specializing in infrastructure, transportation, environment, energy, and building projects that shape communities and transform the built environment.

WSP ranks among the top 3 global engineering consultancies and maintains strong market leadership in the Middle East region, with established relationships with major developers, government entities, and international investors driving regional growth.
WSP's Dubai office serves as a regional hub for GCC operations, with significant involvement in landmark projects including Dubai Metro expansion, smart city initiatives, and major mixed-use developments that define the emirate's urban landscape.
Professional environment emphasizing collaborative innovation, global knowledge sharing, and commitment to sustainable development practices, with strong emphasis on work-life balance and flexible working arrangements that accommodate diverse international workforce needs.
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