Principal Consultant - Aquatic Design

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WSP Middle East is seeking a highly experienced engineering professional to join our Aquatic & Wellness design discipline as Principal Consultant . This leadership role will oversee the technical delivery of all water feature, swimming pool and spa/wellness design projects with a focus on safety, quality, efficiency and engineering excellence.

Reporting directly to the Head of Aquatic Design, you will manage the day-to-day operations of technical design delivery, including the oversight of internal project managers, BIM/Revit technicians, and a production team based in WSP’s India Global Capability Centre (GCC). You will ensure that projects are delivered to the highest technical standards while maintaining alignment with WSP’s global best practices.

Exercise independent judgment in making decisions on complex and ambiguous technical matters, providing strategic advice and guidance to senior leadership. Your decisions will have a moderate to significant impact on project operations, efficiency, and quality.

This role is ideal for a delivery-focused, self-motivated leader who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment and is committed to mentoring technical teams and driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Technical Design Delivery

• Take ownership of aquatic and wellness design projects, applying extensive in-depth and broad technical knowledge. Demonstrate advanced expertise and a seasoned understanding of both the business and industry environment to deliver innovative solutions.
• Actively participate in the production, review, and approval of design documentation, drawings, and models, maintaining a strong focus on quality, constructability, and sustainability.
• Lead the analysis and evaluation of unique and highly complex assignments, exercising independent judgment to determine optimal courses of action. Regularly assess and balance multiple variables and milestones to ensure successful project delivery.
• Uphold QA/QC processes throughout the design lifecycle, contributing directly to technical outputs as required to achieve project goals.

Project Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

• Manage technical resources and workflows to ensure timely and efficient project delivery, while also engaging directly in project tasks when necessary.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and interface with clients and stakeholders, providing technical input and addressing project requirements both as a leader and as a contributor.
• Represent the discipline in meetings and workshops, ensuring effective communication and resolution of technical queries.

Team Leadership & Operations

• Supervise and mentor technical staff, supporting their development and ensuring alignment with organizational standards and best practices.
• Operate with significant autonomy and minimal supervision, setting objectives and approaches for the discipline. Work is reviewed during key milestone periods, but day-to-day activities are self-directed, requiring significant latitude in determining objectives and approaches.
• Lead teams in developing new methods, techniques, and analytical frameworks, and guide them in solving significant technical and operational challenges.
• Contribute to resource planning, workload forecasting, and the development of internal processes and procedures, while remaining ready to step in and support hands‑on project work as needed.
• Support the Head of Discipline in establishing, maintaining and enhancing operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, continuous improvement, and innovation within the team.
• Serve as a resource integrator, building professional networks and connecting resources to solve complex problems and achieve strategic goals.
• Regularly contribute actionable and creative ideas, especially in ambiguous situations, and pursue innovative opportunities to advance the discipline.
• Stay informed of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices relevant to aquatic and wellness design.
• Encourage knowledge sharing and professional development, and lead by example through direct involvement in technical work when appropriate.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Environmental, Civil Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Significant experience (typically 15+ years) in the design and delivery of swimming pools, water features, and wellness systems, ideally within a consultancy or design‑build environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and contribute directly to technical design delivery, including hands‑on involvement in producing, reviewing, and approving design documentation and models.
• Strong understanding of relevant international and local codes, standards, and best practices.
• Proficiency with design and collaboration tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, BIM360, etc.
• Proven ability to manage and collaborate with multidisciplinary and geographically distributed teams.
• Excellent communication skills, with confidence in engaging with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams.
• A commitment to quality, safety, innovation, and continuous improvement in technical delivery.
• Professional licensure (e.g., P.Eng, CEng) is preferred but not essential.

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