Job Description

The successful applicant will join our exciting and growing Maritime (Port & Coastal) team as a Technical Director, with a focus on technical excellence, innovative thinking and teamwork. In the process we become global thought leaders in our field - true ambassadors. It will involve leading day-to-day technical matters associated with the Port & Coastal disciplines within our Transport & Infrastructure Sector, and provide support to the Deputy Sector Lead and Discipline Leads, across Africa and international.


The key role of a Technical Director is to embed a strong client and project culture around a technically excellent and efficient delivery model, balanced with the need to satisfy client, staff and project commercial expectations. This role spans the full operating geography of WSP in Africa, with engagements into the WSP Global teams worldwide, as well as external to WSP.



Empowering and growth of the technical staff within our Maritime team, upholding a culture of technical excellence and commercial astuteness. Manage, guide, mentor and take professional responsibility for the deliverables of technical project teams in the Port & Coastal disciplines. Maintaining own technical knowledge and growth, as well as that of staff, to promote WSP's growth and reputation for technical excellence in the industry. Delivering goals and commitments for the line of business, in alignment with division operating plan, and strategic goals for the Business Unit and WSP in Africa. Marketing and securing new business, projects and clients. Winning new work to sustain the workload and team. Identifying and securing work opportunities based on assessment of the market, determining products and skills to sell and methodology of execution to perform the work. Meeting regularly with external entities including clients, contractors, suppliers/vendors, and partners to establish strategy and execution for projects, pursue new business, negotiate contracts, and review project status. Support strategic alliances and growth. Assist in developing overall strategy for line of business to ensure growth, establish Company presence in the industry, and maintain competitive edge in conjunction with anticipating trends and/or changes. Assisting Deputy Sector Lead and Discipline Leads, in terms of financial management and performance of the sub-sector (Maritime). Assisting project management in negotiating, assessing, and mitigating risks for contracts for projects and subcontractors. Assisting in implementing administrative policies and procedures for line of business in alignment with division and strategy.
The successful applicant will take part in and/or lead Port & Coastal Engineering aspects of:


Pre- to full detailed feasibility studies, including designs and reporting. Concept, up to detailed designs, drawing generation, technical specifications, contract documents, schedules, capital and operational cost estimations. Evaluations and reviews of external and internal produced reports and documents. Facilitating project reviews to ensure quality of product, management of client expectations, and handle any related issues. Preparation of proposals and winning work, ability to package a proposal involving a number of disciplines. Technical Engineering Lead and / or Project Management of Port & Coastal Engineering projects, demonstrating a deep understanding of the Port & Coastal processes involved in this work.
Health and Safety


Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behaviour consistent with the company's health, safety, environmental and quality vision and policies by influencing those around you. Contributing to the identification of SHEQ risks and driving processes to achieve Zero Harm. Embracing, displaying and promoting the company values and ensuring a safe working environment is maintained at all times.

Relevant post-graduate or graduate qualification in Engineering is a requirement. Registration as Professional Engineer / Technologist with ECSA is a requirement. +20 years' relevant post graduate work experience, all years in aspects of Port & Coastal Engineering is a requirement. Member of relevant recognized Port & Coastal institutions and affiliations, e.g., PIANC, is a requirement. International and national recognized expert in a relevant field of Port & Coastal Engineering is a requirement, to drive the market impact. This is measured by the degree of technical publications, presentations and contributions to Working Groups within the industry, both international and national. Proven track record of marine infrastructure concept to detail design of LNG facilities, quay walls and other marine structures. Experience in marine structural detail designs of Port & Coastal structures and infrastructure. Experience in the design of coastal structures, e.g. revetments, breakwaters, shore protection and scour protection. Experience of coastal engineering and associated processes, e.g. structure overtopping and wave loading. Experience in designing marine temporary works, with a good understanding of construction and constructability. Experience in mooring and anchoring (offshore & in-port) designs for various commodities, incl. LNG, other liquid bulk & dry bulk. Experience with small to large scale marine intake and outfall systems. Translation of numerical modelling results into representative design conditions to establish a basis of design. Experience in relevant Port & Coastal engineering design software tools. Knowledge and demonstrated experience in using Port & Coastal design guidelines and standards, e.g. Rock Manual, CEM, PIANC, DNV, BS codes, EuroTop, etc. Ability to work effectively and to be focused on delivery. Ability to work independently by own initiative, as well as being part of a team and leading a project team. Ability to manage and plan his/her own time and workload to meet deadlines and in line with appropriate standards. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, especially within a team set-up, ability to explain technical work clearly. Attention to detail. Track record to own and technically lead port & coastal projects, with a strong emphasis on commitment and technical excellence. Creative and critical thinking in terms of challenging the normal and the abnormal. Good engineering judgement and decision making. Flexibility and adaptability to changing environments. Trustworthy and a team worker with proven leadership capabilities. Sound commercial and financial management of project budgets. Proven positive client liaison. * Overall responsibility, accountability, ethical and effective representation of WSP to internal and external clients.