Associate / Associate Director Drainage Engineer (Development)

WSP; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and professional services firm in England seeks an Associate or Associate Director to provide technical leadership and manage design teams. The ideal candidate will have Chartered Engineer status and a proven track record in client management and project execution. This role includes overseeing drainage design and flood risk assessments, with an emphasis on mentoring junior team members. A hybrid working model is offered, promoting work-life balance.

Benefits

Hybrid working policy

Gym membership discounts

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Proven track record in building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Strong experience in preparing and submitting S104 applications.
• Detailed knowledge of industry guidelines such as NPPF and SuDS Manual.

Responsibilities

• Lead design teams and mentor junior members.
• Oversee the preparation of Flood Risk Assessments.
• Manage and execute projects within timeframes and budgets.

Skills

Chartered Engineer (CEng) status

Strong client relationship management

Effective communication skills

Detailed knowledge of industry guidelines

Excellent technical report writing

Strategic direction and leadership

Mentoring skills

Education

Chartered Engineer (CEng) with ICE or CIWEM

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects, and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role

As an Associate or Associate Director based out of our Basingstoke office, you will provide technical leadership to our design teams and will use your knowledge and skills to deliver quality work on time and within budget. You will lead design teams and mentor junior team members.

Your responsibilities will include:

1. Developing and nurturing excellent relationships with key clients, ensuring their needs are met and expectations exceeded.
2. Displaying strong interpersonal and communication skills, thriving both independently and as a collaborator.
3. Managing and executing projects within agreed upon timeframes and budgets.
4. Overseeing a team producing Flood Risk Assessments and Drainage Strategy Reports.
5. Being very proficient in detailed drainage design through to construction.
6. Leading a team in the preparation and submission of S104 applications, providing crucial drainage design support for S106 and S278 designs.
7. Utilising your comprehensive understanding of industry guidelines including NPPF, SuDS Manual, The Design and Construction Guidance, and related technical standards.
8. Reviewing technical reports, effectively conveying complex technical information clearly and concisely.
9. Leading discussions with Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFA), Environment Agency (EA), and Water Authorities (WA).
10. Championing health and safety practices within the workplace and during the design process.
11. Mentoring and developing the skills of junior team members, fostering their professional growth.

The Development Team is a well-established and high-performing part within the Planning and Development discipline, comprising over 800 colleagues focused on project delivery throughout the entire project lifecycle, from land acquisition, planning support, and design to scheme implementation and handover.

Our vision is to be recognized as the best Development team in the industry. We aim to achieve this through continuous improvement and a management structure based on four pillars: Technical Excellence, People, Clients, and Operational Excellence.

We help our clients promote, implement, and manage sustainable development, from pre-feasibility to planning consent; establish development plans; and develop multi-disciplinary designs from concept through detailed design and construction.

We work with public and private sector land promoters, house builders, developers, signature architects, government, and local authorities.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate

1. Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with ICE or CIWEM.
2. Proven track record in building and maintaining strong client relationships.
3. Effective communication skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
4. Strong experience in preparing and submitting S104 applications and providing drainage design support for S106 and S278 designs.
5. Detailed knowledge of industry guidelines such as NPPF, SuDS Manual, The Design and Construction Guidance, and relevant technical standards.
6. Excellent technical report writing and review skills.
7. Providing strategic direction and highly visible leadership.
8. Demonstrating behaviours and attitudes aligned with WSP core values.
9. Collaborating with colleagues to ensure coordination across the Development discipline and sharing best practices and innovation.
10. Engaging with the Technical Leadership Group (TLG) to promote technical innovation and advancements.
11. Supporting the Place Lead to establish WSP Development in the local marketplace and raise its profile.
12. Track record in securing new workstreams and generating new business opportunities.
13. Supporting the leadership of the Development team alongside other senior members.
14. Leading and supporting infrastructure projects within development.
15. Driving business development through local networks and decision-makers.
16. Winning work from key accounts and expanding the order book.
17. Mentoring mid-career professionals in client management, project management, and leadership roles.
18. Contributing to bids by reviewing and authorizing submissions, demonstrating added value both commercially and technically.
19. Supporting health, safety, and corporate responsibility, ensuring team compliance with SHEQ standards.

If you don't meet all criteria, apply anyway, and we will see how your experience aligns with this role or other opportunities within the team.

Imagine a better future for you and for us all.

Join our community of talented individuals passionate about making a positive impact. Our global team includes over 69,000 employees working to make a difference locally and worldwide.

With us, you can. Apply today.

About Us

We are a leading engineering and professional services firm with 72,800 passionate people committed to creating positive, lasting impacts through innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals in the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our communities and powered by international expertise.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

We understand work is just one part of your life. Our hybrid working policy offers flexibility to work from home two days a week, with opportunities to collaborate in our modern UK offices.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We promote a culture of inclusion, respect, and belonging, supported by employee resource groups.

Health & Wellbeing

We support your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme, Virtual GP services, workplace adjustments, gym membership discounts, and menopause support.

Flex your time

Our