Associate / Associate Director Drainage Engineer (Development)

WSP; Southampton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible working hours

Career development / Chartership

Health & wellbeing benefits

Inclusive culture

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Associate or Associate Director to lead drainage design in our Southampton office. You will provide technical leadership to design teams, mentor junior staff, and ensure projects meet quality, time, and budget targets.

Key responsibilities include managing Flood Risk Assessments, S104/S106/S278 design support, and applying industry guidelines (NPPF, SuDS, Design & Construction Guidance). Strong client relationship skills and Chartered status are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with ICE or CIWEM is required.
• Proven track record in building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Experience delivering drainage design projects in line with NPPF, SuDS Manual, and related standards.
• Ability to mentor junior team members and provide leadership across the Development discipline.

Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture relationships with key clients, ensuring needs are met.
• Lead design teams to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Oversee a team producing Flood Risk Assessments and Drainage Strategy Reports.
• Lead detailed drainage design from concept through construction.
• Provide drainage design support for S104, S106, and S278 designs.
• Review reports and communicate complex technical information clearly.

Skills

Client relationship management

Leadership and mentoring

Technical drainage design

Project management

Communication skills

Education

CEng status with ICE or CIWEM

Job description

Job Description

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 Southampton office, you will provide technical leadership to our design teams and will use your knowledge and skills to deliver the right quality to time and budget. You will use those attributes to lead design teams and to mentor and support junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture excellent relationships with key clients, ensuring their needs are met and expectations exceeded.
• Display strong interpersonal and communication skills, thriving both independently and as a collaborator.
• Manage and execute projects within agreed upon timeframes and budgets.
• Oversee a team producing Flood Risk Assessments and Drainage Strategy Reports.
• Very proficient in detailed drainage design through to construction.
• Lead a team in the preparation and submission of S104 applications, providing crucial drainage design support for S106 and S278 designs.
• Utilise your comprehensive understanding of industry guidelines including NPPF, SuDS Manual, The Design and Construction Guidance, and related technical standards.
• Review technical reports, effectively conveying complex technical information in a clear and concise manner.
• Lead discussions with the Lead Local Flood Authorities, (LLFA), Environment Agency, (EA) and Water Authorities, (WA).
• Champion health and safety practices within the workplace and during the design process.
• Mentor and develop the skills of junior team members, fostering their professional growth.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate...

• Chartered Engineer, (CEng) status with the ICE or CIWEM.
• Proven track record in building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong experience in preparing and submitting S104 applications and providing drainage design support for S106 and S278 designs.
• Detailed knowledge of industry guidelines such as NPPF, SuDS Manual, The Design and Construction Guidance, and relevant technical standards.
• Excellent technical reporting writing and review skills.
• Providing strategic direction and highly visible leadership.
• Exhibiting and demonstrating behaviours and attitudes in accordance with WSP core values.
• Working in partnership with other colleagues to ensure coordination across the Development discipline and sharing of market intelligence, best practice and innovation.
• Engaging with the Technical Leadership Group, (TLG) to promote technical innovation, best practice and technological advancements for infrastructure development for major projects.
• Supporting the Place Lead establish WSP Development in the local marketplace and raise its profile.
• Track record in securing new workstreams and generating new business opportunities in the Development sector / market.
• Support the Place Lead in the leadership of the Development team alongside other Senior Team Members.
• Leadership of Development / Development Infrastructure projects.
• Driving business development by being embedded within local networks of decision makers and establishing lasting relationships.
• Winning work from key accounts and align the business to secure major opportunities and an increasing order book.
• Mentoring and coaching of Mid‑Career Professional's in Client Management, Project Management & leadership roles / functions.
• Leading and support bids by contributing reviewing and authorising submissions and by demonstrating added value both commercially and technically.
• Supporting all aspects associated with H&S / Corporate Responsibility and ensure the team complies with SHEQ, (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality).

Benefits

Work‑life balance
At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It's important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging
We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing
We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you - giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time
To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the "WSP My Hour," allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development
We understand the importance of development and training to you. That's why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Equal Opportunities

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.