Associate / Associate Director Drainage Engineer (Development)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking an Associate or Associate Director in Southampton. The role involves providing technical leadership to design teams while managing projects and mentoring junior members. Candidates should hold Chartered Engineer status and have a strong track record in client relationship management, drainage design, and strategic direction. WSP welcomes diverse applicants, supporting an inclusive workplace environment.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with the ICE or CIWEM.
• Strong experience in preparing and submitting S104 applications.
• Detailed knowledge of NPPF, SuDS Manual, and related technical standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership to design teams.
• Manage projects and mentor junior team members.
• Oversee production of Flood Risk Assessments.

Skills

Chartered Engineer (CEng) status

Strong client relationship management

Effective communication skills

Expertise in drainage design

Knowledge of industry guidelines

Technical report writing skills

Leadership abilities

Business development skills

Job description

Job Description

As an Associate or Associate Director based in the Southampton office, you will provide technical leadership to design teams, deliver quality work within time and budget, manage projects, and mentor junior 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.
• Be 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.

Qualifications

• 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 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 to 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 aligning the business to secure major opportunities and an increasing order book.
• Mentoring and coaching of mid‑career professionals in client management, project management, and leadership roles/functions.
• Leading and supporting 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 ensuring the team complies with SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality).

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.