Associate/Associate Director Highways Engineer - Development

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Thrive programme

Virtual GP service

Gymflex

Menopause support

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Associate or Associate Director to lead design teams from our Manchester office, delivering high-quality civil and highway projects within time and budget. You will mentor juniors, manage resources, and coordinate multi-disciplinary inputs across UK and international projects.

You will drive tenders and client relationships, ensuring technical excellence while supporting regional leadership and business development efforts in a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• MEng/BEng/BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering or equivalent with experience in development projects.
• Chartered/Incorporated professional qualification desirable.
• Broad project experience in civil and multi-disciplinary work, focusing on highways.
• Knowledge of DMRB, Highway Works, Local Authority guidelines and Manual for Streets.
• AutoCAD/Civils 3D experience with 2D drawing and 3D modelling.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership to design teams and mentor junior members.
• Lead civil engineering and highway design projects in the UK and overseas.
• Act as Project Manager, optimize solutions, and coordinate multi-disciplinary inputs.
• Manage resources and people at project level; supervise the team.
• Lead tenders/bids and contribute to business development.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Financial control

Mentoring

Change management

Communication

Business development

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Chartered engineer (desirable)

Multi-disciplinary project experience

Highways design standards knowledge

Tools

AutoCAD

Civils 3D

Job description

Job Description

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

About the Role

As an Associate or Associate Director based out of our Manchester 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

• Technical leadership of a variety of civil engineering and highway design projects both in the UK and overseas
• Act as a Project Manager on a wide range of projects, undertaking project reviews to optimise solutions and co‑ordinate multi‑disciplinary inputs
• Managing resources at project level and managing people within the local team
• Agreeing fees and managing the commercial position on projects
• Leading a culture of technical review and challenge
• Developing client relationships and helping them to achieve sustainable goals and future proof developments
• Leading and contributing to tenders/ bids
• Supervision and mentoring of junior members of the team
• Supporting our lead for the Region and local Office Place Lead, along with the wider Development team and WSP with leadership & business development
• Work collaboratively with the Development team and our colleagues in the wider Planning and Development team and the wider WSP business to achieve our aims and objectives.

The Development Team

The Development Team is a well‑established and high‑performing part of the Planning and Development discipline which includes over 800 colleagues focused on project delivery through the whole project life cycle, from initial land acquisition, planning support and design, through to scheme implementation and handover. Our vision is to be recognised as the best Development team in the industry. We strive to achieve this through continuous improvement and a management structure comprising four pillars: Technical Excellence, People, Clients and Operational Excellence.

Additional Multidisciplinary Services

• Utilities, energy planning and coordination
• Drainage, flood risk and SuDS
• Earthworks strategies
• Site appraisal, due diligence, and strategic planning advice

Qualifications

• MEng/BEng/BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering or other relevant qualification with experience in managing development projects.
• Have a Chartered/Incorporated professional qualification of a relevant professional body (desirable).
• A broad range of project experience, both within civil engineering discipline and multi‑disciplinary projects, focusing on highways.
• Working knowledge of industry design standards such as DMRB, Specification for Highway Works, Local Authority highway design guidelines and Manual for Streets.
• AutoCAD/Civils 3D experience, or similar software, with 2D drawing and 3D modelling capability.
• Proven track record in project management and financial control.
• Commercial and strategic capability with a demonstrable track record in having identified and subsequently delivered new business opportunities.
• Inter‑personal skills with leadership and management abilities capable of communicating effectively with all parts of the business.
• Expert stakeholder management and related relationship and team management skills.
• Demonstrate ability to improve, motivate and encourage others, lead and implement change programmes, inspiring colleagues and drive an innovative and supportive culture. Act as a catalyst for change.
• Passion for mentoring and developing talent.
• Actively champion sharing knowledge, ideas and intelligence.
• Presentation skills, able to lead and facilitate workshops, training sessions and one to one learning.
• Influential and persuasive internally and externally, encourages open dialogue and feedback.
• Able to establish, build, sustain and share professional relationships with relevant groups both inside and outside the organisation.
• Preferably able to obtain UK vetting level of Security Check (SC).

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 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 encourage people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. Our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to improve your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. We also provide a virtual GP service and reasonable workplace adjustments, a Gymflex scheme, and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time: WSP offers “WSP My Hour”, allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with 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 foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Equal Opportunity

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 workplace adjustments in support of your application.