Associate/ Associate Director - Systems

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking an Associate/Associate Director – Systems to provide senior technical leadership across rail systems, integration and multidisciplinary coordination on major infrastructure programmes.

You will act as trusted advisor to clients, supporting the delivery from concept through construction, testing and commissioning. This role also contributes to growing WSP’s rail business through work winning and capability development.

Qualifications

• Experience in rail, metro or light rail UK projects.
• Proven ability in systems engineering, integration and design assurance.
• Experience across full lifecycle from design to commissioning and handover.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of systems engineering and integration across major UK rail/metro programmes.
• Provide technical leadership and assurance across design, integration and delivery phases.
• Act as trusted advisor to clients including Network Rail, HS2 and major infrastructure stakeholders.
• Oversee the definition, management and integration of system requirements across multidisciplinary teams.
• Coordinate interfaces across rail systems, civils, MEP, rolling stock and operations.
• Support application of systems engineering best practice, including digital/model-based approaches.
• Lead and contribute to technical reviews, assurance processes and governance frameworks.
• Manage stakeholder relationships with clients, contractors and regulators.
• Identify and manage technical risks and opportunities to support delivery.
• Contribute to business development, work winning and bid activities.
• Mentor and develop high-performing teams within rail systems.

Skills

Systems engineering

Integration

Client engagement

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Multidisciplinary coordination

Education

INCOSE ASEP Certification

Chartered Engineer

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.

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.

As an Associate/ Associate Director – Systems, you will provide senior technical leadership across the delivery of rail systems, integration, and multidisciplinary coordination on complex infrastructure programmes.

You will act as a trusted advisor to clients, supporting the delivery of projects across the full lifecycle—from early concept and design through to construction, testing, and commissioning.

This role combines technical leadership, client engagement, and delivery oversight, ensuring systems are effectively defined, integrated, and delivered across dynamic and complex project environments.

You will also contribute to the ongoing growth of WSP’s rail business in the UK, supporting work winning, capability development, and strategic delivery across key clients and programmes.

A Little More About Your Role…

• Lead the delivery of systems engineering and integration activities across major UK rail and metro programmes
• Provide technical leadership and assurance across design, integration, and delivery phases
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients including Network Rail, HS2, transport authorities, and major infrastructure stakeholders [20241211_R...escription | Word]
• Oversee the definition, management, and integration of system requirements across multidisciplinary teams
• Coordinate interfaces across rail systems, civils, MEP, rolling stock, and operational environments
• Support the application of systems engineering best practice, including digital and model-based approaches where appropriate
• Lead and contribute to technical reviews, assurance processes, and governance frameworks
• Manage stakeholder relationships, including clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies
• Identify and manage technical risks and opportunities to support programme delivery
• Contribute to business development, work winning, and bid activities
• Mentor and develop high-performing teams and emerging leaders within the rail systems discipline

What We Are Looking For You To Demonstrate…

• Proven experience within rail, metro, or light rail infrastructure in the UK
• Demonstrable track record in systems engineering, integration, or design assurance on complex projects
• Experience across the full project lifecycle, including design, construction, and commissioning
• Experience working with major UK clients (e.g. Network Rail, HS2, or equivalent organisations)
• Strong client-facing experience, with the ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders
• Experience leading or supporting multidisciplinary teams on large-scale infrastructure programmes
• Strong understanding of rail systems engineering, integration, and assurance within UK frameworks
• Knowledge of relevant standards and approvals processes (e.g. UK rail standards and governance environments)
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Strong capability in multidisciplinary coordination and interface management
• Commercial awareness, with the ability to balance quality, risk, and delivery outcomes
• Collaborative leadership style, with a focus on team development and delivery excellence

Qualifications

• INCOSE ASEP Certification
• Chartered Engineer

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

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 a 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.
• 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.

#WeAreWSP

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.