Director - Structural Engineering

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Leeds; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is looking for a Director to join their Leeds office. This role involves providing inspirational leadership, driving business development, managing projects, and maintaining high technical standards. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong client care, team development, and a proven track record in the construction property sector. There are ample opportunities for professional growth within this dynamic team committed to excellence in engineering and building solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience in the construction industry – property sector.
• Proven track record in delivering growth and profit with excellent client care.
• Experience leading a senior level team, including recruitment, development, and retention.

Responsibilities

• Providing leadership and strategic direction for the centre.
• Building a culture of Business Development.
• Acting as Project Director on significant projects.
• Accountable for the commercial management of projects.
• Instilling strong project management culture.

Skills

Leadership

Business Development

Project Management

Client Care

Communication Skills

Team Development

Technical Competence

Education

Chartered Structural or Civil Engineer

Job description

A Little More About The Role

Our Structures team in the UK Northern Region works from offices in Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Stockton, Newcastle, Edinburgh & Glasgow with around 110 structural engineers and technicians. The Regional team is further split into three Centres: Scotland, Northeast & North. The North Centre team is based in Leeds, Manchester & Sheffield with around 35 structural engineers and technicians.

A Director role will be based in the Leeds Office and will report directly to the North Centre DTL. This role will play a key part in the strategic and operational direction of the regional business, working within the framework of the UK P&B strategy and Structures UK leadership.

Leadership

• Providing highly visible, inspirational leadership, strategic direction and support for the centre
• Contributing to the national Property & Buildings business – liaising and providing support to other offices and teams
• Promoting WSP Vision and Values
• Leading recruitment, staff development and personal development reviews
• Implementing strategies for resource management
• Inspiring the teams through actions and behaviours aligned with WSP values
• Liaising with other parts of WSP to co‑deliver a range of multi‑disciplinary building design, transportation and environmental services to clients
• Encouraging open and effective two‑way communication and contribution, including holding regular team meetings

Business Development And Marketing

• Building a culture of Business Development in the centre
• Actively securing work through existing contacts and focused marketing initiatives
• Remaining a point of contact for key clients and adopting key account management processes
• Generating new and repeat business through focused marketing efforts
• Leading Business Development initiatives within the Leeds office, including attendance at the monthly BD/Marketing Update meeting

Technical and Project Management

• Acting as Project Director on strategic and or significant projects (minimum average utilisation of 75%)
• Attending principal meetings and making client presentations
• Instilling a strong project management and project delivery culture
• Maintaining or raising the level of technical competence and innovation within the teams
• Supporting strategic innovation and promoting technical excellence in all projects
• Undertaking technical reviews and contributing to concept design
• Undertaking project reviews and acting as Project Director on significant projects
• Providing line management to appropriate staff

Commercial

• Accountable for the commercial management of projects
• Managing all aspects of developing and implementing budgetary strategies, including fee bidding, working capital management, debtors, invoicing and project forecasting
• Implementing project delivery systems and structures

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• Experience in the construction industry – property sector
• Proven track record in delivering growth and profit with excellent client care and a motivated team
• Strong Business Development focus with a good reputation in the Leeds/Regional marketplace within relevant supply chains (asset owners, architects, other professional services firms and contractors)
• Proven experience of work winning, client care, repeat business and a considerable client‑facing role
• Evidence of creating and/or maintaining a culture of Business Development within a team
• Experience leading a senior level team, including recruitment, development and retention
• Experience developing and retaining ECPs
• Proven track record of project delivery, including notable projects across a variety of sectors, major developments and multidisciplinary working
• Previous experience working within a variety of sectors
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly influencing and negotiating internally and externally
• Experience driving a culture of teamwork through an open and inclusive leadership style
• Chartered Structural or Civil Engineer with an interest in promoting technical excellence and innovation

The Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual to take a senior leadership role in the WSP UK Structures business with potential for further progression. The role will support business growth in line with discipline and UK strategies and will play a pivotal part in continuing the success of the UK business.

Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share a passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes over 69,000 employees working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.