Principal Drainage Engineer (Development)

WSP; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Civil Engineering Consultant to lead the technical delivery of consultancy services across various projects. This role involves project management, technical expertise in drainage and flood risk, and collaboration with clients and stakeholders. Join a global team dedicated to sustainable development and innovation, with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Health & Wellbeing support

Training and mentoring opportunities

Inclusivity & Diversity initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in highway design, drainage strategies, and flood risk assessments.
• Proficiency in relevant software like Micro Drainage and Civil 3D.
• Understanding of legal processes and planning related to development projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery of civil engineering consultancy services.
• Act as Project Manager for multiple multidisciplinary projects.
• Engage with clients and manage stakeholders throughout project stages.

Skills

Highway design

Drainage strategies

Flood risk assessments

Utility planning

Project management

Education

Postgraduate experience or nearing Chartership

Tools

Micro Drainage

Info Drainage

Civil 3D

PDS

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.

A little more about your role...

• You will lead the day-to-day technical delivery of civil engineering consultancy services to support our clients through all project stages—from feasibility and concept design to planning, detailed design, and construction.
• You will provide technical expertise in drainage, SuDS, flood risk, highways, streetscape, earthworks, and utilities across various land, property, and infrastructure development projects.
• You will act as Project Manager, providing project leadership on multiple multidisciplinary projects.
• You will support and guide a team of technical staff of various levels.
• You will engage with clients, manage stakeholders, collaborate with design teams, and oversee project management tasks.
• You will ensure projects are delivered within budget, on schedule, and meet quality and compliance standards.

The Development Team is a high-performing discipline within our Planning and Development business unit, comprising over 800 colleagues focused on delivering projects throughout the entire project lifecycle, from land acquisition to scheme implementation.

Our vision is to be recognized as the best Development team in the industry through continuous improvement, guided by our pillars of Expertise, People, Clients, and Operational Excellence.

We assist our clients in promoting, implementing, and managing sustainable development, from pre-feasibility to planning consent, and guide future development through multidisciplinary design from concept to construction.

Our clients include public and private land promoters, house builders, developers, architects, government, and local authorities. Our services include:

• Drainage, flood risk, and SuDS
• Civil engineering, highways design, and earthworks strategies
• Utilities, energy planning, and coordination
• Site appraisal, due diligence, and strategic planning advice

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

• Experience in highway design, drainage strategies, flood risk assessments, utility planning, and familiarity with the development sector.
• Design experience in drainage, flood risk, highways, earthworks, and utilities.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, hydrology, geotechnics, and building structures is desirable, along with understanding construction design stages.
• Ability to produce infrastructure masterplans, site appraisals, technical reports, design calculations, and drawings.
• Familiarity with relevant design codes and standards, and experience preparing drawings for contracts and approvals.
• Awareness of current guidance on climate change and sustainability.
• Proficiency in relevant software such as Micro Drainage, Info Drainage, Civil 3D, or PDS.
• Experience liaising with clients, professionals, authorities, and negotiating technical approvals and agreements.
• Understanding of legal processes, planning, design, consents, and procedures related to development projects.
• Knowledge of project financials and contracts.
• Postgraduate experience or nearing Chartership, with relevant professional responsibility.
• Willingness to pursue ICE Supervising or Delegated Civil Engineer accreditation.

If you don't meet all criteria, we encourage you to apply and see how your experience aligns with this or other roles within our team.

Imagine a better future for you and for us all.

Join our community of talented individuals passionate about making a positive impact. Our global team of over 69,000 employees works to improve communities worldwide.

With us, you can. Apply today.

#LI-HR1

About Us

We are a leading global engineering and professional services firm with 69,300 passionate staff committed to creating positive, lasting impacts through innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 UK and Ireland professionals, we are dedicated to our local communities and driven by international expertise.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

We offer flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work options, to help you balance your personal and professional life.

Inclusivity & Diversity

We value diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering an inclusive culture supported by employee resource groups.

Health & Wellbeing

Our Thrive programme and Med24 service support your health, including 24/7 NHS doctor access, gym discounts, and menopause support.

Flex your time

Options like "WSP My Hour" allow you to take time for personal activities, with flexible work hours and leave arrangements.

Your development

We invest in your growth through training, mentoring, and Chartership support.

#WeAreWSP

We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and support workplace adjustments for disabled applicants.