Principal or Associate - Acoustics (Birmingham)

WSP; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Principal/Associate to lead and deliver flagship acoustics projects across residential, commercial, industrial, sports and leisure, renewable energy, and infrastructure sectors. You will shape our Midlands acoustics presence, mentor junior staff and collaborate with in-house environmental and structural teams.

You'll manage complex programmes, bring a client‑centric approach, and promote value‑led solutions while developing your career within a global

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in acoustics or related field.
• Corporate membership of the Institute of Acoustics (MIOA/FIOA) required or strongly preferred.
• Experience in environmental and/or buildings acoustics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver flagship, technically complex acoustics projects in the Midlands.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to technical advancements.
• Develop and grow the WSP acoustics presence in Birmingham and across sectors such as residential, commercial, industrial, sports and leisure, renewables and infrastructure.
• Promote client‑centred solutions with a focus on value rather than time.

Skills

Environmental acoustics

Building acoustics

Technical

Project management

Presentation

Report writing

Health and safety

Communication

Client care ethos

Team spirit

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification

Institute of Acoustics membership (MIOA/FIOA)

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 celebratesnew ideasand diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

To find out more about our acoustics team click on the following link and discover what awaits you at WSP: https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/services/acoustics-noise-and-vibration

A little more about your role…

• This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to help shape and grow our acoustics presence in the Midlands, with opportunities to support the growth of the team and their own career from our Birmingham office.
• We are seeking an experienced Principal / Associate in Birmingham to lead and deliver our flagship and technically complex projects which range from those of national significance tothose more locally-focussed. Weprovidethe opportunity to work across a variety of sectors including residential, commercial, industrial, sports and leisure, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
• Leading by example by placing people and projectsat the forefront of our working, includingmentoringjunior staff,contributingto the team’s technicaladvancementsand taking a client-centric approach.
• Promoting theWSPcultureby takinga dynamic and collaborative approach to problem solvinganddeliveringclient focusedglobal best practice with anemphasison selling value not time.

ACOUSTICS TEAM

At WSP,you’llexplore new and inspiring opportunities to make the most of yourexpertise, broaden your professional horizons and create exciting new possibilities for people,ourcitiesand our environment.

We havea large, highlyexperiencedand professionalacoustics teamshowcasingtheirexpertiseona diverse range of interesting projects acrossa number ofsectors within the UK for both private and public sector clients.Ourteam prides itselfon the integrated support offered by working alongside our in-house environmental and sustainability specialists,and regularly collaborating withour structural, railand mechanical engineers, to deliver commercially balanced,innovativeand integrated solutions.

Our teamprides itself on being welcoming,friendly and supportive.

“Working in the WSP Acoustics team for the last six years has allowed me to realise my goals and ambitions. The team arereally friendlyand helpful, supporting me towards achieving chartership as well as my ongoing professional and personal development.” – WSP Senior Acoustic Consultant, IEng MIOA

“A position at WSP gives the right candidate the chance to work on some of the most challenging engineering projects in the world today, backed by a world class team of acoustics engineers.” – WSP Acoustics Technical Director

The WSP Acoustics team are the winners of the 2020 ANC Award for Vibration Control and Prediction. The judges praised the creative and innovative approach to usingFindwaveto give the client the information they needed toproceedwith a time critical project, with good collaborationdemonstratedthroughout.

The WSP Acoustics team were highly commended in the 2022 ANC Awards in the ‘Environmental Noise:Non Infrastructure’ category for Eden Project North, for undertaking a novel approach for this new mixed use leisure development in Morecambe to allow the

Client flexibility on the number of permissible events whilst giving the EHO confidence that significantadverse effects would be avoided.

The WSP Acoustics teamare the winnersofthe 2023 ANC Award in the ‘Environmental Noise:Non Infrastructure’ category forHinkley Point Power Station, forproviding noise monitoring and expert advice during the offshore piling work, which has received a significant numberof complaints from the local community. Our advice contributed to managing the noise impacts with the local community and enabled the client to meet their programme without incurring substantialadditionalcosts.

We are proud of our wide-ranging knowledge andexpertisecovering environmental acoustics,architecturalacousticsand complex vibration assessments. Equally important to us is nurturing an inclusive team with a true family-feel, which is supportive of your technical progression and personal and professional development. Being an integral part of a multi-disciplinary and global organisation, willprovide excellent opportunities for youto flourish within a team of motivated individuals. This includes acoustics-led training as well as mentoring and professional support for those wanting to achieve chartership.

What we will be looking for you todemonstrate…

• A relevant degree or equivalent qualification, and corporate membership of the Institute of Acoustics (MIOA / FIOA).
• Demonstrable experience in, and a thorough understanding of, environmental and/or buildings acoustics.
• Excellent technical, project management, presentation, report writing, commercial,health and safety,personalorganisationand communication skills.
• Demonstrate a strong client care ethos, acting as a trusted adviser with a commercial mindset focused on work‑winning, repeat business and sustainable growth across key clients and markets.
• An enthusiastic, energetic outlook and willingness to learn, with a social and team spirited attitude.

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

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.