Principal Road Engineer

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Carlisle; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible leave

Gymflex wellbeing

Job summary

WSP seeks a Principal Engineer to lead highway consultancy delivery in Carlisle with options for Newcastle or Teesside offices. You will oversee feasibility through construction, manage client relationships, and drive multi-disciplinary design outputs.

The role is client-facing and requires Chartered Civil Engineer credentials and strong knowledge of design codes. You will mentor team members, ensure quality, and contribute to tender packages while upholding safety, sustainability, and project

Qualifications

• Experience in highway design and/or drainage across project life cycle (feasibility to construction).
• Ability to lead one or more design disciplines in relevant projects (road/public transport).
• Experience with contract documents or contract administration/site supervision using Public Works Contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day technical delivery of highway consultancy services across project life-cycle.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary inputs and manage budgets for projects.
• Develop and deliver discrete and overall project solutions; prepare fee proposals.
• Lead and manage staff in producing design drawings, specifications and tender packages.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and environmental legislation and QA processes.
• Coordinate team resources and assign the right people to roles.

Skills

Highway design

Project leadership

Client management

Communication skills

Contract administration

Education

Chartered Civil Engineer

Tools

Autodesk Civils 3D

Bentley OpenRoads Designer

InfoDrainage

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…

WSP are seeking an enthusiastic and talented Principal Engineer to join the Roads team based in Carlisle, Newcastle or Teesside.

Role

You will be leading day to day technical delivery of highway consultancy services to support our clients through all stages of the project life-cycle from feasibility and concept design through to planning, detailed design, and construction. This role will be client facing and the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a track record of delivery of schemes in either the local or national transport arena. The role will involve:

• Managing projects to ensure coordination and compatibility of multi-disciplinary inputs on projects of varying scale, complexity and value.
• Liaising with our clients, developing strong trusted relationships, proactively managing their expectations and comprehensively advising them.
• Undertake project technical lead and reviewer roles
• Using your technical ability and experience to support others to maximise their personal contribution to project/team goals.
• Prepare fee proposals and manage budgets for individual projects.
• Be responsible for the development and delivery of discrete and overall project solutions.
• Lead and manage other staff members in the delivery of design drawings, standard construction details, specifications and bill of quantities, supporting the preparation of tender packages.
• Responsible for compliance with Health & Safety and Environmental Legislation and inhouse quality assurance standards/processes.
• Be actively involved with team resource coordination, supporting the setup of teams and pitting the right people in the right roles.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…

• Relevant knowledge and experience of highway design and/or drainage systems at various stages of the project life cycle. Specific experience in the following areas is advantageous: road geometry, roundabouts, at-grade and grade separated junctions, inclusive active travel, highway drainage systems, road restraint systems, traffic sign and road marking design.
• Demonstratable experience in leading a single or multiple design disciplines of in relevant projects (i.e. road, public transport, active travel, public real and/or private development).
• Experience of contract document preparation or contract administration/site supervision using Public Works Contracts
• The ability to use, direct and check the design outputs created in relevant softwares including but not limited to Autodesk Civils 3D, Bentley OpenRoads Designer, InfoDrainage and/or PDS.
• Proactively manages change on tasks/projects, clearly communicating potential impacts on programme, cost, and quality.
• Good communication, client/stakeholder management and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Chartered Civil Engineer or an Incorporated Engineer with extensive post professional qualification experience
• A thorough understanding and application of the relevant design codes such as the Design Manual for Roads & Bridges, Manual for Streets, TSRGD, Local Authority design guidance and are well versed in the preparation of drawings for contract documentation and technical approvals including the application of departures from standard.
• Experience of complying with Designers Duties under CDM regulations.

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. Additionally, 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.