Principal to Associate Director Civil Engineer (Water)

WSP; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Gymflex scheme

Thrive programme

Chartered development support

Job summary

WSP is seeking an experienced Civil Engineer to lead project delivery in our Regulated Water Asset Design team, servicing the UK and internationally. You will manage multi-disciplinary teams, drive quality, safety and budget targets, and mentor graduates and apprentices while exploring new services and digital improvements.

You will engage with clients, shape project outcomes, and contribute to strategic growth across wastewater and water networks with hybrid working options in the UK.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering and chartered status or working towards ICE/CIWEM.
• Experience leading civil engineering design teams and delivering projects to budget and schedule.
• Client-facing experience and strong communication skills.
• Mentoring or coaching junior staff and developing technical skills.

Responsibilities

• Own all aspects of project delivery including health & safety, technical, quality, schedule and budget.
• Manage multi-disciplinary teams and shape service delivery.
• Build client relationships to ensure satisfaction and outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for additional services and digital solutions.
• Lead recruitment and growth of the civil engineering team.
• Support professional development and coaching of graduates and apprentices.
• Contribute to bid preparation and resource/budget planning.

Skills

Client-facing

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication skills

Project delivery under budget/schedule

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering

Chartered status / ICE or CIWEM progression

Job description

Job Description

Our Regulated Water Asset Design team serves the municipal water sector both in the UK and internationally. We hold long‑term framework agreements direct with water companies, including Severn Trent Water and Southwest Water. We also have excellent relationships and trading agreements with blue‑chip contractors such as Costain and Galliford Try, for whom we deliver projects across the UK. We deliver a full range of design services across wastewater treatment, water treatment, sewerage and water network schemes.

Due to a significant increase in the demand for our services, we are actively recruiting experienced Civil Engineers to help us service the AMP8 water industry capital investment programme. If you have relevant water industry design experience, we can offer you tailored experience to fulfil your career ambitions. Equally, if you are working in a different engineering sector, we can also offer mentoring programmes and training to support you in the transition to the water sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership for all aspects of project delivery including health & safety, technical, quality, schedule and budget.
• Manage multi-disciplinary teams.
• Shape the delivery of our services and identify opportunities to deliver complimentary services from the wider WSP business in the UK and overseas.
• Build relationships with our clients to ensure that our services deliver project outcomes and customer satisfaction.
• Contribute to the identification and delivery of innovative approaches, new services and digital products.
• Contribute to the implementation of our Future Ready and Net Zero programme.
• Act as an ambassador for best practice within the Asset Design team and on client-sponsored initiatives.
• Undertake bid preparation, resource and budget development.
• Line manage and support the professional development of graduate engineers and degree apprentices.
• Contribute to recruitment and growth of the civil engineering team.
• Continue your career journey through the ongoing development of your technical, managerial and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• A degree in Civil Engineering.
• Chartered status, or significant progression towards membership of the ICE or CIWEM.
• Experience in managing engineering design teams comprising civil engineers and other supporting disciplines.
• Experience in delivery of projects to an identified budget and schedule.
• Acted in a checking or technical approval role on linear civil engineering infrastructure projects, or industrial/process‑related design.
• Experience in mentoring or coaching junior civil engineering staff to develop their technical skills and professional development.
• Client‑facing experience.
• Good presentation, written, and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

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 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 employee resource groups that 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.