Principal to Associate Director Civil Engineer (Water)

WSP; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Gymflex scheme

Menopause support

Job summary

WSP in the United Kingdom is seeking experienced Civil Engineers to support the AMP8 water capital programme. You will take ownership of project delivery, lead multi-disciplinary teams, and shape the delivery of our services across wastewater, water treatment, sewerage and water network schemes.

We offer mentoring to transition from other sectors and opportunities to work on national and international projects. The role supports Hybrid working arrangements with career development across the UK.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering required.
• Chartered status or significant progression toward ICE/CIWEM.
• Experience leading design teams and delivering projects within budget and schedule.
• Experience in mentoring junior staff and client-facing engagements.
• Strong presentation and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of all aspects of project delivery including health & safety, technical, quality, schedule and budget.
• Manage multi-disciplinary teams.
• Shape delivery and identify opportunities to extend services within WSP UK and overseas.
• Build client relationships to ensure outcomes and satisfaction.
• Contribute to innovative approaches and digital product delivery.
• Support Future Ready and Net Zero initiatives.
• Act as an ambassador for best practice within the Asset Design team.
• Undertake bid preparation, resource and budget development.
• Line manage and support graduates and apprentices.
• Contribute to recruitment and growth of the civil engineering team.
• Develop technical, managerial and leadership skills.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Client-facing

Communication skills

Quality & safety

Budget & scheduling

Education

Civil Engineering degree

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.