Principal Engineer (Roads) – WSP, UK & Ireland

Join WSP as a Principal Engineer (Roads) based in Leeds. Access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects, and work alongside the brightest minds in the industry.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
• Industry: Professional Services

Role

You will lead day‑to‑day technical delivery of highway consultancy services, supporting clients through all stages of the project life‑cycle – from feasibility and concept design to planning, detailed design, and construction. The role is client‑facing and requires a demonstrated track record of delivering schemes in the local or national transport arena.

Responsibilities

• Managing projects to ensure coordination and compatibility of multi‑disciplinary inputs on projects of varying scale, complexity and value.
• Liaising with clients, developing strong trusted relationships, proactively managing their expectations and comprehensively advising them.
• Undertake project technical lead and reviewer roles.
• Use 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 in‑house quality assurance standards/processes.
• Be actively involved with team resource coordination, supporting the setup of teams and placing the right people in the right roles.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant knowledge and experience of highway design and/or drainage systems at various stages of the project life cycle. Specific experience in road geometry, roundabouts, at‑grade and grade‑separated junctions, inclusive active travel, highway drainage systems, road restraint systems, traffic sign and road marking design is advantageous.
• Demonstrable experience in leading a single or multiple design disciplines on relevant projects (e.g., 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 software including but not limited to Autodesk Civils 3D, Bentley OpenRoads Designer, InfoDrainage and/or PDS.
• Proactively manage change on tasks/projects, clearly communicating potential impacts on programme, cost and quality.
• Good communication, client/stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.
• 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 the ability to prepare drawings for contract documentation and technical approvals, including the application of departures from standard.
• Experience of complying with Designers Duties under CDM regulations.

Benefits

• Hybrid working policy – flexibility to work from home two days a week with opportunities to collaborate in modern offices across the UK.
• Work‑life balance initiatives: “WSP My Hour” allows one hour each day for personal activities with flexible make‑up time; part‑time and flexible working arrangements; the option to purchase additional leave.
• Health & Wellbeing program – access to a virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme (up to 40% off gym memberships), and a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Development and training – supportive environment with training, mentoring and chartership opportunities.
• Inclusivity & Belonging – culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect; employee resource groups promote an inclusive environment.

EEO 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.

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