Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking a Principal engineer to join our Liveable Places team across multiple locations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in design management and project management, with a proven track record of successfully leading design delivery and implementation of sustainable transport and public realm improvement projects from inception to completion primarily in London.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Management – oversee the design process, ensuring all design work meets client requirements and is completed to the highest standards on time and within budget.
• Project Management – plan, schedule, budget and allocate resources, ensuring all project milestones are met.
• Client Liaison – act as main point of contact for clients, keeping them informed of progress.
• Risk Management – identify and manage project risks, resolving issues quickly and effectively.
• Quality Assurance – ensure design work meets quality standards and address any issues.
• Team Leadership – lead and motivate the design team for effective collaboration.

Typical Week

• Prepare highway designs for construction projects and coordinate with other disciplines.
• Produce drawings, design details, specifications, bills of quantities and design calculations.
• Attend client and internal progress meetings and maintain action trackers.
• Liaise with discipline leads, update programme schedules ensuring logical inter-dependencies.
• Implement QA/QM procedures and complete Project Execution Plans.
• Maintain project commercial risk registers and H&S risk management plans.
• Coordinate inputs from technical disciplines and disseminate project information.
• Keep technical decision logs and oversee fee proposals and change control documents.
• Compile task assignment documents and manage internal approvals.
• Support financial reporting processes and forecasting.
• Prepare RAMS for site surveys and participate in site visits.
• Update project plans and manage document control using SharePoint.
• Plan and deliver project milestones and submit orders to supply‑chain partners.

What We Will Be Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Experience in design management and project management.
• Holder of a relevant professional qualification (IENG or CEng) or close to attaining it.
• Strong leadership and team‑management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to report to senior level.
• Proven track record of leading design projects from inception to completion.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under pressure.

About WSP

WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms with over 69,000 employees. We are dedicated to creating lasting positive impacts on communities worldwide through innovation, integrity and inclusion.

What’s in It for You

Work‑life balance – hybrid policy with two days from home and modern offices across the UK. Inclusivity and belonging – we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and provide an inclusive workplace culture. Health & wellbeing – Thrive programme, virtual GP service, gym‑flex scheme and menopause support package. Flex your time – “WSP My Hour” allows one hour each day for personal activities. Development – training, mentoring and chartership opportunities.

Equal Opportunity

We 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 and can provide workplace adjustments where needed.