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Principal / Associate Director - Drainage Engineering

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Sponsorship not stated in the posting.

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  • Bristol, United Kingdom
  • Salary not disclosed
  • Employment type: Full-time ·
  • Level: Lead

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About the employer

WSPPosted on the employer’s careers page · emit.fa.ca3.oraclecloud.comLicensed sponsor (UK) — employer-level; what this means

Working in United Kingdom

Possible country route: Skilled Worker. A licensed sponsor, certificate of sponsorship and an eligible role are needed. Salary and English requirements depend on the application.

Outside the UK: usually 3 weeks after submitting the application, identity and documents. Sponsor preparation and appointments are additional.

What to check before applying
  1. Verify the sponsor. Confirm the employer can issue a certificate of sponsorship for this role.
  2. Check current requirements. Use GOV.UK for the salary, English, fees and maintenance rules.
  3. Complete the application. Prepare documents and the identity check; do not book relocation against a guaranteed date.
Official immigration guidance ↗

Reviewed 2026-10-14. Country routes are context, not a confirmation that this vacancy or your passport qualifies.


Description (EN)

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons

A little more about your role…

Join our growing Drainage Engineering team in the South East as a Principal or Associate Director. You will help shape water, drainage and environmental solutions for some of the UK’s most exciting transportation infrastructure projects. Our team supports clients across rail, highways, Local Authorities and aviation, delivering drainage designs from early concept through to detailed design. This is a chance to strengthen our technical capability and play a key role in expanding our expertise across the UK.

As part of the role, you will be responsible for:

  • Delivery of a wide variety of civil engineering projects, such as highway, rail, infrastructure and site development schemes.
  • Delivery of projects from concept through to completion and ensuring they are delivered to a high technical standard, in a timely manner and with commercial success.
  • Delivering a broad range of drainage services for the most significant transport and infrastructure projects in the UK.
  • Lead client relationships and attend client progress meetings.
  • Manage a team of drainage engineers, supporting their technical development and ensuring they are resourced on projects.
     

Your team

Together, our people make up one of the world's leading engineering professional services consulting firms. We’re dedicated to the communities where we live and work in the UK and propelled by international brainpower. Staying curious is what drives us. Looking at challenges from fresh angles helps us deliver future-ready solutions that break paradigms.

Our national sustainable water management team are technical leaders in the sector and foster a proactive, responsible and collaborative work ethic. The successful candidate will become a key part of this team, dedicated to delivering innovative, lasting solutions to the highest profile challenges faced by our clients.

Our clients range from HS2, Network Rail, National Highways and Local Authorities and a lot in-between with our designs ranging from strategy, concept and feasibility to detail design and construction support.

The role provides an opportunity to shape the future of the drainage team. You will be part of a vibrant and evolving team, with an opportunity to make your mark on the future of the drainage team in WSP.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

  • Chartered or Incorporated Engineer and/or degree qualified (role dependant)
  • Extensive and proven experience post degree in designing sustainable drainage solutions
  • Knowledge and understanding of drainage design principles and solutions to manage infrastructure drainage
  • Experience in the use of Civil 3D and/or Causeway Flow software/MicroDrainage
  • Proven knowledge of relevant technical standards, UK Building Regulations, Design Standards, Codes of Practice and Health & Safety regulations
  • Successful management of projects/programmes and teams to meet both quality and commercial targets
  • Technical experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • Highway Drainage
    • Rail Drainage
    • Airport Drainage
    • Asset Management
    • Foul water
    • Sustainable foul and surface water drainage design
    • Drainage modelling software (Causeway Flow or Microdrainage)


       

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

With us, you can. Apply today.

 

#LI-DM2

 

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.

Bristol, United KingdomOpen in maps ↗

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