Location
Birmingham

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
At WSP, you can shape a career as unique as you, contributing to landmark projects and connecting with the brightest minds in your field. We are seeking a Principal or Associate consultant experienced in managing, coordinating and delivering Flood Risk Assessments, Drainage Strategies and Water Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects. You will lead and direct teams on technically complex projects for a diverse range of clients.

Based in our Birmingham office, which hosts 16 water environment professionals across water quality, water resources, geomorphology, water EIA and flood risk disciplines, you will provide leadership to a team of three specialists focused on water EIA and flood risk. Project delivery and technical expertise are key components of this role.

You will lead the delivery of water EIA and flood risk studies supporting major infrastructure projects such as renewable energy schemes in Wales, major highway schemes in the South West, and Heathrow’s expansion in London. Working within our national Sustainable Water Management team, you will collaborate across technical areas including Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) services, permitting applications, drainage design and Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance.

Responsibilities include playing a leading role in project delivery, managing client and internal stakeholder interfaces, supervising and reviewing technical inputs, developing business opportunities, preparing proposals, and ensuring projects meet programme, budget and quality standards while adhering to the highest health and safety requirements. You will also provide leadership and support to junior colleagues, contribute to the growth of the water EIA and flood risk team, and help expand WSP’s technical capability, knowledge and innovation base.

The Sustainable Water Management business comprises over 350 staff nationwide, working collaboratively to share expertise, training and project opportunities. As a senior team member, you will be actively involved in the growth, development and resourcing of the team.

Experience
- Proven experience managing Water EIA, Flood Risk and Sustainable Drainage deliverables with strong technical expertise in at least one area.
- Demonstrable leadership or major contribution to technical inputs and teams for successful project delivery related to planning and permitting for major infrastructure projects.
- Experience preparing water EIA, Flood Risk Assessments (FRA), and WFD inputs for planning applications, participation in Development Consent Order (DCO) examinations or planning inquiries, and environmental permit applications.
- Track record delivering complex, high-profile water environment projects.
- Knowledge of the UK regulatory context for planning and EIA.
- Experience managing team members with a focus on professional and technical development.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and client relationship management skills.
- Practical project management experience, including managing project teams and challenging projects.
- Experience with the Development Consent Order planning regime for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects in the UK is desirable.

About you
Professional, motivated and collaborative with strong leadership skills. You are comfortable managing multiple priorities and stakeholders, and committed to developing both yourself and your team. You embrace innovation and continuous improvement and are passionate about delivering high-quality technical solutions that meet client needs.

Qualifications
A degree in a relevant environmental, geographical, science or engineering discipline is essential.
Chartered status with C.WEM, CEnv, CSci or CEng is required.