At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team in delivering innovative building structures projects.
- Company: Join WSP, a global leader in engineering and design services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with exciting opportunities for progression.
- Why this job: Shape landmark projects and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction, strong leadership, and business development skills.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
Our portfolio of work is diverse and continues to expand. In the UK, WSP specialises in providing consulting, management and design services to a variety of public and private sector clients. The business has successfully completed numerous high-profile building projects, both new and refurbished, across a variety of sectors including civic, aviation, rail, commercial, education, health, hotel, industrial, data centres, leisure, residential, retail as well as stadia and arenas.
Our structures teams have been involved in many high-profile UK projects and complex structural engineering challenges such as Buckingham Palace, Claridge’s Hotel, London Bridge Quarter (including The Shard and the redevelopment of London Bridge Station), Crossrail Bond Street Station and oversite redevelopment, HS2 Stations in London and Birmingham and Alder Hey and Great Ormond Street Hospitals.
In The North, we continue to deliver major urban regeneration, leisure, residential, commercial, industrial, defence, healthcare, energy, higher education and data centre projects alongside our expertise in refurbishment and heritage projects. The truly multidisciplinary nature of the organisation means that WSP is able to offer a wealth of experience in all sectors and has cemented their reputation at the forefront of the market.
Our Structures team in the UK Northern Region works from our offices in Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Stockton, Newcastle, Edinburgh & Glasgow with around 110 structural engineers and technicians. The Regional team is further split into three Centres, namely Scotland, Northeast & North. North Centre includes our team based in Leeds, Manchester & Sheffield with around 35 structural engineers and technicians. The offices work together as one regional unit and report operationally as one unit. Around the UK each of our Centre teams is led by a discipline team leader (DTL) reporting their respective regional discipline leader.
Structures North Centre is successful because we have maintained a diverse workload in key sectors underpinned by major project delivery in Residential, Commercial, Defence Logistics, Healthcare and Energy sectors. We have robust secured workload to support our budgeted team growth in 2026.
To support our growth strategy for and beyond 2026, we are recruiting a Director role to be based in our Leeds Office. This role will report directly to the North Centre DTL and play a key part in the strategic and operational direction of the regional business. All responsibilities and accountabilities listed below will be undertaken by the Director in this role, within the framework of the UK P&B strategy and Structures UK leadership.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
- Leadership: Providing highly visible, inspirational leadership, strategic direction and support for the centre; contributing to the national Property & Buildings business - liaising and providing support to other offices and teams; promoting WSP Vision and Values; leading/support on recruitment, staff development and personal development reviews; leading and supporting and implementing strategies for resource management; inspiring the teams through actions and behaviours aligned to the WSP values; liaising with other parts of WSP and assist in the co-delivery to our clients a range of multi-disciplinary building design, transportation and environmental services; encouraging open and effective two-way communication and contribution including holding regular team meetings.
- Business Development and Marketing: Build on a culture of Business Development in the centre; actively secure work through existing contacts and new focused marketing initiatives; remain a point of contact for key clients and adopt key account management processes; generate new and repeat business through focused marketing efforts; lead Business Development Initiatives within the Leeds office including attendance at monthly BD/Marketing Update meeting.
- Technical and Project Management: Act as Project Director on strategic and/or significant projects. The role is based on a minimum average utilisation of 75%; attend principal meetings and make client presentations; instil a strong project management and project delivery culture; maintain/raise the level of technical competence and innovation within the teams; support strategic innovation; promote technical excellence in all our projects; undertake technical reviews and contribute to the concept design; undertake Project Reviews and act as Project Director on significant projects; provide line management to appropriate staff.
- Commercial: Accountable for the commercial management of projects; responsible for all aspects of developing and implementing budgetary strategies, including fee bidding, working capital management, debtors, invoicing and project forecasting; implement the project delivery systems and structures.
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate:
- Experience in the construction industry - property sector.
- Proven track record in delivering growth and profit against a background of excellent client care and a motivated team.
- Strong Business Development focus with a good reputation in the Leeds/Regional marketplace within relevant supply chains (asset owners, architects, other relevant professional services firms and contractors).
- Proven experience of work winning, client care, repeat business and a considerable client facing role.
- Evidence of creating and/or maintaining a culture of Business Development within a team.
- Experience in leading a team of people, able to recruit, develop and retain individuals at the most senior level.
- Experience in developing and retaining ECPs.
- Proven track record of project delivery, including notable projects across a variety of sectors, major developments and multidisciplinary working.
- Previous experience in working within a variety of sectors.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly demonstrating the ability to influence and negotiate both internally and externally.
- Experience in driving a culture of teamwork, through an open and inclusive leadership style.
- Chartered Structural or Civil Engineer with an interest in promoting technical excellence and innovation.
The Opportunity:
This is a fantastic and interesting opportunity for an ambitious individual to take a senior leadership role in the WSP UK Structures business with a view to potential further progression in the future. The UK business is keen to support an individual who can help grow the business in line with discipline and UK strategies. The scale and complexity of the projects that WSP UK get involved with and their holistic method of working make them one of the leading players within the market. The success of this role will be pivotal to continue the success into the future, and the right individual will ultimately gain considerable recognition and reward for their contribution.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. With us, you can. Apply today.
Director - Building Structures in Leeds employer: WSP Group
At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among our talented team. As a Major Projects Executive in Western Australia, you will not only lead transformative transport infrastructure projects but also benefit from executive-level remuneration, flexible working arrangements, and robust leadership development pathways. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the support of a close-knit community dedicated to your professional growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - Building Structures in Leeds
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like WSP Group, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Director - Building Structures at WSP Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Director - Building Structures in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP Group
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
