At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to ensure designs are practical and deliverable on major highways projects.
- Company: WSP, a leading engineering firm with a culture of innovation and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible working, health support, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Join a diverse community dedicated to positive change and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on landmark projects while shaping your unique career.
- Qualifications: Experience in major highways projects and strong communication skills required.
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.
A little more about your role… WSP seeks a candidate with Tier 1 contractor experience (sub-agent/site agent level) and a background in major highways projects to join the Leeds Roads team. You will support technical delivery and design coordination to help ensure our designs are practical and deliverable on site. Working closely with our design teams, clients and delivery partners, you will apply a strong “right first time” approach — reviewing designs for constructability, identifying constraints early, and ensuring outputs are clear and unambiguous. You will also support the early stages of scheme development by advising on construction strategy, phasing and traffic management, and producing high-level construction programmes to inform economic and environmental assessments.
The role will involve:
- Undertaking design assurance and buildability reviews (incl. methodology/sequence, alternatives/innovation, affordability), and checking drawings/specifications for ambiguities prior to issue.
- Identifying site constraints and construction risks, requirements for site investigations, permanent/temporary land take and temporary works.
- Consideration of alternative and innovative design solutions.
- Support with CDM design compliance.
- Identifying safety issues and residual risks across construction and ensuring these are captured and communicated through design risk management processes.
- Assessing construction strategy, phasing and programme durations.
- Advice on the planning of statutory undertakers' diversionary works.
- Preparing technical reports.
- Liaising with our internal design teams providing clear, pragmatic buildability advice.
- Liaising with clients and delivery stakeholders (including contractors), developing trusted relationships.
- Supporting construction-stage delivery as required in site supervision/inspection capacity.
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…
- Experience in the delivery of major highways and civil engineering projects, with demonstrable construction/contracting exposure and the ability to provide robust constructability assurance and contractor-focused assessment.
- Experience in developing construction phasing plans, traffic management plans, earthworks strategies, and construction programmes.
- Proven ability to identify construction and buildability constraints and risks.
- Strong understanding of CDM and design risk management, including identifying and communicating residual risks across construction, operation and maintenance.
- Experience in interfacing with statutory undertakers' diversionary works.
- Good communication, client management and interpersonal skills are essential.
- Proven ability to prepare technical reports.
- Strong stakeholder management skills.
- Chartered Civil Engineer or an Incorporated Engineer.
Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.
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.
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.
- 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.
Full time Posting Date: 2026-06-17
Principal Engineer / Associate – Construction & Buildability Advisory in Leeds employer: WSP Group
WSP is an exceptional employer that prioritises work-life balance and inclusivity, offering a hybrid working policy that allows flexibility while fostering collaboration in modern offices. With a strong commitment to employee development and wellbeing, including access to health services and a supportive environment for personal growth, WSP empowers its employees to thrive both professionally and personally in the vibrant city of Leeds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer / Associate – Construction & Buildability Advisory 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 Principal Engineer / Associate – Construction & Buildability Advisory at WSP Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer / Associate – Construction & Buildability Advisory 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!
