Principal GIS Consultant in Bristol

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

As a Principal GIS Consultant at WSP, you will play a pivotal role in leading and shaping multi‑disciplinary projects across Water, Energy, Earth, and Environment. You will join a growing team of geospatial professionals committed to driving digital transformation and advancing our geospatial capabilities. In this role, you will lead the geospatial delivery of complex projects, taking ownership of solutions and delivery to ensure successful outcomes. You will drive innovation in how clients unlock efficiencies, visualise and interpret complex data, and make informed decisions that shape project success. Collaborating with a dynamic team of subject matter experts, you will champion the full potential of GIS to enhance decision‑making, streamline workflows, and deliver measurable value to internal and external clients. You will play a key role in identifying and realising opportunities through innovative geospatial solutions. Trust and collaboration are at the core of our Geospatial team. Your leadership and communication skills will be essential as you help shape technical governance, develop skills, and support continued growth. Beyond the technical aspects, you will benefit from opportunities for professional development and career progression. WSP is committed to your growth, offering networking opportunities and continuous learning to support your development and help advance your career. Join us at WSP, where your curiosity is celebrated and your career can thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact and help shape the future.

Responsibilities Will Include

• Lead the GIS element on major projects in a multi‑disciplinary environment, with a focus on Development Consent Orders (DCO) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
• Drive digital transformation through innovative, client‑focused geospatial solutions across Water, Energy, Earth, and Environment.
• Manage programmes and resources effectively, ensuring projects are delivered to established standards, scope, and budget.
• Understand client needs to provide technical advice and solutions, including preparing proposals and bids to support business development.
• Manage and develop a technical team with a customer‑focused approach to quality and service delivery.
• Lead the development and documentation of efficient working practices to provide industry‑leading, best‑value services to clients.
• Drive innovation and demonstrate technical leadership in delivering high‑quality solutions.
• Occasionally travel to other offices for business development and project meetings.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• In‑depth understanding of GIS principles and geospatial data management.
• Proven experience designing and deploying Esri Enterprise solutions: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, Experience Builder, Dashboards, 3D scenes, Survey123, Field Maps.
• Highly proficient in building and automating workflows using FME Form and publishing workflows to FME Flow for enterprise‑level automation.
• Experience driving digital transformation initiatives, integrating Microsoft PowerApps into geospatial services.
• Skilled in at least one programming language (Python, JavaScript, SQL, R/Shiny) and Esri APIs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Azure (or similar) for cloud‑based geospatial solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to develop GIS inputs for bids and proposals, including accurate cost estimates, fee breakdowns, and translating complex geospatial concepts into clear, compelling content.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a technical team, ensuring quality and service delivery.
• Customer‑focused mindset with a passion for delivering quality and identifying opportunities to add value through GIS.
• Self‑motivated with a proactive approach to developing new skills and staying ahead of technology trends.

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.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 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 9,000 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 our 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.