Principal/ Associate - Strategy & Feasibility - Rail, Light Rail, Freight, Local Authorities in Cardiff

The WSP Client Engineering and Advisory Services group sits within our UK Rail team. The group provides systemic and integrated rail solutions which are user focused, operationally driven, grounded in engineering and commercially sound. Teams within the Client Engineering and Advisory Services group include: Rolling Stock, Rail Planning & Operations, Rail Strategy & Feasibility, Digital Rail, and Client Engineering.

The Strategy and Feasibility team is where it all begins! We are a team of engineers, strategic planners and project managers, with experience across the rail industry. We can think technically, commercially and operationally. We collaborate with each other, other parts of WSP and external organisations to develop early‑stage railway requirements into fundable projects.

We work on a broad range of early‑stage development projects with a range of public and private sector clients including: developing proposals for new stations and freight facilities, evaluating and quantifying the introduction of new passenger and freight rail services onto the network, and supporting clients with technical rail advice as they develop their own plans and strategies.

About your role: We are looking for consultants to join the Rail Strategy and Feasibility team at WSP. The team provides strategic rail advice to our clients. You will be responsible for providing advice to external and internal clients. You will be involved in multi‑disciplinary projects and you will often take a central coordinating role.

• Being responsible for developing our rail‑focussed service offering in one of the following areas: light rail, freight, local authorities.
• Being responsible for planning, managing and delivering tasks that contribute to large projects, and you may also take responsibility for planning, managing and delivering projects and for bidding for new work.
• Engaging with our clients and taking a pro‑active role in the WSP UK and global communities. We will expect you to build and use your network both externally and internally to solve problems and generate new work.

Qualifications: Extensive experience working in light rail, freight or within transport for local authorities. An understanding of legislative and funding processes that relate to rail operations and scheme development. Understanding across a range of rail areas e.g. operational planning, strategic planning, business case development and engineering feasibility. An ability to think strategically, able to see the “big picture” and keep an eye on details when needed. A career focused professional with a pro‑active approach and a collaborative style. Wider consultancy skills e.g. business development and bidding. Organisational skills, able to plan and manage tasks using a project management approach. Good stakeholder management, ability to manage project delivery teams. Microsoft proficiency. Professionally qualified or working towards professional qualifications.

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.

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.