Technical Director - Strategy & Feasibility in Manchester

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.

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.

A Little Bit More About Your Role

• You may be involved in multi‑disciplinary projects and often take a senior client facing role coordinating input from across the wider CEAS business.
• Act as a guiding mind on pursuits and work‑winning activities, bringing your experience to help us develop compelling tender responses and work‑winning propositions.
• You will proactively engage with existing and potential clients to help develop a pipeline of leads and opportunities.
• You will have a good network across a variety of clients including Local Authorities, freight, and light rail operators.
• You will be active across WSP communities outside of rail to help develop holistic opportunities and services for our clients.
• As a recognised expert and senior leader you will support and mentor people within the Strategy and Feasibility team to support their professional and personal development.
• In the role there is potential to have people‑management responsibilities for other senior resources from across CEAS, acting as a focal point for our recognised Rail Advisory experts.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• 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.
• Previous experience as a senior sponsor within a transport authority would be beneficial.
• 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 pro‑active approach and a collaborative style.
• Be comfortable in senior delivery roles on major projects, coordinating rail operational and maintenance input to major scheme development.
• Be comfortable operating in advisory roles to influence how clients approach early scheme development.
• 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.
• Professionally qualified or working towards professional qualifications.

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.