Principal Environmental (EIA) Consultant - UK wide

A little more about your role… We are looking for Principal level environmental professionals to support our Environmental Management and Assessment Team across our UK office. We have an exciting portfolio of projects which span a number of sectors such as energy, aviation, nuclear, rail, property and Local Government to name but a few. We need people with creative spirit, a dedicated approach and a solid grounding in environmental design, assessment and management at any stage of the development project lifecycle.

As one of the largest environmental consultancies in the UK, WSP gets involved in some of the most challenging and high-profile projects. We work on anything from small developments across every sector, through to major national infrastructure schemes. Our Environmental Management and Assessment Team oversees and manages the environmental inputs to these schemes, with involvement through their lifecycle. Our early engagement at the concept and option stages helps us to shape projects that reflect the challenges of sensitive environments and communities. In supporting continued design through to consent application, we work closely with our wider environmental specialists, as well as other skilled professionals, to develop proposals that fit with and enhance the environment and communities they sit within. We work to build in wider benefits of improved habitats, cleaner air and water, lower carbon and overall environmental gain. And with schemes approved and underway, we work alongside design and construction teams to ensure practice meets commitment.

The role is ideally suited to a pro‑active individual looking to use their initiative to progress their career. As a Principal EIA Consultant within WSP’s Environmental Assessment and Management team, you will work with a range of technical environmental specialists and design teams across multiple sectors to lead environmental teams and inputs to project designs and assessments. You will be instrumental in improving the environmental performance for a diverse range of projects across multiple sectors.

The role would suit an enthusiastic individual looking to influence, lead and deliver environmental elements of engineering projects, within a wide range of sectors including rail, highways, energy and commercial / residential, from feasibility through to planning, detailed design, construction and handover / maintenance. You will have responsibility for leading projects including tasks relating to bidding, project team management, project delivery, and financial management.

A typical week could include:

• Providing environmental advice and support to clients, project managers and colleagues
• Working with colleagues, diverse environmental specialists, clients and engineering teams to promote sustainable design and environmental enhancement
• Leading large, multiple and complex projects, overseeing our performance on technical, quality, commercial and health and safety
• Building relationships with clients and identifying opportunities to provide support in areas such as resourcing, programming, strategy development and project delivery.
• Proactively seeking to develop new client relationships and actively seeking opportunities for marketing services and cross‑selling, including presenting at conferences on behalf of WSP.
• Undertaking activities to secure new work, including developing proposals for complex opportunities, delivering strategic level bids and framework opportunities, and undertaking business development opportunities.
• Leading on and contributing to the development of innovative techniques to shape the way we do our business whether through Digital EIA, Technical Excellence, Future Ready EIA etc.
• Driving performance improvement and career advancement opportunities across team.
• Promoting and building team culture and being identified as a ‘go to’ person within the wider team, supporting others in problem solving and achieving team and business goals.
• Promoting an inclusive workplace, demonstrating an understanding of Health and Safety whilst living the values of our health, safety and wellbeing culture.
• Undertaking actions that contribute towards the success of the WSP business strategy, whilst being self‑motivated towards goals relevant to the role, team, and your projects.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…

• A relevant environmental degree level qualification in EIA, or similar
• Achieved or demonstrably working towards Chartered Environmental Status and Full membership of IEMA, or similar qualification with a relevant professional body
• Excellent experience of EIA and EIA processes and working with limited supervision within multi‑disciplinary teams
• Sound knowledge and experience of relevant environmental and planning legislation
• Verbal and written communication skills including report writing and reviewing with an attention to detail
• Experience in large scale infrastructure projects, for example, rail, highways, energy, commercial / residential
• Comprehensive project management skills, including commercial and risk aspects, forecasting, and quality assurance

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.

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.