Associate Project Manager - Liveable Places

We are seeking an experienced Associate to join our Liveable Places team, based in Westferry Circus (Canary Wharf), with flexible hybrid working. This is a senior role within WSP’s strategic partnership with Westminster City Council, where you will help lead the delivery of a flagship programme of highways and public realm improvements across central London.

Working across high‑profile schemes such as Strand Aldwych, Hanover Square and Bond Street, alongside a broader pipeline of complex urban realm and active travel projects, you will provide leadership across project delivery, client relationships and programme performance. Our Liveable Places team brings together expertise across public realm, active travel, transport planning and urban design to create places that respond to the needs of communities and clients alike.

As an Associate, you will play a leading role in overseeing multidisciplinary projects, guiding delivery teams, building strong client relationships and ensuring robust commercial, governance and risk management. You will also support team development and contribute to the continued success of long‑term local authority programmes.

In this role you will provide senior leadership across major highways and public realm projects, ensuring effective delivery from concept through to construction and handover. The role will focus on a small number of large, complex schemes and wider programme priorities, providing direction, assurance and leadership to multidisciplinary teams. You will work closely with Westminster City Council, contractors and senior design leads as a trusted senior adviser, ensuring projects align with wider programme objectives, are governed effectively and deliver high‑quality outcomes.

Beyond project delivery, you will support strong client relationships, contribute to framework success and help foster a high‑performing team culture.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing senior leadership and oversight across major, complex public realm and highways projects
• Acting as a senior client interface, building trusted relationships with Westminster City Council and other key stakeholders
• Overseeing project and programme performance across scope, schedule, cost, risk, governance and quality
• Leading collaboration between client, contractor and multidisciplinary design teams to resolve complex delivery challenges
• Providing oversight of NEC contract delivery, commercial performance and change control
• Championing high‑quality stakeholder engagement, governance and communication in a local authority context
• Setting direction for project teams, providing assurance and mentoring staff to support high performance
• Supporting the continued success of long‑term framework commissions through excellent delivery and client service
• Driving continuous improvement and best practice across project and programme delivery

What we are looking for:

• Extensive experience leading complex highways, public realm or active travel projects and programmes within a local authority or consultancy environment
• Strong track record of overseeing major or high‑profile schemes from concept through to construction, including governance and assurance
• Excellent client and stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to operate confidently with senior local authority stakeholders
• Proven ability to manage programme, commercial, financial and risk matters across complex multidisciplinary commissions
• Strong experience working within NEC contract environments and overseeing delivery interfaces with contractors and consultants
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, providing direction, challenge and support to achieve high performance
• Strong understanding of health and safety legislation, including CDM, and its application to project delivery
• Commercial awareness and the ability to contribute positively to long‑term client and framework success

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.
• 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.