Associate Director - Engagement and Consultation (Regional North Lead)
Associate Director - Engagement and Consultation (Regional North Lead)

Associate Director - Engagement and Consultation (Regional North Lead)

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
WSP

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead community engagement for major infrastructure projects and shape impactful connections.
  • Company: Join WSP’s dynamic UK Engagement team, making a difference across various sectors.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for growth in a collaborative environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment with a focus on team growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of community engagement, influencing large-scale projects that matter.
  • Qualifications: Experience in leading engagement on complex infrastructure projects; degree or equivalent experience preferred.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.

A little more about your role

You'll be joining WSP’s expanding UK wide Engagement team of 60 plus as an experienced leader, where you’ll play a meaningful role in shaping how major projects connect with communities. Working on some of the UK’s largest infrastructure programmes—as well as projects across the water, health, energy and environmental sectors—you’ll help deliver engagement that is thoughtful, impactful and built on best practice.

Key Responsibilities

  • Advising on stakeholder engagement and consultation
  • Advise project teams and clients on engagement and consultation strategies for complex, multi‑disciplinary infrastructure projects.
  • Ensure compliance with planning legislation, including DCO requirements and the Planning and Infrastructure Act (2025).
  • Embed global best practice in communications, consultation and engagement.
  • Plan and deliver stakeholder communications and consultations, including risk and issue management, public events and high‑quality outputs.
  • Providing leadership across projects and teams
  • Lead and support teams delivering engagement across complex infrastructure projects.
  • Work collaboratively with multi‑disciplinary teams to integrate engagement into project delivery.
  • Provide line management, coaching and development for engagement specialists.
  • Drive team growth and capability across the North, with a regular presence in the Manchester office.
  • Project management and commercial responsibility
  • Take commercial and delivery responsibility for major infrastructure projects.
  • Lead tender responses and support business development activity.
  • Manage project resourcing, budgets, risks and programmes to ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery.

Preferred qualifications / education

  • Proven experience leading consultation and engagement on large, multi‑disciplinary infrastructure projects.
  • Degree qualified or equivalent relevant professional experience.
  • Membership of a relevant professional or trade body (desirable).
  • Experience across road, rail, utilities, water, environment or energy sectors.

Preferred competencies

  • Collaborative leader with a strong track record of building and motivating high‑performing teams.
  • Demonstrable line management experience, including delivering training and performance improvement initiatives.
  • Proven ability to build and sustain stakeholder relationships in complex, high‑profile and politically sensitive environments.
  • Confident decision‑maker, able to act on own initiative.
  • Influential communicator with strong negotiation and problem‑solving skills.
  • Strategic, structured and adaptable, with the ability to operate in fast‑paced environments.
  • Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Consultancy hierarchy structure: Assistant Consultant → Consultant → Senior Consultant → Principal Consultant → Associate → Associate Director → Technical Director → Director

Associate Director - Engagement and Consultation (Regional North Lead) employer: WSP

WSP is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation within its expanding Engagement team. Located in Manchester, employees benefit from a vibrant city atmosphere while working on impactful infrastructure projects that connect communities. With a strong focus on professional development and leadership opportunities, WSP empowers its staff to grow and excel in their careers, making it a rewarding place to work for those seeking meaningful engagement in their roles.
WSP

Contact Detail:

WSP Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Engagement and Consultation (Regional North Lead)

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks at WSP. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.

✨Showcase Your Expertise

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in stakeholder engagement and consultation. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects—this will show them you’re the real deal!

✨Prepare for Interviews

Do your homework before any interview. Understand WSP’s projects and values, and think about how your skills align with their needs. Practise common interview questions, especially around leadership and collaboration, so you can shine when it counts.

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the WSP team.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Engagement and Consultation (Regional North Lead)

Stakeholder Engagement
Consultation Strategies
Planning Legislation Compliance
Project Management
Team Leadership
Coaching and Development
Commercial Responsibility
Risk Management
Budget Management
High-Quality Output Delivery
Negotiation Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Relationship Building
Adaptability
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Associate Director role. Highlight your experience in stakeholder engagement and consultation, especially on large infrastructure projects. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to motivate and build high-performing teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments. We love seeing those collaborative vibes!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at WSP

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Brush up on stakeholder engagement strategies, planning legislation, and best practices in consultation. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine interest in the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As an Associate Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams and delivered impactful engagement strategies in previous roles. Highlight your coaching experience and how you've driven team growth.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think about complex projects you've worked on and be ready to discuss how you navigated challenges, managed risks, and ensured compliance with regulations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s approach to community engagement and how they integrate stakeholder feedback into their projects. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Associate Director - Engagement and Consultation (Regional North Lead)
WSP

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