Group Leader Mine Waste in Birmingham

What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons. Members of the mining team come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring different experiences to the group. This diversity is seen as a strength of the team and valued within our business.

It is envisaged that the successful candidate will go through an integration period which will enable them to familiarise themselves with the members of the team in the UK, Ireland and further afield as well as providing the team an opportunity to learn more about them. The roles of people within the team vary as individuals tend to shape their career around their personal strengths and interests.

WSP is currently seeking a Group Leader and Senior Mine Waste Engineer for the UK and Ireland Mine Waste Group, reporting to the Head of Mining (Europe). This is a dual role, based in either the UK or Ireland, where you will provide both leadership to a growing team of 40+ professionals and deliver senior‑level geotechnical expertise to support our expanding mine waste business.

As the Group Leader, you will be responsible for leading and managing a team of consultant engineers, geoscientists and specialists involved in the design, monitoring and management and construction of tailings and mine waste storage facilities. A key part of the role is to support delivering our strategic objectives to grow our mining business across the region. With your mine tailings, mine waste and geotechnical engineering experience, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient management of tailings, minimising environmental impacts and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and international guidelines.

You will provide technical guidance, project oversight and mentorship to team members, while collaborating with clients, regulators, and other stakeholders to achieve project objectives. You will join a growing European business that is integrated with our global mining and metals business of over 5,200 mining professionals, offering access to both international expertise and global client relationships.

Overview of your role:

• Provide leadership to a team of mine waste technical staff, including strategic direction, business development and operational growth.
• Promote and champion a safety‑first culture, identifying and managing potential safety risks associated with working on mining and remote sites, with tailings management and ensuring adherence to best practice safety protocols.
• Manage and develop employees in alignment with WSP’s core values, including setting objectives, providing feedback and conducting performance reviews.
• Partner with senior colleagues in business development efforts, including building and maintaining client relationships, proposal preparation and project positioning.
• Foster a collaborative and positive team environment, encouraging innovation and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with senior management to align team operations with strategic business priorities.
• Lead or manage large, complex, and/or multidisciplinary projects, delivering high‑quality work on time and within budget.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including mine operators, regulatory authorities and contractors.
• Prepare and review technical proposals and design work packages in response to client requirements.
• Coach and mentor junior and intermediate staff to support career growth and professional development.
• Be a visible advocate for Inclusion and Belonging and uphold WSP’s Guiding Principles as a core part of the team culture.
• Direct a wide range of geotechnical and mine waste‑management projects, including site investigation and monitoring; laboratory testing and interpretation; design and construction; geotechnical analysis; and dam safety inspections and reviews.
• Direct and review geotechnical analyses with a focus on soil mechanics and provide technical expertise within your area of specialisation.
• Manage quality assurance and risk during design work, including critical review of technical outputs.
• Oversee geotechnical analyses and risk assessments to ensure the structural integrity and stability of tailings facilities.

Required background:

• Relevant (post‑degree) experience working in consulting engineering or within the mining industry.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil, Mining or Geological Engineering (Master’s Degree preferred).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Geologist (CGeol) in the UK or equivalent professional registration in Ireland.
• Experience in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering, with a defined technical specialisation.
• Excellent technical writing (reports and proposals), interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence.
• Strong ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Proven success in business development and client relationship management.
• Strong risk management skills, sound engineering judgement, and a commitment to technical excellence.
• Ability to effectively delegate and manage interdisciplinary project teams.
• Strong leadership and business acumen.
• A self‑motivated leader with the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team environment.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience, including mentoring, reviewing work and managing performance.
• Experience in strategic and business planning.
• Proven capability in financial forecasting and budgeting.
• Adaptability and flexibility to manage priorities, deadlines, and change, while building effective cross‑disciplinary partnerships.
• Commitment to safe work practices for yourself and your team.

If you don’t meet all that we are looking for please still consider applying. Not everyone will meet all the requirements, but you might have skills we didn’t know we need.

Imagine a better future:

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today.

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.
• 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.