At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in maritime engineering, shaping the future of ports and terminals.
- Company: Join WSP, a global leader in engineering with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities to work on landmark projects.
- Other info: Collaborate internationally and drive innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in maritime infrastructure while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in maritime engineering and strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
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.
A little more about your role… WSP is seeking a Director of Maritime Engineering to lead the organisational performance, technical direction and sustainable growth of the Maritime Engineering team, while shaping the future of ports, terminals and maritime infrastructure across the UK, Ireland, Europe and selected international markets.
You will work alongside some of the industry's most experienced maritime professionals and have access to WSP's global network of engineers, planners, environmental specialists, advisors and project delivery experts. You will be accountable for the performance of WSP's Maritime Engineering team and portfolio, combining people leadership, project and technical governance, commercial and cost-centre management, client engagement, business growth and market development across significant maritime programmes.
Key responsibilities…
- Organisational performance and accountability: Own the overall performance of the Maritime Engineering team, setting clear priorities, accountabilities and performance expectations aligned with the wider Ports & Maritime strategy.
- Team leadership and development: Lead, mentor and support a high-performing, inclusive team; foster collaboration and innovation; maintain succession plans; and develop future technical, project and people leaders.
- Portfolio and project delivery: Provide oversight and, where appropriate, Project Director leadership for major commissions, ensuring agreed scope, programme, budget, quality, client outcomes and contractual obligations are achieved.
- Cost-centre and budget management: Own cost-centre performance, departmental budgets, forecasting and efficient resource allocation, balancing utilisation, capability development, recruitment and investment priorities.
- Commercial performance: Maintain oversight of portfolio profitability, work in progress, debt, variation and change control, commercial risk and recovery actions, working closely with finance and commercial leads.
- Technical leadership and governance: Set and uphold technical standards, design governance, independent review and approval pathways; provide senior technical guidance and ensure appropriate technical authority is assigned to commissions.
- Quality, safety and regulatory compliance: Ensure delivery complies with WSP management systems, relevant legislation, industry standards, professional obligations, health and safety requirements and client-specific quality expectations.
- Risk and opportunity management: Identify, own and mitigate strategic, operational, technical, commercial and project delivery risks, while actively managing opportunities and lessons learned across the portfolio.
- Innovation, expert matters and improvement: Promote emerging technology, digital delivery, automation, resilience, decarbonisation and modern methods of design and delivery; sponsor continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
- Resource, recruitment and capability planning: Maintain a forward-looking resource and skills plan; recruit and onboard engineers; address capability gaps; and coordinate workload across UK, Ireland, European and global teams.
- Performance management: Set objectives, evaluate individual and team performance, provide timely feedback and support, recognise strong contribution and address underperformance through fair and consistent management.
- Strategic client and stakeholder management: Build trusted relationships with clients and maintain effective interfaces with sector leads, account managers, operational leaders, HR, finance, commercial and technical functions.
- Business development and major pursuits: Develop client and subsector plans, originate and shape qualified opportunities, lead strategic pursuits and convert market relationships into profitable, deliverable commissions.
- External representation and market profile: Represent WSP as a senior maritime engineering leader in client meetings, bid interviews, account planning, industry forums and professional networks.
- International collaboration: Connect UK and Ireland capability with WSP's European and global maritime network to form coherent, locally credible and internationally experienced teams.
What success looks like
- A safe, inclusive, engaged and high-performing Maritime Engineering team with clear objectives, accountabilities, succession plans and sustainable capability.
- Cost-centre and portfolio performance delivered in line with agreed budget, forecast, utilisation, profitability, cash and resource objectives.
- Major commissions consistently delivered to agreed scope, programme, budget, quality and client expectations, with risks, changes and commercial issues actively managed.
- Robust technical governance, quality assurance, regulatory compliance and design accountability embedded across the portfolio.
- Recognised by major clients and internal stakeholders as a trusted senior advisor and effective leader of complex maritime programmes.
- Growth in strategic accounts, target subsectors, qualified pipeline and profitable framework or commission appointments.
- Visible adoption of innovation, digital methods, lessons learned and continuous improvement across engineering and project delivery.
- Stronger integration of UK and Ireland capability with WSP's European and global maritime network.
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…
- Significant senior leadership experience in maritime, ports or terminal engineering, including responsibility for multidisciplinary teams and complex project portfolios.
- Demonstrable people-management experience covering recruitment, objective setting, performance management, mentoring, succession and capability development.
- Proven accountability for cost-centre, budget or business-unit performance, including forecasting, resource planning, utilisation and commercial recovery.
- Track record as Project Director, technical director or equivalent on major commissions, with clear accountability for programme, cost, quality, risk, client satisfaction and contractual delivery.
- Strong port and marine infrastructure credentials across areas such as marine structures, terminal planning, civil infrastructure and complex brownfield or multidisciplinary delivery environments.
- Sound knowledge of technical governance, design assurance, quality management, health and safety, regulatory compliance and relevant maritime engineering standards.
- Evidence of leading innovation, expert technical matters, new technology adoption and continuous improvement in engineering delivery.
- Established senior client network and credibility across terminal operators, port authorities, contractors, developers, investors, industrial port users or public-sector clients.
- Track record of winning and leading profitable maritime commissions, ideally across the UK, Ireland, continental Europe and selected international markets.
- Strong commercial judgement and the ability to make timely, evidence-based decisions, communicate accountabilities clearly and lead effectively across formal and matrix structures.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. 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.
Director of Maritime Engineering in Derby employer: WSP
WSP is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, providing employees with the opportunity to lead impactful projects in urban drainage and wastewater modelling. With a strong focus on professional development, our team members benefit from extensive training and growth opportunities, all while working in a hybrid environment that promotes work-life balance. Located across the UK, we offer a dynamic workplace where your contributions directly influence local and national infrastructure solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Maritime Engineering in Derby
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Director of Maritime Engineering role you’re after at WSP.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at WSP a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at WSP.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Director of Maritime Engineering at WSP, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Maritime Engineering in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Director of Maritime Engineering, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at WSP a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to WSP specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with WSP, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like WSP want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
