Principal or Senior Consultant / Engineer in Edinburgh

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

Due to strong and sustained growth in our Sustainable Water Management business, we are seeking experienced applicants to join our team of 300 water science and engineering professionals. Applicants are invited to further strengthen our project delivery and technical capability in a wide range of flood risk management projects for our Local Authority clients. The Sustainable Water Management business operates as a national team and work is shared around the team in a fair and transparent way, ensuring project allocation takes into account personal interests and development aspirations and, as practicable, aligns with them.

A little more about your role… We are looking for passionate professionals who have a strong experience working with Lead Local Flood Authorities and have a competent understanding of key legislation and policies such as the Flood and Water Management Act, The Land Drainage Act and the National Planning Policy Framework (in relation to flood risk and drainage). With preferred strengths in flood risk management and sustainable drainage you will ideally have familiarity with other water environment disciplines to aid delivery of more complex projects for a range of clients. The appointment would be at Senior or Principal grade, depending on experience. We can be flexible on location within the UK and offer a true hybrid work arrangement.

You will contribute to a diverse range of projects but the main focus of your work is likely to be delivering and taking technical lead roles on flood risk management projects for local authorities which can include a large range of projects including flood investigations, developing flood strategies, helping deliver solutions for flood alleviation, natural flood management, sustainable drainage master‑planning, and supporting the planning process to ensure the most sustainable solutions are achieved for the water environment. Your work will be varied but will include some technical, management and commercial responsibilities. Sharing your technical expertise and mentoring others in the team will also be an important part of your role.

Responsibilities will include:

• Significantly contributing to delivery of good quality technical deliverables to clients, often as technical reviewer.
• Supporting and mentoring junior colleagues, overseeing small project teams.
• Managing workload and project delivery with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrating positive H&S behaviours and championing this amongst the wider team.
• Contributing to the planning of tasks/projects providing input to programme, budget, and quality requirements.
• Engaging positively and professionally with clients and developing trusted advisor role as you grow a network of client contacts, supported by more senior colleagues.
• Contribute to securing small projects and extensions to existing projects.
• Develop solutions that address client issues, challenges, and needs in collaboration with project or team leaders.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

Skills / Experience:

• Experience working in flood risk management with local authorities or a combination of public and private sector flood risk management experience.
• Demonstrable experience of understanding budgets and leading delivery of projects or technical outputs related to flood risk management or sustainable drainage.
• Understanding of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, the Land Drainage Act, the Planning Practice Guidance: Flood Risk and Coastal Change and its application for management of flood risk for Local Authorities in the UK.
• Desirable wider knowledge of the regulatory context for planning in the UK.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in supporting and/or mentoring more junior colleagues whilst having the ability to successfully liaise with more senior colleagues when needed.
• Knowledge and understanding of surface water drainage modelling and Sustainable Drainage Systems.
• Experience in preparing Local Flood Risk Management Strategies and Strategic Flood Risk Assessments.
• Demonstrable experience in technical report writing and checking.
• Confidence in presenting and leading meetings with team members and clients.

Qualifications:

• A degree in a relevant environmental, geographical, science or engineering discipline is essential.
• Chartered status with C.WEM, CEnv, CSci or CEng is desired for Principal or evidence of working towards chartership for Senior.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team. 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. 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. We have our employee resource groups bringing 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.