Senior Consultant: Local Government - Flood Risk Management and Sustainable Drainage in Edinburgh

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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 as much as practicable.

A little more about your role… We are looking for a Senior Flood Risk and Drainage Consultant who has experience of delivering flood risk assessments, flood management projects and sustainable drainage solutions to work collaboratively on technically complex projects. A key focus of the role will be working with Local Authority flood management teams delivering a wide range of projects such as 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. The role will also include delivery of flood risk assessments and sustainable drainage strategy solutions to support developments in the energy, highway and rail sectors to secure planning consent.

You must have a competent understanding of key legislation and policies such as the Flood Risk Management Act, National Planning Framework 4, SEPA guidance and local authority policies. 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:

• Contributing to or leading the delivery of good‑quality technical deliverables to clients, often as a technical reviewer and approver.
• Supporting and mentoring junior colleagues, overseeing small project teams and managing and directing projects effectively, balancing programme, budget and quality requirements.
• Contributing to opportunities to secure projects and extensions to existing projects.
• Be multi‑disciplinary and client‑facing, coordinating project meetings both internally and externally.
• Demonstrating positive H&S behaviours and championing this amongst the wider team.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Experience in delivering local authority flood risk services that could include Sustainable Drainage Systems, Flood Risk Management Plans, Strategic Flood Risk Assessments, flood investigations, and planning review support.
• Experience in delivering Flood Risk Assessments and Drainage Strategies to support planning applications for new development.
• Demonstrable experience of understanding budgets and leading delivery of projects and technical outputs related to flood risk management, flood risk assessment or sustainable drainage.
• Understanding of the Flood Risk Management Act, National Planning Framework 4, SEPA guidance and local authority policies.
• Desirable wider knowledge of the regulatory context for planning in the UK.
• Experience in supporting and/or mentoring more junior colleagues.
• Experience in technical report writing and checking.
• Confidence in presenting and leading meetings with team members and clients.
• A degree in a relevant environmental, geographical, science or engineering discipline is essential.
• Chartered status with C.WEM, CEnv, CSci or CEng or evidence of working towards this.

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 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.

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.