Group Leader Mine Waste in Leeds

Join to apply for the Group Leader Mine Waste role at WSP. As a dual leadership and senior engineering role based in the UK or Ireland, you will lead a growing team and deliver geotechnical expertise for our expanding mine waste business.

Overview of the role

Responsible for leading and managing a team of consultant engineers, geoscientists and specialists in the design, monitoring and management of tailings and mine waste storage facilities. You will support strategic growth across the region, ensure safe and efficient management of tailings, minimise environmental impacts and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to a team of mine waste technical staff, including strategic direction, business development and operational growth.
• Promote a safety‑first culture, identify and manage potential safety risks associated with mining and remote sites, and ensure 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• Hybrid working policy: work from home up to two days a week.
• Flex time: “WSP My Hour” allows one hour each day for personal activities.
• Health & wellbeing programmes, including Virtual GP service and Gymflex scheme.
• Inclusive culture with employee resource groups and a commitment to belonging.
• Part‑time and flexible working arrangements, and additional leave options.

EEO Statement

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.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Part‑time
• Location: UK or Ireland
• Reporting to: Head of Mining (Europe)