At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful water quality projects and drive business growth across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join WSP, a fast-growing team dedicated to solving environmental challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for chartership sponsorship.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in water management while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in environmental consultancy and strong technical expertise in water sectors.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At WSP, our Water and Environment team is growing fast, delivering work that genuinely matters by solving complex environmental challenges, supporting critical water infrastructure, and helping protect natural resources. We are looking for a Principal Consultant to lead projects, shape proposals, build relationships and drive business growth across the UK, Ireland and beyond.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading specialist projects and significant technical workstreams within multi‑disciplinary programmes.
- Providing technical direction across environmental disciplines, ensuring quality and consistency.
- Building and maintaining strong client and stakeholder relationships.
- Contributing to business development, from shaping bids through to project close‑out.
- Supporting and developing colleagues, and taking on people‑management responsibilities where appropriate.
What we're looking for:
- Significant experience in environmental consultancy within the UK water sector.
- Strong technical expertise in one or more of: hydrology, hydro‑ecology, or freshwater catchment science.
- A solid understanding of UK water industry regulation.
- Confidence in leading project delivery and managing competing priorities.
- Collaborative mindset with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Environment‑related degree (postgraduate qualification desirable).
What's in it for you:
- Hybrid and flexible working that fits around your life.
- Chartership sponsorship and professional development to support your career goals.
- Employee Share Purchase Programme (ESPP) so you can share in WSP's success.
- Wellbeing programmes because how you feel matters.
- The chance to work on some of the most impactful water and environment projects in the UK, Ireland and globally.
- A team that is genuinely collaborative, supportive, and growing.
Principal Consultant - Water Quality and Management in Manchester employer: WSP
At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Principal Consultant in our Water and Environment team, you'll have the opportunity to lead impactful projects while benefiting from hybrid working arrangements, professional development sponsorship, and wellbeing programmes that prioritise your health and happiness. Join us in making a difference in environmental consultancy across the UK and beyond, where your expertise will be valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant - Water Quality and Management in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like WSP.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like WSP and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant - Water Quality and Management in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at WSP.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. WSP will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal Consultant - Water Quality and Management at WSP. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at WSP, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show WSP that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
