Principal Engineer; Roads

Job Description

WSP is seeking an enthusiastic and talented Principal Engineer to join the Roads team based in the North West in either our Manchester or Liverpool offices.

You will be leading day‑to‑day technical delivery of highway consultancy services to support our clients through all stages of the project life‑cycle from feasibility and concept design through to planning, detailed design, and construction. This role will be client facing and the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a track record of delivery of schemes in either the local or national transport arena.

• Managing projects to ensure coordination and compatibility of multi-disciplinary inputs on projects of varying scale, complexity and value.
• Liaising with our clients, developing strong trusted relationships, proactively managing their expectations and comprehensively advising them.
• Undertaking project technical lead and reviewer roles.
• Using your technical ability and experience to support others to maximise their personal contribution to project/team goals.
• Preparing fee proposals and managing budgets for individual projects.
• Being responsible for the development and delivery of discrete and overall project solutions.
• Leading and managing other staff members in the delivery of design drawings, standard construction details, specifications and bill of quantities, supporting the preparation of tender packages.
• Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety and Environmental Legislation and in‑house quality assurance standards/processes.
• Being actively involved with team resource coordination, supporting the setup of teams and pitting the right people in the right roles.

• Relevant knowledge and experience of highway design and/or drainage systems at various stages of the project life cycle, including road geometry, roundabouts, at‑grade and grade‑separated junctions, inclusive active travel, highway drainage systems, road restraint systems, traffic sign and road marking design.
• Demonstrable experience in leading a single or multiple design disciplines of relevant projects (road, public transport, active travel, public real and/or private development).
• Experience of contract document preparation or contract administration/site supervision using Public Works Contracts.
• Ability to use, direct and check the design outputs created in relevant software including but not limited to Autodesk Civils 3D, Bentley Open Roads Designer, Info Drainage and/or PDS.
• Proactive management of change on tasks/projects, clearly communicating potential impacts on programme, cost, and quality.
• Good communication, client/stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.
• Chartered Civil Engineer or an Incorporated Engineer with extensive post‑professional qualification experience.
• Thorough understanding and application of the relevant design codes such as the Design Manual for Roads & Bridges, Manual for Streets, TSRGD, Local Authority design guidance and being well‑versed in the preparation of drawings for contract documentation and technical approvals including the application of departures from standard.
• Experience of complying with Designers’ Duties under CDM regulations.

Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact.

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.

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.

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and…