Principal/Associate

We are looking for a Principal or Associate consultant who is experienced in the management, coordination and delivery of flood risk assessment projects to be able to direct and lead teams on technically complex projects for a range of clients.   

Working as part of our national team, the successful candidate will also be able to work seamlessly across other technical areas within the Sustainable Water Management team.  This includes but is not limited to flood risk modelling, LLFA technical services and flood management solutions; as well as other water environment technical areas including Water EIA, WFD assessment, permitting applications, geomorphology and BNG.   

The appointment would be at Principal or Associate grade, depending on experience. We can be flexible on location within the UK and offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements.  Applications for part time positions are also welcome. 

You will contribute to a diverse range of projects but the main focus of your work is likely to be Flood Risk Assessment for major infrastructure projects in the UK and overseas, with wider involvement in flood modelling, flood management and Water EIA as appropriate to individual experience. Your work will be varied but will include 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: 

• Playing a leading role in project delivery, including managing the interface with clients and internal stakeholders. Supervising, coordinating and reviewing the inputs of others within the business to deliver high quality technical outputs that meet client requirements. 
• Working with senior colleagues across WSP’s Sustainable Water Management team to develop business opportunities and prepare successful proposals. 
• To manage or direct projects effectively, balancing programme, budget and quality requirements, and ensuring that the highest health and safety standards are adhered to. 
• Providing technical guidance, training and support to junior colleagues. 
• Playing a key role in growing WSP’s technical capability, knowledge and innovation base to develop new services for our clients. 

Your team…

Our Liverpool team comprises 8 water environment and flood risk professionals who work collaboratively on projects with our regional team of 21 across the North West, and with our national team of approximately 150 across the UK.  We are seeking new colleagues who are experienced in the delivery of Flood Risk Assessments to provide technical leadership and mentoring to more junior members of the team.  We have a strong portfolio of major infrastructure projects such as Mersey Tidal Power, HyNet North West and East West Rail; and with clients such as National Grid, Network Rail and National Highways.  We also continue to support our strong portfolio of Local Authority and Lead Local Flood Authority clients, including delivery of transport infrastructure schemes, flood investigations, flood risk management strategies and planning review support.  

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 much as practicable.  As a senior member of the team, you would be actively involved in the continued growth, development and resourcing of the team.  

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

Skills / Experience 

• Experience of Flood Risk Assessment preparation, and experience in one or more of the typical supporting skills including flood risk modelling, flood risk strategy development, drainage design or Water EIA, at least some of which should have been in consultancy. 
• Demonstrable experience of leading or major contributor to technical inputs and teams for successful project delivery for planning and permitting for major infrastructure projects. This could include preparation of FRA, Drainage Strategies and Water EIA inputs to planning applications, participation in DCO examinations or planning inquiries, and developing applications for environmental permits.  
• Track record in effective delivery of complex, high profile projects, including experience of the Development Consent Order planning regime for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects in the UK. 
• Excellent knowledge of the regulatory context for flood risk planning in the UK. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and successful track record in managing client and stakeholder relationships. 
• Practical project management experience, including management of project budgets and project teams, and be comfortable managing challenging projects. 

Qualifications 

• A degree in a relevant environmental, geographical, science or engineering discipline is essential 
• Chartered status with C.WEM, CEnv, CSci or CEng