WSP in the UK & Ireland
Senior / Principal Drainage Engineer
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Senior / Principal Drainage Engineer
Senior Drainage Engineer – Leeds or Belfast
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About the Role
WSP are seeking a Senior Drainage Engineer based in Leeds or Belfast who specialises in Water, Drainage and Environmental Engineering for transportation infrastructure projects. Your expertise will expand the growth of our technical capability, supporting clients and projects throughout the UK with a focus on high-profile rail, highway, Local Authority, and aviation projects, providing drainage designs from concept through to detail.
Responsibilities
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Delivering a wide variety of civil engineering projects, such as highway, rail, infrastructure, and site development schemes.
- Managing projects from concept to completion, ensuring high technical standards, timely delivery, and commercial success.
- Providing a broad range of drainage services for the most significant transport and infrastructure projects in the UK.
For more senior grades, additional responsibilities include:
- Leading client relationships and attending progress meetings.
- Managing a team of drainage engineers, supporting their technical development and ensuring they are well-resourced on projects.
Our Team
Together, we make up one of the world’s leading engineering professional services firms, dedicated to the communities where we live and work in the UK. We stay curious and innovative to deliver future-ready solutions.
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Our national sustainable water management team are technical leaders in the sector, fostering a proactive, responsible, and collaborative work ethic. The successful candidate will join a team dedicated to delivering innovative, long-lasting solutions for clients such as HS2, Network Rail, National Highways, and Local Authorities.
From strategy, concept, and feasibility to detail design and construction support, your work will help shape the future of our drainage team. Join a vibrant and evolving team, where you can make a lasting impact.
Requirements
We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
- Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status or equivalent qualification (role-dependent).
- Extensive post-degree experience in designing sustainable drainage solutions.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Drainage design principles.
- Infrastructure drainage solutions.
- Use of Civil 3D and Causeway Flow software/MicroDrainage.
- Relevant technical standards, UK Building Regulations, Design Standards, Codes of Practice, and Health & Safety regulations.
- Proven experience managing projects, programmes, and teams to meet quality and commercial targets.
- Technical expertise in one or more of the following:
- Highway Drainage.
- Rail Drainage.
- Airport Drainage.
- Asset Management.
- Foul and Surface Water Drainage.
About Us
We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms, driven by a common purpose: creating positive, lasting impacts through innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are committed to our local communities and global collaboration.
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Benefits
Work-Life Balance
We offer a flexible hybrid working policy, allowing two days a week to work remotely. Our modern offices across the UK provide spaces for collaboration and creativity.
Inclusivity & Belonging
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, encouraging you to bring your authentic self to work. Our employee resource groups promote a culture of inclusion, celebrating differences and fostering a supportive workplace.
Health & Wellbeing
Our commitment to your well-being includes:
- Virtual GP service (NHS/Irish Medical Council GP for medical advice).
- Reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need.
- Gymflex scheme (up to 40% off annual gym memberships).
- Comprehensive menopause support.
Flexible Working
To enhance work-life balance, we offer:
- "WSP My Hour"—one flexible hour daily for personal activities.
- Part-time and flexible working arrangements.
- Additional leave options and customised bank holiday use.
Your Development
We invest in your growth through:
- Training and mentoring opportunities.
- Chartership support.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
At WSP, we positively encourage applications from all 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 meeting the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require workplace adjustments.
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