Principal Road Engineer

About the role

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

You will lead the 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 is client‑facing and requires 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 input on projects of varying scale, complexity and value.
• Liaising with clients, developing strong trusted relationships, proactively managing their expectations and comprehensively advising them.
• Undertaking project technical lead and reviewer roles.
• Using technical ability and experience to support others to maximise their 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, Environmental Legislation and in‑house quality assurance standards/processes.
• Actively involved with team resource coordination, supporting the setup of teams and placing the right people in the right roles.

• Relevant knowledge and experience of highway design at various stages of the project life‑cycle; specific experience in road geometry, roundabouts, at‑grade and grade‑separated junctions, inclusive active travel, highway drainage systems, road restraint systems, traffic sign and road marking design, and drainage systems.
• Demonstratable experience in leading a single or multiple design disciplines in relevant projects (i.e. 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 relevant design codes such as the Design Manual for Roads & Bridges, Manual for Streets, TSRGD, local authority design guidance, and preparation of drawings for contract documentation and technical approvals, including application of departures from standard.
• Experience of complying with Designers Duties under CDM regulations.