Principal Consultant - Water Quality and Management

Job Description

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.