Associate/ Associate Director (LLFA & Flood Risk Management)

WSP; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Thrive wellbeing programme

Gymflex discount

Job summary

WSP is seeking Associate/Associate Director to lead flood risk management projects for Local Authorities across UK offices. You’ll guide technical outputs, manage budgets, and mentor teams while expanding client networks.

The role emphasizes leadership across diverse projects, including flood strategies, drainage, and sustainable water solutions, with hybrid working from UK offices and nationwide opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience in flood risk management with local authorities or public/private sector.
• Understanding of budgets and leading project delivery in flood risk or sustainable drainage.
• Knowledge of UK planning and flood risk regulations (FRA 2010, LDA, PPG).
• Strong communication and mentoring skills.
• Knowledge of surface water drainage modelling and SUDS.

Responsibilities

• Engage with clients and grow a trusted advisor network.
• Lead delivery of high‑quality technical deliverables as reviewer/approver.
• Mentor junior colleagues and oversee small project teams.
• Direct projects balancing programme, budget and quality.
• Lead opportunities to win projects and extensions.
• Promote health & safety best practices within the team.
• Contribute to expanding WSP’s technical capability and services.

Skills

Flood risk management

Budget management

Client liaison

Leadership

Project delivery

Public sector knowledge

Communication

Mentoring juniors

Surface water drainage modelling

Regulatory understanding

Education

Environmental/geography/engineering degree

Tools

None

Job description

Job Description

A little more about your role…

We are looking for Associate or Associate Directors who can take a leadership role in our Glasgow/ Edinburgh/Bristol/Cardiff or Leeds offices with strong experience of working with Local Authorities flood management teams. You must have a competent understanding of key legislation and policies such as the Flood Risk Management Act, National Planning Framework 4, SEPA guidance and local authority policies.

You will contribute to a diverse range of projects but the main focus of your work is likely to be delivering and taking lead roles on flood risk management projects for local authorities which can include a large range of projects including flood investigations, developing flood strategies, helping deliver solutions for flood alleviation, natural flood management, sustainable drainage master‑planning, and supporting the planning process to ensure the most sustainable solutions are achieved for the water environment.

Our various offices offer opportunity to deliver and grow local authority flood management services with existing clients. Focus in these locations will be of key importance to the role although as a national team there will be opportunity and expectation to deliver projects throughout the UK.

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:

• Engaging positively and professionally with clients and developing trusted advisor role as you grow a network of client contacts.
• Leading the delivery of good quality technical deliverables to clients, often as technical reviewer and approver.
• Supporting and mentoring junior colleagues, overseeing small project teams.
• Managing and directing projects effectively, balancing programme, budget and quality requirements.
• Contributing to and leading opportunities to secure projects and extensions to existing projects.
• Demonstrating positive H&S behaviours and championing this amongst the wider team.
• Playing a key role in growing WSP’s technical capability, knowledge and innovation base to develop new services for our clients.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Experience working in flood risk management with local authorities or a combination of public and private sector flood risk management experience.
• Demonstrable experience of understanding budgets and leading delivery of projects or technical outputs related to flood risk management or sustainable drainage.
• Understanding of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, the Land Drainage Act the Planning Practice Guidance: Flood Risk and Coastal Change and its application for management of flood risk for Local Authorities in the UK. Desirable wider knowledge of the regulatory context for planning in the UK.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Experience in supporting and/or mentoring more junior colleagues whilst having the ability to successfully liaise with more senior colleagues when needed.
• Knowledge and understanding of surface water drainage modelling and Sustainable Drainage Systems.
• Experience in preparing Local Flood Risk Management Strategies and Strategic Flood Risk Assessments.
• Demonstrable experience in technical report writing and checking.
• Confidence in presenting and leading meetings with team members and clients.

Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant environmental, geographical, science or engineering discipline is essential.
• Chartered status with C.WEM, CEnv, CSci or CEng is desired for Principal or evidence of working towards chartership for Senior.

If you don’t meet all that we are looking for please still consider applying. Not everyone will meet all the requirements, but you might have skills we didn’t know we need.

What’s in it for you?

Work–life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

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.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work–life balance, WSP offers the ‘WSP My Hour’, allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later than that day.

We also provide part‐time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from 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 who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.