Associate Director Physical Data

APEM; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Manchester seeks an experienced Associate Director to lead and manage delivery of major water quality projects. This role will involve overseeing large-scale data collection operations and client management. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in transitional and coastal water quality and a proven track record in delivering complex programs. Excellent communication and team leadership skills are essential for this position, which offers the opportunity to shape teams and influence strategic directions.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in transitional and coastal water quality management.
• Track record in delivering complex, large-scale programs.
• Experience in building and leading operational teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of TraC water quality projects.
• Shaping approaches to physical data and influencing strategy.
• Lead on client management and business development.

Skills

Water quality expertise

Data collection experience

Program management

Team leadership

Client management

Business development

Excellent communication

Education

Relevant postgraduate qualification

Job description

About The Role

Are you an experienced leader in water quality or physical data collection? Do you thrive on delivering complex, multi-year programmes across freshwater, estuarine, and coastal environments? Are you looking for a senior role where you can shape teams, build trusted client relationships, and drive the future of environmental consultancy?

We're looking for an Associate Director to join us in managing delivery of our growing portfolio of transitional and coastal waters (TraC) projects that sit within APEM's Water Quality Division. This leadership role offers the opportunity to oversee major TraC water quality projects, as well as hydrometry and oceanographic monitoring. It will involve large-scale survey delivery for clients including water companies, regulators, and infrastructure providers. You'll be at the forefront of shaping our approach to physical data, influencing both operational delivery and strategic direction.

As part of the sector leadership team, you'll bring a proven track record in managing complex programmes of work. You'll lead on building and developing high-performing teams, while also playing a pivotal role in client management and business development - growing existing accounts and helping to unlock new opportunities. Collaboration will be key, working with colleagues across the wider Water Sector and the APEM Group to deliver joined-up solutions and support ambitious growth plans.

What we're looking for

• Significant experience in water quality and physical data collection, particularly transitional and coastal environments
• A strong track record of delivering complex, large-scale programmes of work
• Experience building and leading operational teams, with a focus on mentoring, engagement, and development
• Proven client-facing skills and commercial acumen, including input to tenders and business development activity
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage colleagues, stakeholders, and partners effectively

It's a bonus if you bring

• Membership of a relevant chartered institution or professional body
• A relevant postgraduate qualification
• Experience in applied data consultancy and reporting
• A familiarity with the wider services offered by water quality teams (e.g. survey design, modelling, or regulatory engagement)

Next Steps

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can't tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area - we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.

If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need is some basic information and your CV, we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applications.

About Us

The APEM Group is a global environmental consultancy, we work with a range of clients including large corporations and governments to help them understand and solve a wide variety of environmental projects in the UK and globally. Our successful pioneering work has enabled us to grow and combine forces with other businesses who share our ethos and integrity. At our core, our people are working towards the protection of the environment across the globe.