Associate Director Waste Engineer/Procurement

Jacobs; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Leeds seeks a Senior Waste Management Consultant to guide local authorities in waste procurement and strategy. The role involves leading the design and delivery of complex waste facilities while driving innovative management approaches. The ideal candidate will possess a strong degree in relevant sciences, significant experience in waste strategy, and exceptional communication skills. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in waste procurement and design & build projects.
• Strong degree in relevant fields is required.
• Chartered status (or equivalent) in environmental or waste management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Guide UK local authorities through high-profile waste procurements.
• Lead design and delivery of complex waste facilities.
• Drive innovative waste management approaches.

Skills

Waste procurement

Client-facing roles

Technical writing

Environmental engineering

Data analysis

Education

Degree in waste management, engineering, environmental or natural sciences

Master’s qualification in Waste Management, Sustainability, Environmental Management or Engineering

Tools

Excel

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Overview

This is a senior, visible role where your work will directly influence how communities manage waste for decades to come.

Responsibilities

• Guide UK local authorities through high‑profile waste procurements, shaping contracts, performance mechanisms and mobilisation strategies
• Lead the design and delivery of complex waste facilities – from early feasibility through to handover
• Drive innovative waste management approaches, from automated collection systems to major recycling and transfer infrastructure
• Influence strategic decisions at master‑planning and development scale, embedding best‑in‑class waste solutions into major schemes
• Be a trusted client advisor, translating technical complexity into clear, confident decisions
• Mentor and collaborate within a high‑performing, multidisciplinary team, raising capability across the business
• Waste procurement for local authorities – business cases, tender documentation, evaluation and mobilisation support
• Design & Build leadership, including:
  • Feasibility studies and optioneering of waste technologies and infrastructure
  • Embedded waste design within buildings and masterplans (across full RIBA stages)
  • Coordinating with architects, MEP, structural, logistics and engineering teams
  • Oversight of construction, implementation and post‑construction phases
  • Waste strategy development – producing robust, evidence‑based technical reports that support planning and design decisions

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering waste procurement, waste strategy and design & build projects
• A strong degree in waste management, engineering, environmental or natural sciences
• Chartered status (or equivalent) – Environmentalist, Waste Management Professional or Engineer
• Strong technical mastery of waste and resource management systems
• A successful track record in client‑facing roles
• Commercial acumen and confidence supporting business growth
• Exceptional report writing, presentation and workshop facilitation skills
• The ability to communicate complex ideas to technical and non‑technical audiences
• Collaborative leadership style and commitment to safe working
• Flexibility to manage multiple projects and work across offices when required

Desirable

• Master’s qualification in Waste Management, Sustainability, Environmental Management or Engineering
• Experience within the UK infrastructure environment
• Comfort working within multi‑disciplinary design teams
• Strong data analysis capability, including Excel
• Openness to short‑term travel or overseas assignments

Equal Opportunities

Jacobs is a disability‑confident employer. We will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.