Associate Director Water Resource Management

GirlingJones; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international engineering consultancy is seeking an Associate Director for Water Resource Management to provide technical and strategic leadership. The role involves expanding client relations and managing high-profile projects in water neutrality and scarcity. Candidates should have a degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering and extensive experience in the field. This position offers an attractive salary, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits, with a hybrid working model in London.

Benefits

Attractive salary

10% car allowance

25 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working options

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in water resource management and related fields.
• Recognised as a technical and commercial leader with a record of successful project delivery.
• Proven track record in business development and client retention.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical expertise in water neutrality and strategic water management.
• Expand the UK client base and lead a growing team of technical specialists.
• Ensure highest standards of technical quality, innovation, and delivery.

Skills

Technical leadership

Communication

Mentoring skills

Business development

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering

Job description

Associate Director – Water Resource Management (Global Lead) Location: London (Hybrid, 3 days in office per week)
Salary: Attractive + 10% Car Allowance + Bonus + Benefits
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

A leading international engineering consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate Director – Water Resource Management to provide technical and strategic leadership for its global water capability.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the direction of water resource management services across the consultancy, influencing major UK and international projects, and leading the development of new technical service areas in water neutrality, nutrient neutrality, and water scarcity.

The Company

This multidisciplinary consultancy operates globally, providing award-winning expertise in water resource management, river engineering, flood risk, and coastal and maritime projects.

Working across the full project lifecycle — from masterplanning through to detailed design — the firm collaborates closely with architects, planners, and environmental specialists to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions from “cloud to coast.”You’ll join a diverse and inclusive team that values creativity, collaboration, and technical excellence, supported by a hybrid working model and strong professional development pathways.

The Role

As the Global Lead for Water Resource Management, you will be responsible for developing technical capability, growing the client base, and providing design and leadership direction across a range of UK and international projects.

Key responsibilities:

• Developing technical expertise and new service offerings in water neutrality, nutrient neutrality, water scarcity, and strategic water management.
• Expanding the UK client base and securing new project opportunities aligned with these emerging services.
• Leading and mentoring a growing team of technical specialists.
• Acting as a technical authority and design lead for water resource management.
• Building and maintaining relationships with key clients, collaborators, and stakeholders.
• Providing strategic input to business development and project pursuit activities.
• Maintaining the highest standards of technical quality, innovation, and delivery.
• Ensuring commercial best practice, proactive risk management, and sustainable project outcomes.
• Supporting a culture of learning, wellbeing, and professional growth across the team.

About You

You will be an accomplished and forward-thinking professional with a strong technical background in water management and a track record of delivery in consultancy or related sectors.

Essential requirements:

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related discipline.
• Extensive experience in water resource management and related fields (water neutrality, water scarcity, water balance, nutrient neutrality).
• Recognised as a technical and commercial leader with a sustained record of successful project delivery.
• Evidence of thought leadership or influence within the water sector.
• Established network of clients and collaborators within the UK (international experience advantageous).
• Proven track record in business development and client retention.
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.

Rewards and Benefits

• Attractive salary commensurate with experience.
• 10% car allowance and discretionary annual bonus.
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with flexible options to buy or sell leave.
• Generous pension scheme, life assurance, and income protection.
• Flexible benefits platform including cycle scheme, dental and optical cover, travel insurance, and lifestyle discounts.
• Hybrid working (3 days per week in London office).
• Enhanced parental leave and wellbeing support.
• Funding for professional memberships (up to two bodies).
• Access to comprehensive learning and development programmes at every career stage.
• Opportunity to contribute to community and social value initiatives through global volunteer programmes.
• Inclusive and supportive culture that celebrates diversity and encourages flexible working.

How to Apply

If you are a passionate and forward-thinking leader in Water Resource Management, ready to drive innovation and technical excellence across global projects, please submit your CV and covering letter or call for details.