Associate / Principal Hydrologist

SLR Consulting; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company pension scheme

Healthcare and wellbeing support

Travel and life insurance

Career progression and development

Regular performance reviews

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Hybrid working arrangements

Job summary

SLR Consulting in London is seeking an experienced Hydrologist at Associate or Principal level to support a growing London team within the Water Environment business. The role blends technical delivery with client engagement, business development and team growth.

You will deliver Flood Risk Assessments, Surface Water Drainage Strategies and water environment studies, while mentoring junior staff and developing Commercial leadership within the team.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Hydrology, Geography, Environmental Science or Earth sciences.
• Experience leading Flood Risk Assessments and Surface Water Drainage strategies.
• Strong project management and client communication skills.
• Chartered status or working towards chartership is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver Flood Risk Assessments and Water Environment Assessments for planning.
• Manage medium to large projects including budgets and resources.
• Build relationships with clients, regulators and stakeholders.
• Support business development and opportunities for growth.
• Prepare proposals, fee submissions and tender responses.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to technical excellence.

Skills

Project management

Client communication

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Business development

Mentoring

Education

Hydrology or related degree

Job description

SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, helping clients tackle some of the world’s most complex environmental and sustainability challenges. With over 4,000 employees across more than 125 countries, we combine the reach of a global consultancy with the collaborative culture of a close-knit team. Our “One Team” approach encourages knowledge sharing, technical excellence and genuine support for professional development.

As part of our continued growth, SLR has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Hydrologist to join our growing London team at Associate or Principal level.

This role is ideal for someone looking to broaden their responsibilities beyond technical delivery and take a more active role in client engagement, business development and team growth. Working under the direction of the London Hydrology Team Leader and as part of SLR’s wider Water Environment business, you will support the delivery of a diverse range of projects including Flood Risk Assessments, Surface Water Drainage Strategies, Environmental Impact Assessment chapters and bespoke water environment studies.

Alongside project delivery, you will have the opportunity to develop your commercial skills, strengthen client relationships and help identify opportunities for sustainable growth within the team. We are looking for someone who is passionate about shaping the future direction of the London hydrology team and helping expand our presence across a wide range of sectors.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to join a highly collaborative team of hydrologists, drainage and flood risk engineers, while working closely with hydrogeologists, geomorphologists, geochemists and civil engineers as part of one of the UK’s largest multidisciplinary water environment teams.

The Role

Working as part of the London Hydrology team and supported by the London Hydrology Team Leader, you will play a key role in both project delivery and the continued growth of the business.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and delivering Flood Risk Assessments, Surface Water Drainage Strategies and Water Environment Assessments in support of planning applications.
• Managing medium and large projects, including programmes, budgets and project resources.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, regulators and project stakeholders.
• Supporting business development activities and identifying opportunities for growth within existing and new client relationships.
• Preparing proposals, fee submissions and tender responses.
• Collaborating with colleagues across SLR’s wider business to develop integrated solutions and identify new opportunities.
• Mentoring, supporting and developing junior team members.
• Contributing to the technical excellence and continued growth of the hydrology team.

The preferred location for this role is London , although individuals with relevant experience based elsewhere in the UK will also be considered. Hybrid, agile and part-time working arrangements are available, and we welcome applications from those returning to work.

Rewards & Benefits

We recognise that our people are our greatest asset and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary.
• Company pension scheme.
• Comprehensive healthcare and wellbeing support.
• Travel and life insurance.
• Structured career progression and development opportunities.
• Regular performance and career reviews.
• 25 days annual leave plus flexible bank holidays.
• Flexible, agile and hybrid working arrangements.
• Family-friendly policies that support a healthy work-life balance.
• Opportunities to work across a broad range of sectors and multidisciplinary teams.
• The chance to develop both technical and commercial leadership skills within a growing business.

About You

We’re looking for a motivated and ambitious hydrologist who enjoys working with clients and is interested in developing the commercial aspects of their career alongside delivering high-quality technical work.

You will likely have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Hydrology, Geography, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences or a related discipline.

• Experience leading and delivering Flood Risk Assessments, Surface Water Drainage Strategies and water environment assessments in support of planning applications.

• Strong project management and client communication skills.

• Experience managing project programmes, budgets and resources.

• The ability to build positive working relationships with clients, regulators and multidisciplinary project teams.

• An interest in developing business opportunities and contributing to team growth.

• Chartered status, or be actively working towards chartership with a relevant professional institution.

• Experience mentoring, supporting or developing junior staff.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.The following would be advantageous, but are not essential:

• Experience supporting UK residential, commercial, industrial or infrastructure development projects.

• An established professional network within the sector.

• A full UK driving licence to facilitate occasional site visits and attendance at client and regulatory meetings.

Contributing to Team Growth

A key aspect of this role will be supporting the continued growth and success of SLR’s hydrology services.

We’re particularly interested in individuals who bring a proactive mindset, commercial awareness and a desire to help shape the future of the team.

As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be invited to discuss:

• Opportunities they see within the current market.
• Approaches to developing new and existing client relationships.
• Collaboration opportunities across SLR’s multidisciplinary teams.
• Ways to raise the profile of the hydrology team internally and externally.
• Actions they would prioritise during their first 12-24 months in the role.

We’re less interested in an existing client portfolio and more interested in your ability to identify opportunities, build relationships and contribute to sustainable growth over time.

Culture & Inclusion

At SLR, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive. Through our Culture & Inclusion Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we actively foster an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and particularly encourage applications from groups currently under-represented within our industry. We believe that diversity strengthens our teams, enhances innovation and enables us to deliver better outcomes for our clients and communities.

As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we are committed to ensuring all candidates receive equitable support throughout the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments at any stage of your application, please let us know.