Associate / Technical Director - Flood Forecast Modelling

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is looking for an experienced flood forecast modeller or hydrologist to lead technical delivery in flood forecasting and hydrology studies. You will develop flood forecast models, conduct independent reviews, and engage with clients to ensure high-quality deliverables. Excellent understanding of UK flood forecasting techniques, strong analytical and report-writing skills, along with chartership in a relevant professional body are essential for this role. This position promotes a safety-first culture and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in real‑time model development and testing.
• Experience with reviews and calculations for UK statutory bodies.
• Evidence of developing business opportunities and proposals.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical delivery for flood forecasting studies.
• Conduct independent reviews of flood forecasting reports.
• Supervise high quality client-facing deliverables.
• Collaborate with modelling teams on service offerings.
• Mentor less experienced flood forecasting modellers.

Skills

Flood forecasting techniques

Analytical skills

Report writing

Commercial awareness

Interpersonal skills

Education

Chartership with a relevant professional body

Tools

Flood Modeller

PDM

Job description

Responsibilities

As an experienced flood forecast modeller or hydrologist, you will:

• Provide technical delivery (and where appropriate leadership) for flood forecast modelling and hydrology studies, including developing Flood Modeller based flood forecast models (routing and hydrodynamic), preparing hydrology boundaries (PDM), performance testing, undertaking rating reviews and updates.
• Undertake quality assurance and independent technical reviews of existing flood forecasting reports and products.
• Produce and supervise production of high quality client‑and public‑facing deliverables, demonstrating excellence in communication and the ability to present the visualisation and interpretation of complex data.
• Collaborate with the wider fluvial and pluvial modelling leadership team to further develop the flood forecasting service offering.
• Mentor and provide technical support for less experienced flood forecasting modellers.
• Support or lead high quality bid proposals and develop innovative solutions to meet client needs.
• Provide project, commercial and financial management for projects.
• Conduct client and stakeholder liaison.
• Display and promote a ‘safety first’ attitude in line with WSP's health and safety policy and procedures.

Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of UK flood forecasting techniques, rating review, Flood Modeller, PDM and performance testing, with a proven track record in real‑time model development and testing.
• Excellent understanding and experience of carrying out reviews and calculations to satisfy UK statutory bodies (EA, SEPA, NRW or DfI).
• Strong commercial awareness, with experience of identifying and developing business opportunities and preparing winning proposals.
• Sound understanding of client needs, their opportunities and challenges, with a track record of leading and winning work.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the potential to engage and influence at all levels.
• Excellent report‑writing, technical review, numerical and analytical skills, with an eye for detail and enjoyment of solving challenging flood forecasting problems.
• Chartership with a relevant professional body or a commitment to obtain it within an agreed period.
• Experience and flexibility to review non‑real‑time modelling is an advantage.

EEO Statement

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.