Associate / Technical Director - Hydrogeology

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Thrive wellbeing program

Gymflex benefit

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Associate/Technical Director to lead groundwater and water resources projects within the Catchment Science team in Sustainable Water Management Consulting. You will guide hydrogeologists, shape training programs, and contribute to strategic growth across the UK and internationally.

The role offers leadership in project delivery, client engagement, and business development, with opportunities to expand capabilities and advance within a global engineering firm.

Qualifications

• Strong background in groundwater and water environment assessment including modelling, EIA and WFD.
• Understanding of UK hydrogeology and regulatory framework for water management.
• Experience leading projects from inception to delivery with financial and programme management.

Responsibilities

• Lead major groundwater and water resources projects.
• Shape the groundwater capability and lead training within the team.
• Influence technical direction of a national team across disciplines.
• Prepare high-quality proposals and identify new opportunities.

Skills

Groundwater modelling

Water resources assessment

Project leadership

Proposal writing

Client relationship

Team mentorship

EIA

UK regulatory knowledge

Financial management

Education

MSc Hydrogeology

BSc in Geology / Geotechnical / Civil / Environmental Science

Tools

Groundwater modelling software

GIS

Job description

Job Description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

A Little More About Your Role…

Are you ready for the next step in your career? Are you eager to develop and help deliver and grow our portfolio of high-profile projects solving groundwater challenges in the water resources, environmental and infrastructure sectors?

We are seeking to appoint a talented, enthusiastic and committed Associate/ Technical Director to lead a range of projects undertaken by the Catchment Science team within our Sustainable Water Management Consulting (SWMC) group as well as play a lead role in both the learning and development of the hydrogeologists within the team.

This role offers significant scope for progression as we grow our technical services and plan for future leadership over the next five years.

Why this role is a strong opportunity...

Lead major groundwater and water resources projects

You will direct work covering groundwater and water resources modelling, groundwater flooding, monitoring, water quality, hydrogeological conceptualisation and EIA, supporting decision making for nationally important projects.

Shape the future of groundwater capability in the business

You will guide junior and mid‑level hydrogeologists, help develop structured training and play a lead role in capability growth and succession planning over the next five years.

Influence the technical direction of a national team

You will contribute to innovation, help define scopes and approaches, and collaborate closely with senior leaders across Sustainable Water Management and Ground and Water specialists.

Help secure future work and strengthen client relationships

You will prepare high quality proposals, identify new opportunities and support framework delivery, helping maintain and grow a strong project pipeline.

Collaborate across disciplines and across the world

You will work with teams in hydrogeology, EIA, water resources, mining and international WSP colleagues to deliver integrated project outcomes.

Your Team

Our Catchment Science team works across a wide spectrum of services covering water resources and security, hydrology and hydraulics, water quality, hydroecology and hydrogeology. Through our projects we provide high quality technical services and advice to a wide range of high-profile customers in the UK and overseas, including government departments and agencies, the water industry, and a wide range of other industrial sectors, including power, transport, nuclear, mining, commercial and oil and gas.

Over the course of AMP7 Period we saw a significant growth in demand for our skills across the UK Water Company Sector and associated Regulators. This demand has increased further during the early months of AMP8 and as a direct result of the extension of our long running frameworks for groundwater modelling. In order to meet this demand, provide resilience and succession within the team, we are looking to recruit a high calibre Associate / Technical Director.

We offer a dynamic, but supportive environment for a motivated and talented individual to fulfil their potential. We recognise that our people are central to our success as a business.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate …

• Strong experience in groundwater and water environment assessment, including groundwater and water resources modelling, EIA, WFD, conceptualisation and site investigation.
• A strong understanding of UK hydrogeology and the regulatory framework for water management.
• Proven ability to lead and direct projects from inception to delivery, including financial and programme management.
• Experience with framework delivery is desirable. Clear understanding of client needs with a track record of winning work and securing repeat business.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, engage and develop junior colleagues. Strong commercial awareness and experience identifying opportunities and preparing successful proposals.
• Excellent report writing and analytical and technical review skills, with the ability to solve challenging hydrogeological and hydrological problems.
• Chartered status (or equivalent senior standing)
• MSc Hydrogeology combined with a BSc degree in a related discipline (e.g. geology, geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, environmental science)

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

What’s in it for you?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

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.