Growth Lead – Freshwater Ecology & Strategy

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland seeks an experienced Freshwater Ecology Growth Lead to drive growth, influence, and technical excellence across our freshwater ecology practice. This role shapes strategy, builds client relationships, and leads a national practice with impact on rivers, wetlands, lakes and aquatic environments.

You will combine ecological expertise with commercial insight to grow our presence in infrastructure, water, transport, energy and environmental programmes, while mentoring the

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams through growth, change or business transformation.
• Significant experience within freshwater ecology and the UK environmental sector.
• Experience on major infrastructure projects and complex consenting environments.
• Knowledge of UK freshwater ecology legislation, policy and best practice.
• Proven ability to develop client relationships and identify opportunities.
• Experience supporting bids, frameworks or strategic project growth.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Collaborative leadership style with ability to inspire and develop teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a clear growth strategy for freshwater ecology aligned with wider business priorities.
• Identify market opportunities, emerging trends and future client needs.
• Build a strong pipeline of opportunities across infrastructure, water, energy and transport.
• Support strategic bids, frameworks and major pursuits.
• Bring freshwater ecology expertise into early client discussions to shape practical solutions.
• Develop new service offerings and contribute to thought leadership.
• Act as a trusted advisor to key clients and stakeholders.
• Build long-term relationships across major infrastructure and environmental programmes.
• Collaborate with sector leaders to identify cross-disciplinary opportunities.
• Represent the freshwater ecology practice at industry events, forums and conferences.
• Help clients solve environmental challenges through innovative approaches.
• Provide leadership across the freshwater ecology community.
• Support recruitment, succession planning and capability development.
• Create opportunities for mentoring and knowledge sharing.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Develop and strengthen national networks of freshwater specialists.
• Provide strategic oversight across the portfolio.
• Work with project managers to ensure safe, efficient and profitable delivery.
• Monitor performance, resources, quality and risks.

Skills

Leadership

Growth management

Client relationships

Stakeholder management

Communication

Team building

Freshwater ecology

Education

Chartered ecologist (CIEEM/CIWEM)

Job description

WSP in the UK & Ireland seeks an experienced Freshwater Ecology Growth Lead to drive growth, influence, and technical excellence across our freshwater ecology practice. This role shapes strategy, builds client relationships, and leads a national practice with impact on rivers, wetlands, lakes and aquatic environments.

You will combine ecological expertise with commercial insight to grow our presence in infrastructure, water, transport, energy and environmental programmes, while mentoring the