Technical Director

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A major engineering consultancy is seeking a Technical Director in Manchester to lead civil engineering projects in water treatment and infrastructure. This role involves mentoring engineers, managing project delivery, and collaborating across teams. Candidates should hold a degree in Civil Engineering, be chartered, and have substantial experience in the UK water industry. This position offers the opportunity for professional growth within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Opportunity for professional development

Collaborative and inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Substantial experience delivering civil engineering design in the UK water industry.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary design teams.
• Strong understanding of project management and commercial controls.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on multidisciplinary water sector projects.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients.
• Mentor and develop engineers across the team.

Skills

Leadership in civil engineering

Technical delivery

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Chartered Engineer (ICE, CIWEM, or similar)

Tools

Modern engineering tools

Job description

Job Description

Technical Director – Water & Wastewater Civils

(Represented by Elb Recruit on behalf of a leading multidisciplinary consultancy in the North West)

is proud to represent a key multidisciplinary consultancy in the North West, renowned for delivering high-impact sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions across natural and built assets.

This consultancy is instrumental in delivering transformative water infrastructure programs regionally, nationally, and globally. including several high-profile, multi-million-pound projects. With growing client demand and a secure pipeline of major frameworks, they are seeking an Technical Director to help develop and lead their water and wastewater civils team.

Role Overview

As an Technical Director, you will lead civil engineering delivery on complex water and wastewater treatment and infrastructure schemes. Working with established clients and key delivery partners, you’ll shape major environmental programmes in the North of England and beyond.

Projects currently span a variety of strategic initiatives, including:

• A flagship regional river improvement programme involving multiple key infrastructure upgrades.
• Several large-scale Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) improvements in urban settings.
• End-to-end design of wastewater treatment works and associated pipeline systems in rural catchments.
• A high-value design & build scheme with a Tier 1 contractor, supporting urban infrastructure resilience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and coordination on complex multidisciplinary water sector projects from feasibility through to detailed design.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, supporting strategic direction and maintaining a high standard of technical delivery.
• Mentor and develop engineers across the team, building a high-performing and motivated workforce.
• Champion innovation, sustainability, and health & safety best practices throughout the design process.
• Collaborate across the business and with external partners to ensure integrated project outcomes.
• Manage resources, programme delivery, and commercial performance on major design commissions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree-qualified in Civil Engineering (or related discipline).
• Chartered Engineer (ICE, CIWEM, or similar).
• Substantial experience delivering civil engineering design in the UK water industry, ideally within regulated programme frameworks (AMP).
• Proven ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary design teams.
• Strong understanding of project management, commercial controls, and contract administration.
• Digitally curious or adept in using modern engineering tools and data environments.
• A confident communicator with stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.

What’s on Offer

Contribute to nationally significant water infrastructure programmes with a team known for technical leadership and delivery. This consultancy combines technical excellence with a collaborative and inclusive culture - giving you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully while continuing to grow professionally.

You’ll have the autonomy to shape your career, backed by supportive leadership, a strong project pipeline, and a commitment to continuous development.

Interested in learning more?

To discuss this opportunity - or similar roles within the water civil engineering sector - please contact Pete Gillick at Elb Recruit in confidence. We're working closely with leading consultancies across the UK on a range of major water infrastructure programmes.