Technical Director – Geochemistry

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Thrive programme

Gymflex scheme

Training and mentoring support

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Technical Director Geochemist/Hydrogeochemist to join its Mine Water Team. This key role combines technical leadership with business development and client relationship management, focusing on providing expertise across the mining sector.

The successful candidate will manage projects, mentor staff, and participate in global technical practices, ensuring excellence and innovation within the team. The position offers hybrid working arrangements and aims to achieve a strong work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Established reputation in winning business and repeat projects.
• Ability to lead technical projects across multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to client service and internal team collaboration.
• Passion for innovation and solving complex challenges.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and collaborate on projects in the mining industry.
• Lead project management tasks including proposals, financial management, and client feedback.
• Mentor and develop scientists and engineers within the team.
• Participate in business development efforts including proposal preparation and marketing.
• Manage client relationships to secure new projects.

Skills

Technical leadership

Mine water geochemistry

Business development

Interpersonal communication

Project management

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Education

MSc or Ph.D in Geochemistry or related field

Job description

WSP has an exciting opportunity for a Technical Director Geochemist/Hydrogeochemist to join our UK & Ireland Mine Water Team as part of WSP Mining & Metals on a full‑time basis in the UK or Ireland. This senior leadership role combines technical leadership, project direction, business development and client relationship management.

Key Responsibilities

• Provision of technical expertise working with our international team of geochemists and multidisciplinary team members on projects including permitting, baseline studies, engineering studies, operational support and closure, with a focus on the mining industry, but with opportunities in other industries.
• Collaborating at all levels of the Mining Team and across the business to strategise and implement business objectives.
• Project management including drafting proposals and cost estimates, client liaison, financial management and invoices, project closure, and client feedback with support from the project management team within the mining group.
• Leading, mentoring, and working with a team of scientists, engineers and other professionals within the Mine Water team to support their career development, technical expertise and commercial awareness.
• Participating in global corporate technical practice groups with the goal of elevating our technical excellence, innovation and visibility within the business and to our clients.
• Business development activities including proposal and bid preparation, marketing activities and supporting participation in tradeshows and conferences.
• Supporting the development and maintenance of client relationships to actively seek out and win new work, through client interactions and supporting business development efforts of the team.
• Business‑related travel both in the UK/Ireland and overseas. The frequency and duration will depend on business and project needs.
• Modelling safety awareness in line with an interdependent health, safety and wellbeing culture, promoting positive health, safety and wellbeing, raising any issues through the appropriate channels and adhering to WSP’s health, safety and wellbeing policy and procedures.
• Ensuring actions and behaviours are aligned to WSP's Equality Policy, acting in the spirit of WSP's values and adhering to the WSP Code of Conduct.

Qualifications

• Established reputation and history of work winning and repeat business.
• Demonstrated experience of technical leadership, collaboration and delivery.
• Substantial and broad experience in mine water geochemistry.
• Commitment to internal and external client service.
• A proven track record in management of and contribution to large, multi‑disciplinary projects.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with verbal and written communication skills in relation to technical, business development and strategy.
• An advanced degree (MSc or Ph.D) or equivalent in geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, applied or environmental geology/chemistry.
• A passion for innovation and self‑education and the ability to work on complex challenges and find solutions for colleagues and clients.
• Knowledge of national and international geochemical best practice guidelines and regulations.
• Ability to manage and work effectively within a team environment.
• Professional registration or working towards it and a commitment to Continuous Professional Development.
• Strong technical writing skills including technical reports and proposals. English proficiency (verbal and written) is required; a second language (French or Spanish) is valued.

Benefits

• Work‑life balance: hybrid working policy allowing two days a week from home, with opportunities to collaborate in modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: welcoming applicants from varied backgrounds and encouraging individuals to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme up to 40% off gym memberships and a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: WSP My Hour allowing one hour each day for personal activities, part‑time and flexible working arrangements, option to purchase additional leave and use of bank holiday entitlement.
• Your development: support in training, mentoring and Chartership opportunities.

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.