Technical Director – Geochemistry

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Chartership support

Thrive wellbeing program

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Technical Director (Geochemist/Hydrogeochemist) to lead the UK & Ireland Mine Water Team. Based in the UK or Ireland, the role blends technical leadership, project direction, business development and client relations for mining and related sectors.

You will direct geochemical studies addressing metal leaching and acid rock drainage, guide a multi-disciplinary team, and contribute to a broad project portfolio across international sites.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, or related field (MSc or PhD).
• Substantial experience in mine water geochemistry.
• Proven track record in leading multi-disciplinary projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication; English proficiency required.
• Professional registration or working towards it.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on geochemistry and mine water projects.
• Lead project management including proposals, cost estimates, client liaison, and invoices.
• Mentor and develop scientists and engineers within the Mine Water team.
• Collaborate across the Mining Team to align objectives and growth.
• Support business development, bids, and client relationship management.
• Travel flexibly within UK/Ireland and overseas as needed.

Skills

Technical leadership

Geochemistry

Hydrogeochemistry

Project management

Business development

Client relationship management

Mentoring

Team leadership

Written communication

English proficiency

Education

MSc or PhD in geochemistry

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

WSP has an exciting opportunity for a Technical Director Geochemist/Hydrogeochemist to join our UK & Ireland Mine Water Team as a part of WSP Mining & Metals on a full-time basis based in the UK or Ireland. This senior leadership role will comprise a combination of technical leadership, project direction, business development, and client relationship management. We are looking for an experienced consultant to deliver geochemical water-rock interaction studies for the prediction, prevention, and management of metal leaching and acid rock drainage in mining projects. You will have the opportunity to direct and inform the project portfolio, working on a range of local and international projects, and your geochemical expertise will be called upon across a breadth of sectors and projects.

The 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 of this 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.

We’d Love To Hear From You If You Have

• 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 with respect 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 writing skills including technical reports and proposals. English proficiency (verbal and written) is required, second language (French or Spanish) valued.

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.

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.