Technical Director - Hydrogeology Lead

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Manchester seeks a committed Technical Director to manage groundwater projects and mentor junior hydrogeologists. Responsibilities include leading projects from inception to delivery and influencing the technical direction of a national team. Candidates should have proven expertise in groundwater assessment, a MSc in Hydrogeology, and strong interpersonal skills. This role offers significant scope for progression as the company expands its technical services.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in groundwater and water environment assessment, including modelling, EIA, and site investigation.
• Strong understanding of UK hydrogeology and the regulatory framework for water management.
• Proven ability to lead and direct projects from inception to delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead groundwater and water resources projects.
• Guide junior hydrogeologists and develop structured training.
• Prepare high quality proposals and identify new opportunities.

Skills

Groundwater assessment

Water resource management

Client relationship management

EIA

Interpersonal skills

Report writing

Education

MSc Hydrogeology

BSc in related discipline

Job description

Job Description

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

Key Responsibilities

• Lead major groundwater and water resources projects covering modelling, flooding, monitoring, water quality, hydrogeological conceptualisation and EIA.
• Shape the future of groundwater capability by guiding junior and mid‑level hydrogeologists, developing structured training, and leading capability growth and succession planning.
• Influence the technical direction of a national team, contributing to innovation, defining scopes and approaches, and collaborating with senior leaders.
• Help secure future work and strengthen client relationships by preparing high quality proposals, identifying new opportunities, and supporting framework delivery.
• Collaborate across disciplines and geographies with teams in hydrogeology, EIA, water resources, mining, and international WSP colleagues.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in groundwater and water environment assessment, including modelling, EIA, WFD, conceptualisation, and site investigation.
• 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 desirable. Clear understanding of client needs with a track record of winning work and securing repeat business.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to influence, engage and develop junior colleagues; strong commercial awareness and experience identifying opportunities and preparing successful proposals.
• Excellent report writing, 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 related discipline (e.g., geology, geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, environmental science).

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.