Technical Director - River Engineering

ICE Recruit; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking an experienced professional to lead river engineering and flood modelling consultancy services. This role requires 15+ years of experience and a postgraduate qualification in a relevant field. The successful candidate will manage projects, maintain client relationships, and contribute to meaningful environmental projects, with flexible working arrangements and competitive benefits on offer.

Benefits

Health insurance

Income protection

Parental leave salary top-ups

Options to buy extra leave

Ongoing training and career development

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in river engineering, flood modelling, and river geomorphology.
• Recognition in the river sector with a drive to develop expertise.
• Flexibility to travel and work remotely when required.

Responsibilities

• Lead river engineering and flood modelling consultancy services.
• Maintain client relationships and secure new opportunities.
• Oversee hydraulic and flood modelling studies for river systems.

Skills

River engineering

Flood modelling

Client engagement

Technical report writing

Project management

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Engineering, Geography, or Natural Resource Management

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop river engineering and flood modelling consultancy services.
• Drive business development by maintaining client relationships, securing new opportunities, and representing PDP at industry conferences.
• Oversee and review river engineering tasks, including rock rip-rap revetment design, stream channel design, and complex spatial data analysis (e.g., cross-section surveys, LiDAR).
• Manage and review hydraulic and flood modelling studies for river systems and catchments.
• Lead technical projects, coordinating staff and subcontractors, liaising with clients and regulators, and managing budgets.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports and expert evidence for hearings.
• Provide end-to-end project solutions—from initial discussions to completion.

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate professional with:

• A postgraduate qualification in Environmental, Civil, or Geotechnical Engineering, Geography, or Natural Resource Management. (NZ) CPEng status is a plus.
• 15+ years of experience in river engineering, flood modelling, and/or river geomorphology.
• A recognised reputation in the river sector, with a drive to further develop expertise.
• Strong business development skills, including client engagement and project sourcing.
• Exceptional technical report writing and communication skills.
• A solutions-driven mindset with the ability to navigate complex environmental challenges.
• The flexibility to travel within NZ and work in remote locations when required.

Why join PDP?

• Make an Impact – Work on meaningful projects that protect and restore New Zealand’s waterways.
• Work-Life Balance – Enjoy flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
• Professional Growth – Access ongoing training, career development, and paid membership fees.
• Competitive Benefits – Receive health insurance, income protection, parental leave salary top-ups, and the option to buy extra leave.
• Great Culture – Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and employee-owned company with nearly 40 years of experience in NZ, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.