Technical Director - Water Resources Engineer (Mining)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Naas; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Health & wellbeing program

Thrive programme

Gymflex scheme

Mentoring and Chartership

Inclusive culture

Job summary

WSP in Ireland is seeking a Technical Director, Water Resource Engineer to lead senior technical work in water resources within mining and related sectors, delivering concept designs, hydrology studies, and water balance modelling.

The role involves directing multi‑disciplinary teams, building client relationships, traveling internationally, and mentoring junior staff, with a strong focus on safe project delivery and WSP standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in engineering, hydrology or a related field.
• Registered Chartered/Professional Engineer or member of related body.
• Proactive approach in technical service delivery.
• Experience in developing client relationships and contributing to business growth.
• Ability to operate within and guide high performing teams.
• Track record of winning work.
• Developed project delivery and direction experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical direction, review, and sign‑off of work within your area of professional practice.
• Deliver practice‑leading consulting services to internal and external clients in conceptual model development, hydraulics, engineering design, mine water management, stormwater management, flood‑lines, hydrology, water conservation and demand management, water balances and mine water management.
• Direct and review water resource aspects of international mining and water resources projects, including environmental assessments, environmental permitting, and engineering design projects.
• Climatic, hydrological, and hydraulic assessments, including fieldwork, data management, data analysis, and modelling.
• Integrated water management plans and completing conceptual design of water management infrastructure.
• Water balance modelling to assess water management solutions and to estimate water demand, treatment, storage, and discharge volumes.
• Pre‑feasibility, feasibility and detailed designs of water management infrastructure with cost estimates.
• DAM break analyses of water and tailings dams, including inundation maps and risk classification.
• Dilution and assimilative capacity assessments of surface water receivers.
• Flood Risk Assessments (FRA) and SuDS design for land development projects.
• Assist with developing projects and services which support climate change reporting, resilience and adaptation.
• Participate in multi‑disciplinary project teams to deliver safely, on time, within budget and to standards.
• Achieve utilisation targets and undertake travel as required.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Water resources

Project management

Technical direction

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, hydrology or related field

Chartered/Professional Engineer

Job description

Technical Director, Water Resource Engineer

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A Little More About Your Role

Reporting into the Mining Business structure, the primary focus for the Technical Director, Water Resource Engineer includes project delivery and direction, provision of technical expertise in water resources engineering design, business development, understanding and maintaining our existing key client relationships, training and mentoring of junior staff and active development of new client relationships and opportunities in line with our strategy. This role is predominantly within the mining business, with the potential to also work with other local sectors, including infrastructure and land development.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical direction, review, and sign‑off of work within your area of professional practice.
• Deliver practice‑leading consulting services to internal and external clients in the areas of conceptual model development, hydraulics, engineering design, mine water management, stormwater management, flood‑lines, hydrology, water conservation and demand management, water balances and mine water management.
• Direct and review water resource aspects of a range of international mining and water resources projects, including environmental assessments, environmental permitting, and engineering design projects.
• Climatic, hydrological, and hydraulic assessments, including fieldwork, data management, data analysis, and modelling.
• Integrated water management plans and completing conceptual design of water management infrastructure.
• Water balance modelling to assess water management solutions and to estimate water demand, treatment, storage, and discharge volumes.
• Pre‑feasibility, feasibility and detailed designs of water management infrastructure (e.g. open channels, sewers, culverts, spillways, energy dissipators, holding and settling ponds, pumping systems) including capital and operating cost estimates.
• Dam break analyses of water and tailings dams, including developing inundation maps, delineating self‑rescue zones and classifying dams in terms of risk to population, property and the environment.
• Dilution and assimilative capacity assessments of surface water receivers of effluent.
• Flood Risk Assessments (FRA) and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) design for land development projects.
• Assist with developing projects and services which support climate change reporting, resilience and adaptation, including nature‑based solutions.
• Participate in and direct multi‑disciplinary project teams on local, regional and international consulting projects, so they are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to client and WSP's standards.
• Achieve and maintain a utilisation target to be agreed with your People Manager and reviewed annually or as determined by specific business need.
• Undertake project‑based travel and site work, working away in the UK, Europe and internationally. The frequency and duration of this will depend on business and client need.

What We Will Be Looking For

• Bachelor degree in engineering, hydrology or a related field / postgraduate qualification in engineering or environmental management.
• Registered Chartered/Professional Engineer or member of a related professional body.
• Proactive approach in technical service delivery.
• Experience in developing client relationships and contributing to business and market share growth.
• Ability to operate within and guide high performing teams.
• Track record of winning work.
• Developed project delivery and direction experience.

Benefits

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.

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.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

#WeAreWSP

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.