Water Framework Directive; WFD Associate Director

Water Framework Directive (WFD) Associate Director

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact As part of a 2000 strong team with extensive reach back into multidisciplinary special teams within our global Jacobs family, in this newly created role you will play a vital role in supporting Water Framework Directive assessments, Environmental Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, alongside undertaking the delivery of consenting and advisory solutions applied to major high‑profile national infrastructure projects across water utilities, power, port and maritime developments, and transport schemes across the UK and Ireland.

• Deliver complex projects across WFD, river basin management, and other water‑related regulatory frameworks (CAR, EIA, HRA).
• Identify WFD water bodies, evaluate their ecological status, and assess construction impacts.
• Serve as the first point of contact (subject‑matter expert advice) to clients, stakeholders and regulatory bodies, applying knowledge of WFD derogation rules and surface water management to deliver successful outcomes.
• Develop and implement appropriate mitigation measures and strategies across potential construction‑related impacts.
• Act as a key interface across multi‑discipline project teams, creating a collaborative culture and expediting effective solutions.
• Take an active role in your own and colleagues’ professional development through our Global Career Framework, Chartership Academy Programme, Employee Networks and our Communities of Practice networks.
• Be integral to the development of innovative and creative solutions to enable and facilitate growth and diversification.

• Chartered with a relevant degree / MSc.
• Demonstrable experience of Waterbody assessment WFD water bodies, their evaluation and ecological status.
• A track record in working with regulatory bodies to ensure governance and compliance.
• An established solutions and commercial mindset, able to convert innovative and new ideas into opportunities.
• In‑depth understanding of the water industry landscape, including market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging challenges.
• Collaborative leadership skills, with experience of delivering complex projects in a client‑focused environment.

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.