Associate Technical Director

Overview

My Client is recruiting for an Associate Technical Director in the Water Sector. This role is pivotal to the growth and success of our water and wastewater engineering projects, overseeing the development and delivery of water and wastewater treatment solutions. The Associate Technical Director will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams across treatment-focused projects including clean water treatment, wastewater treatment, sludge handling, pumping, and process infrastructure.

The role involves steering technical delivery, fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, and building strong relationships with clients to ensure the seamless execution of projects. It offers a rewarding balance of technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and career growth opportunities within a supportive and innovative organisation.

• Provide strategic direction and coordination across teams to ensure alignment with organisational objectives and operational excellence.
• Lead the technical delivery of water and wastewater treatment projects, ensuring effective integration of process, mechanical, electrical, and civil disciplines throughout design and delivery phases.
• Foster a high‑performing engineering culture through mentoring, capability development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain trusted client relationships and framework partnerships, providing strategic guidance and influencing successful project outcomes.
• Oversee project delivery, programme performance, and commercial controls to ensure successful and efficient execution.
• Support business development activities, contributing to framework growth, repeat business, and the successful pursuit of new opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant legislation, industry standards, and internal governance procedures.
• Contribute to recruitment and resource planning strategies to support sustainable business growth and technical capability development.

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical, Civil, Process, Environmental or related Engineering discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) preferred, or demonstrable progression toward chartership.
• Strong technical background in the design and delivery of clean water and wastewater treatment solutions, including process infrastructure, pumping systems, sludge handling, and multidisciplinary treatment projects.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams, mentoring technical staff, and driving high performance within fast‑paced project environments.
• Demonstrable experience delivering projects within UK water industry frameworks and regulated environments, with a strong understanding of programme, commercial, and delivery pressures.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with clients, contractors, supply chain partners, and internal stakeholders, with strong communication and influencing skills.
• Commercially astute with an understanding of project financials, business growth, resource planning, and the strategic development of engineering capabilities.
• Comprehensive understanding of UK water industry specifications, process engineering principles, and relevant standards including WIMES, DSEAR, CDM, and health & safety legislation.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making capability, with the ability to manage technical complexity, resolve challenges effectively, and drive practical engineering solutions.

Based at our office in Fleet, Hampshire, the role will involve leading a dynamic team within a collaborative, fast‑paced, and innovative environment. The role will involve regular engagement with clients, framework partners and project teams across the UK, with flexibility to travel where required. As a senior leadership position, the role offers significant influence across both project delivery and wider business operations.