Associate​/Associate Director; LLFA & Flood Risk Management

Job Description

Due to strong and sustained growth in our Sustainable Water Management business, we are seeking experienced applicants to join our team and strengthen our project delivery and technical capability on flood risk management projects for Local Authority clients.

We are looking for Associate or Associate Directors who can take a leadership role in our Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, Cardiff or Leeds offices with strong experience working with local authority flood management teams. You must have a competent understanding of key legislation and policies such as the Flood Risk Management Act, National Planning Framework 4, SEPA guidance and local authority policies.

• Engage positively and professionally with clients, developing a trusted advisor role.
• Lead the delivery of good‑quality technical deliverables to clients, often as technical reviewer and approver.
• Support and mentor junior colleagues, overseeing small project teams.
• Manage and direct projects effectively, balancing programme, budget and quality requirements.
• Contribute to and lead opportunities to secure projects and extensions to existing projects.
• Demonstrate positive H&S behaviours and champion this across the team.
• Play a key role in growing WSP’s technical capability, knowledge and innovation base to develop new services for clients.

• Experience in flood risk management with local authorities or a combination of public and private sector flood risk management experience.
• Demonstrable experience of understanding budgets and leading delivery of projects or technical outputs related to flood risk management or sustainable drainage.
• Understanding of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, the Land Drainage Act and the Planning Practice Guidance:
  Flood Risk and Coastal Change.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; experience in supporting and mentoring junior colleagues and liaising with senior colleagues.
• Knowledge and understanding of surface‑water drainage modelling and Sustainable Drainage Systems.
• Experience in preparing Local Flood Risk Management Strategies and Strategic Flood Risk Assessments.
• Demonstrable experience in technical report writing and checking.
• Confidence in presenting and leading meetings with team members and clients.

• Work‑life balance with hybrid working policy – up to two days working from home.
• Inclusivity and belonging – culture of inclusion and employee resource groups.
• Health & wellbeing support – Thrive programme, virtual GP service, gym flexibility, menopause support.
• Flexible working arrangements, part‑time options, additional leave purchase and bank holiday utilisation.
• Professional development – training, mentoring and chartership support.

The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) statement:
We 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.