Technical Director - Hydrogeology Lead

Job Description

We are seeking to appoint a talented, enthusiastic and committed Technical Director to lead a range of projects undertaken by the Catchment Science team within our Sustainable Water Management Consulting (SWMC) group and play a lead role in the learning and development of the hydro geologists within the team. This role offers significant scope for progression as we grow our technical services and plan for future leadership over the next five years.

• Lead major groundwater and water resources projects, covering modeling, flooding, monitoring, water quality, hydrogeological conceptualisation and EIA, supporting decision‑making for nationally important projects.
• Shape the future of groundwater capability in the business, guiding junior and mid‑level hydro geologists, developing structured training and leading capability growth and succession planning over the next five years.
• Influence the technical direction of a national team, contributing to innovation, defining scopes and approaches, and collaborating closely with senior leaders across Sustainable Water Management and Ground and Water specialists.
• Help secure future work and strengthen client relationships, preparing high quality proposals, identifying new opportunities and supporting framework delivery to maintain and grow a strong project pipeline.
• Collaborate across disciplines and across the world, working with teams in hydrogeology, EIA, water resources, mining and international WSP colleagues to deliver integrated project outcomes.

• Strong experience in groundwater and water environment assessment, including groundwater and water resources modeling, EIA, WFD, conceptualisation and site investigation.
• A strong understanding of UK hydrogeology and the regulatory framework for water management.
• Proven ability to lead and direct projects from inception to delivery, including financial and programme management.
• Experience with framework delivery is desirable.
• Clear understanding of client needs with a track record of winning work and securing repeat business.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, engage and develop junior colleagues.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience identifying opportunities and preparing successful proposals.
• Excellent report writing, analytical and technical review skills, with the ability to solve challenging hydrogeological and hydrological problems.
• Chartered status (or equivalent senior standing).
• MSc Hydrogeology combined with a BSc degree in a related discipline (e.g., geology, geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, environmental science).

• Work‑life balance – Hybrid working policy with the flexibility to work from home two days a week, and opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging – Welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences and support a culture of inclusion and belonging.
• Health & Wellbeing – Support through the Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, and a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time – WSP My Hour allows taking one hour each day for personal activities and the option to purchase additional leave or use bank holiday entitlement as needed.
• Your development – Investment in growth through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

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.