Practice Leader - Hydrology & Hydrogeology

Lead and grow a capability that shapes sustainable water environments. SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people‑first culture. Opportunities like this are rare. We are seeking a Practice Leader to lead and expand our established Hydrology and Hydrogeology team across the UK and Ireland.

Our Hydrology and Hydrogeology Practice is a team of ~75 specialists delivering technical excellence across surface water, groundwater and geochemistry, supporting projects that contribute to Net Zero and sustainable development. Ideally based in London, Manchester, Bristol or Edinburgh, you’ll lead a diverse portfolio spanning power & distribution, infrastructure, mining & minerals and the built environment, with projects across the UK, Ireland and wider Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

• Lead the operational performance of the practice, ensuring effective coordination, prioritisation and delivery.
• Provide oversight and direction to project managers and technical leads, to ensure safe, timely and high‑quality delivery.
• Drive effective utilisation, resource and workforce planning, to optimise team performance.
• Manage, coach and develop a team of specialists – fostering a strong, collaborative and high‑performing culture.
• Build client relationships and ensure consistent service delivery.
• Support pipeline development and contribute to practice growth.
• Work closely with senior colleagues across SLR, collaborating across disciplines to deliver complex, multi‑sector projects.

• Competitive salary with discretionary bonus.
• Company pension.
• Private medical insurance.
• Life, income, and travel insurance.
• Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle to work schemes.
• Flexible, hybrid and agile working.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays.
• Buy or sell leave options.
• Core working hours.
• Cross‑border remote working and sabbatical opportunities.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave pay.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and specialist support for mental health, stress, and menopause.

• You’re an experienced leader with strong technical credibility and a proven track record of leading high‑performing teams and overseeing the successful delivery of complex work.
• Substantial experience in hydrology, hydrogeology or a related discipline within consultancy.
• Proven experience leading teams and overseeing delivery across a portfolio of projects.
• Strong operational and resource management skills, with the ability to optimise team performance.
• Experience delivering work across sectors such as infrastructure, energy or the built environment.
• Strong client management skills, with the ability to build trusted, long‑term relationships.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a focus on coaching and development.
• A degree in a relevant discipline and membership of a relevant professional body (or working towards).

Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

If this Practice Leader – Hydrology and Hydrogeology role feels like a great fit for your experience and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.