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- Tasks: Lead and shape the future of freshwater quality services in a dynamic consultancy environment.
- Company: Join APEM, a world-class environmental consultancy with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on freshwater quality and drive sustainable growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in the UK water sector and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive team culture with support for personal development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
APEM's Water Quality team continues to grow at pace, and as such we are now seeking an Associate Director â Freshwater Quality to play a central leadership role within our Freshwater division. This is a senior opportunity for a passionate and experienced freshwater professional with demonstrable experience in the UK water sector; ideally gained within consultancy, leading teams delivering services to water company clients. You will join the wider Water Sector leadership team and take responsibility for operational delivery, commercial performance and the continued development of our freshwater quality service offering.
The Water Quality Division has expanded significantly in the past year, bringing together investigations, monitoring, assessments and interpretive consultancy services across rivers, reservoirs, lakes, ponds and transitional freshwater environments. You will help shape and drive this growth, ensuring excellence in technical delivery while strengthening client relationships and unlocking new opportunities.
This is a highly visible leadership role. You will work closely with the Divisional Director, Senior Leadership Team and Business Partners to deliver operational resilience, sustainable growth and a high-performance culture. Alongside strong UK water sector experience, wider industry exposure, contractual understanding and commercial awareness will be highly valued.
If you are an experienced consultant and people leader who thrives in complex, multi-disciplinary environments and is motivated to shape strategy as well as delivery, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
What weâre looking for
- Demonstrable experience within the UK water sector, ideally leading consultancy teams servicing water company clients
- Strong technical expertise in freshwater quality and environmental monitoring
- Proven ability to lead operational delivery across multiple projects, ensuring performance to time, budget and quality
- Experience managing and developing highâperforming teams
- Strong stakeholder and client management skills, with proven industry relationships
- Knowledge of the full project lifecycle including bidding, tendering and commercial delivery
- Confidence working collaboratively across leadership teams to drive growth and capability
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Itâs a bonus if you have
- Experience beyond the UK water sector
- Strong contractual and commercial management experience
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field
- Chartered status or membership of a relevant professional body
- Experience in water quality modelling, data interpretation or applied data consultancy
- Exposure to consultancy delivery outside of the UK
We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you canât tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area â we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.
If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need is some basic information and your CV; we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applicants.
About Us
APEM is a world-class environmental consultancy with a strong reputation for technical excellence and trusted client relationships. Our Water Quality Division operates at the forefront of freshwater investigations, monitoring and interpretive consultancy, supporting water companies and other clients across the UK. As part of the APEM Group, and within a growing global structure, we continue to expand our capability and market reach. This role offers the opportunity to influence divisional strategy, strengthen industry partnerships and contribute to sustainable, longâterm growth.
Associate Director - Freshwater Quality in Manchester employer: APEM
Contact Detail:
APEM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Freshwater Quality in Manchester
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the UK water sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a new role. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise in freshwater quality.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams and delivered projects in the past, as this will resonate with hiring managers looking for someone to drive operational delivery.
â¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for freshwater quality! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who not only has the experience but also genuinely cares about the work.
â¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the quickest way for us to see your application and get back to you. Plus, we love hearing from candidates who are excited about joining our growing team at APEM.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Freshwater Quality in Manchester
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for freshwater quality shine through. We want to see that youâre not just qualified, but genuinely excited about making a difference in the UK water sector.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in consultancy and team leadership. Weâre looking for specific examples of how youâve delivered projects on time and within budget, so donât hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that get straight to the point without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the easiest way for us to receive your application, and we promise to review it quickly. Plus, it shows youâre keen to join our growing team at APEM.
How to prepare for a job interview at APEM
â¨Know Your Freshwater Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical expertise in freshwater quality and environmental monitoring. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led, the challenges you faced, and how you ensured operational delivery across multiple projects.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this is a senior role, it's crucial to demonstrate your experience in managing and developing high-performing teams. Prepare examples of how you've motivated your team, resolved conflicts, and fostered a high-performance culture in previous roles.
â¨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with the full project lifecycle, including bidding and tendering processes. Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to commercial performance and operational resilience in past positions, as this will be key to your success in the role.
â¨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Strong stakeholder and client management skills are essential. Think of instances where you've built relationships with clients or partners, and be ready to share how youâve unlocked new opportunities through collaboration and effective communication.