At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse water resources projects and mentor a dynamic team.
- Company: Join APEM's Freshwater Ecosystems division, a respected leader in water management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of water resources while supporting and inspiring your team.
- Qualifications: Experience in water resources management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced water resources professional who enjoys leading teams as much as delivering high-quality technical work? Do you thrive helping others build confidence, capability and consistency while ensuring complex projects are delivered successfully?
We're looking for an Associate Director - Water Resources to join APEM's Freshwater Ecosystems division. This is a key leadership role within a growing and evolving team. While strategic growth and direction are important, the immediate priority for this role is ensuring the effective delivery of work which includes supporting the team, maintaining momentum across projects and helping create stability, confidence and capability during a period of change and growth.
You’ll lead the delivery of a diverse portfolio of water resources projects, spanning hydrological assessments, drought and WRMP support, abstraction impact assessments, water resources modelling and strategic planning studies. Our work supports water companies, regulators and infrastructure clients to better understand risk, improve resilience and make informed, evidence‑led decisions.
Alongside technical leadership, a major part of this role is people leadership. You’ll work closely with an established but developing team, supporting and mentoring colleagues at different stages of their careers. This role would suit someone with a rounded technical background and a collaborative leadership style; someone who enjoys bringing people together, building confidence and helping teams perform at their best.
This is an opportunity to play a visible role within a highly respected freshwater business at a time of continued growth across the UK and Ireland.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading the delivery of complex water resources and hydrology projects to time, budget and quality standards
- Supporting and mentoring team members, helping build capability, confidence and consistency across the team
- Providing technical leadership across areas such as WRMP, drought planning, abstraction assessments and strategic studies
- Working closely with water companies, regulators and infrastructure clients to provide clear, evidence‑led advice
- Supporting resource planning and ensuring projects are effectively coordinated and delivered
- Contributing to tenders, business development and client relationship management
- Supporting collaborative working across Freshwater Ecosystems and the wider Water business
- Helping shape and strengthen team culture, ways of working and continuous improvement
What we’re looking for:
- Significant professional experience within water resources management, hydrology or a related discipline within a UK setting
- Strong technical understanding of water resources planning, drought planning and associated environmental assessments
- Experience leading and delivering complex consultancy projects
- A collaborative and supportive leadership style, with experience mentoring or managing others
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience working with water companies, regulators or infrastructure clients
- Commercial awareness and understanding of project delivery and financial performance
- The ability to create confidence and clarity within teams during periods of change and growth
It’s a bonus if you have:
- Chartered status or equivalent professional accreditation
- Experience with water resource modelling tools and approaches
- Knowledge of climate resilience and catchment‑based approaches
Water Resources Leader: Strategy, Delivery & Mentorship in Manchester employer: APEM
APEM is an exceptional employer that prioritises both professional growth and a collaborative work culture, making it an ideal place for water resources professionals. With a focus on mentorship and team development, employees are empowered to lead complex projects while contributing to meaningful environmental outcomes across the UK and Ireland. The company's commitment to continuous improvement and strategic growth ensures that team members thrive in a supportive environment, enhancing their skills and career trajectories.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Resources Leader: Strategy, Delivery & Mentorship in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the water resources field and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨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 complex projects in the past. We want to see your passion for mentoring others!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! During interviews, highlight examples of how you've worked with water companies, regulators, and clients to deliver evidence-led advice. This will demonstrate your ability to build relationships and drive project success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search and genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Resources Leader: Strategy, Delivery & Mentorship in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in water resources management and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:Since this role is all about people leadership, share examples of how you've mentored or supported team members in the past. We love to see collaborative approaches, so let us know how you bring teams together!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your technical expertise and project delivery experience. Make it easy for us to see your strengths!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at APEM
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to water resources management and hydrology. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving WRMP, drought planning, and environmental assessments. This will show that you not only understand the theory but also have practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since this role involves mentoring and leading a team, be ready to share examples of how you've supported and developed others in previous positions. Talk about your collaborative approach and how you’ve helped build confidence and capability within your teams during challenging times.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex topics. Think about how you can convey evidence-led advice to clients and stakeholders in a way that’s easy to understand.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the water resources sector, particularly in the UK. Being aware of the regulatory landscape and the needs of water companies and infrastructure clients will help you demonstrate your commercial awareness and strategic thinking during the interview.
