Technical Director - Coastal Engineering / Hydraulics in Plymouth

Technical Director - Coastal Engineering / Hydraulics in Plymouth

Plymouth Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Arcadis

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative coastal engineering projects and mentor a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability and diversity.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on major infrastructure projects while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Strong background in coastal processes and experience in leading projects.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Due to a growing portfolio of high-impact projects across the UK and internationally, our WME team is seeking a Technical Director to support our continued expansion. You will join a dynamic, collaborative team of over 30 professionals delivering integrated services across:

  • River and coastal engineering
  • Dams and reservoirs
  • Waterways
  • Ports and maritime infrastructure
  • Flood risk management
  • Climate adaptation
  • Nature-based solutions
  • Asset management

We are actively strengthening our capabilities in coastal engineering and contributing to major international infrastructure programmes. Our diverse portfolio spans the full asset lifecycle, from feasibility and design to construction supervision and asset refurbishment, and includes bespoke client services such as cost assurance, independent technical reviews, and strategic advisory.

Role accountabilities:

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, driving technical excellence and strategic growth.
  • Lead technical delivery across WME projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
  • Mentor and develop team members, fostering innovation and continuous learning.
  • Promote and integrate emerging technologies into project delivery.
  • Collaborate across disciplines and geographies to deliver integrated solutions.
  • Represent Arcadis externally through thought leadership and professional engagement.
  • Embed health, safety, and sustainability in all aspects of project work.
  • Manage a team of 3–5 staff, supporting welfare, career development, and resourcing.
  • Expand capabilities in coastal engineering, scour analysis, and hydraulics.
  • Lead bid development and contribute to commercial and technical tendering.
  • Maintain technical oversight, ensuring quality and financial accountability.
  • Manage projects effectively, including planning, coordination, subcontractor management, and client communication.
  • Oversee commercial aspects including contracts, invoicing, and client engagement.
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and promote a safety-first culture.

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Strong technical background in coastal processes, scour assessment, and hydraulic design.
  • Experience on major infrastructure projects in marine and river environments; experience with dams and reservoirs is advantageous.
  • Proven ability to lead design, inspection, and asset management projects.
  • Demonstrated success in client engagement, proposal development, and commercial delivery.
  • Experienced team leader and line manager.
  • Degree in Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, Water Resources, or Engineering Hydrology.
  • Chartered status with CIWEM or ICE.
  • Membership of the DEFRA Panel of Reservoir Engineers is desirable.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging:

We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We believe that by working together diverse people with different experiences develop the most innovative ideas. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of how we improve quality of life and we work closely with our people across six ED&I Workstreams: Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+ and Race. A diverse and skilled workforce is essential to our success.

Technical Director - Coastal Engineering / Hydraulics in Plymouth employer: Arcadis

At WME, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation among our diverse team of professionals. As a Technical Director in Coastal Engineering / Hydraulics, you will benefit from extensive opportunities for personal and professional growth, while contributing to impactful projects that address critical environmental challenges. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion ensures that every employee can thrive and bring their best selves to work, making WME a truly rewarding place to advance your career.

Arcadis

Contact Details:

Arcadis Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Technical Director - Coastal Engineering / Hydraulics in Plymouth

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your technical expertise in coastal engineering and hydraulics. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on and how you’ve driven success. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through!

Prepare for Interviews

Do your homework before any interview! Research the company, understand their projects, and think about how your skills align with their needs. We recommend practising common interview questions and preparing some thoughtful questions to ask them too. It shows you’re genuinely interested!

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s make it happen together!

We think you need these skills to ace Technical Director - Coastal Engineering / Hydraulics in Plymouth

Coastal Engineering
Hydraulic Design
Scour Analysis
Project Management
Client Engagement
Technical Delivery
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Technical Director role. Highlight your expertise in coastal engineering, hydraulics, and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about coastal engineering and how your background aligns with our mission. Be sure to mention any innovative solutions you've implemented in past roles.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Technical Director, you'll be leading a team and driving projects forward. Share examples of how you've mentored others or led successful projects in your application. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and develop their teams!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the details you need to submit your application. We can't wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Arcadis

Know Your Technical Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of coastal processes, scour assessment, and hydraulic design. Be ready to discuss your experience with major infrastructure projects and how you've tackled challenges in marine and river environments.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Technical Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've developed team members and fostered innovation in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing projects and client relationships.

Understand the Company’s Values

Familiarise yourself with the company's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these values and promote a safety-first culture in your work.

Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios

Think about how you would approach client engagement and proposal development. Have specific examples ready that showcase your success in these areas, as well as your ability to drive technical excellence and strategic growth.