Water Resources Planner & Optioneering Specialist

As a major engineering, environmental and design consultancy, AtkinsRéalis offers opportunities for talented professionals to work on a wide variety of high-profile projects. We support our clients in making the right strategic investment decisions for critical infrastructure in areas as diverse as water resources, flood management, green infrastructure and transportation. We work for clients across the UK and overseas, including central government, regulators, water companies, NGOs and local authorities.

Our highly respected Water Management Consultancy team is at the forefront of managing the challenges of providing resilient and sustainable water supplies for the future. With several significant wins recently across the country, our key projects include delivering Water Resource Management Plans and developing high‑profile Strategic Resource Options (SROs). Our team specialises in the concept‑level design and development of water resource systems all the way from existing, enhanced or new raw water sources through to potable water distribution to customers. We support our clients throughout identification, appraisal and decision‑making stages. This typically encompasses the engineering design and viability, environmental assessment and financial appraisal stages, drawing in specialists from our multi‑disciplinary teams.

Your role includes:

• Taking an important role in delivering water resource planning and optioneering across our extensive client portfolio, contributing to our reputation for technical excellence.
• Being part of a dynamic and energised project delivery team; working alongside specialists from other disciplines where appropriate.
• Delivering technical appraisals and making informed recommendations for engineering decisions and judgements to the delivery team lead.
• Proactively seeking improvements to the development and representation of technical options in decision‑making processes.
• Producing high‑quality deliverables and being able to analyse, interpret and present complex data.
• Working as part of a delivery workflow, ensuring clear traceability of information, data and consistency.
• Maintaining relationships with our key clients, strengthening your own and AtkinsRéalis' reputation in water resource option development and appraisal.

About You:

• Experience working in the UK water industry and experience of technical contribution to water resource planning, water supply or similar projects.
• Excellent problem‑solving ability with the capability to carry out concept level engineering design development and appraisal tasks such as initial asset sizing and cost estimation.
• Ability to see the 'bigger picture' and provide attention to detail to ensure robustness in both concept and engineering viability.
• An appreciation of raw and potable water supply transfer systems, water storage and treatment.
• An appreciation of delivery, implementation and operational risks associated with water resource and water supply projects.
• Ability to engage with our clients collaboratively, and work with the delivery team to thoroughly understand activities required to deliver the needs of our clients.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to contribute to technical discussions with colleagues in a logical and coherent manner.
• Provide clear technical writing and presentation, including visualisation and interpretation of complex data - both numerical, written and verbal.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and positive, flexible outlook.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (in English).
• An ability to comply with Quality Assurance Management Systems.
• Relevant degree or vocational qualification, preferably in a civil engineering subject area.
• Working towards Chartered status with a relevant professional institution (i.e. ICE or CIWEM), would be advantageous.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salaries, employee rewards and a range of benefits tailored to support your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices.
• Opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise.
• Hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances.

Security clearance may be required for this role and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. We offer a range of family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria.