Associate Director (Water & Flood Risk)

We’re looking for a highly experienced and inspiring Associate Director to contribute to the day-to-day management and leadership of our Water & Flood discipline. This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to make a real impact within a talented and growing team of engineers and consultants. You will bring 10–15 years’ experience and a deep understanding of UK planning policy and legislation relating to flood risk and drainage. You’ll be accomplished in providing strategic advice and solving complex challenges for developments across a wide range of sectors, working with both public and private sector clients. You’ll be helping to deliver excellence whilst driving growth and innovation. Working alongside like-minded professionals across the UK, you’ll contribute to a dynamic and supportive team culture.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Provide leadership and day-to-day support to the Technical Director, including managing junior team members, forecasting workloads, and supporting strategic decision-making.
• Act as Project Manager across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Support planning appeals, public inquiries, and examinations in public, including preparation of proofs of evidence and expert witness testimony.
• Undertake technical reviews to ensure high standards and quality across all project outputs.
• Manage project billing and financial performance.
• Support the continued growth and development of the Water Team within Create and the wider planning sector.
• Represent the discipline internally and externally as a subject matter expert.
• Advise clients on compliance, risk, and mitigation strategies across a range of development sectors.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships at senior levels.
• Lead or support bids, tenders, and new business opportunities.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to junior and senior members of the team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• A degree in Civil Engineering, Earth Science, Geography, or a related subject.
• Significant consultancy experience in flood risk and drainage.
• Exceptional technical expertise with strong knowledge of UK legislation and guidance, including drainage design (surface water and foul water), hydraulic modelling, river engineering, and flood risk assessment.
• Experience preparing and managing Environment Agency (EA) and Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) permit applications, Nutrient Neutrality and Water Neutrality assessments, and water-related Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) chapters.
• Proven success securing LLFA and LPA approvals and overcoming technical objections.
• Demonstrable experience winning and delivering large, complex projects for high-profile clients.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify and develop new business opportunities.
• An inspiring leadership style, with experience mentoring and developing teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting at senior level.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

WHAT WILL HELP YOU STAND OUT

• A master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as Integrated Management of Freshwater Environments, Environmental Science, or Environmental Engineering.
• Chartered status (CEng, C.WEM, or similar).
• A recognised industry profile through publications, presentations, committee work, or thought leadership.
• Experience influencing policy, standards, or industry best practice.
• Experience integrating flood risk and drainage considerations with wider environmental and engineering disciplines on major schemes.
• A working knowledge of social and digital media channels with a view to using these to promote not only your work but also the business.

WHY JOIN CREATE?

• A competitive salary (based on experience and location) and performance-based bonus scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements – our guiding principle is simple: if a flexible working arrangement works for you, your manager, and your team, it works for us.
• Pet-friendly offices – well-behaved dogs are always welcome.
• Enhanced workplace pension – company makes a 5% contribution.
• Flexible holiday allowance (buy or sell annual leave).
• Role-related benefits such as a mobile phone and access to a vehicle.
• Two paid professional memberships per year.
• Octopus EV salary sacrifice scheme.
• Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme.
• Season ticket loan.
• Clear progression pathways and leadership development.
• Mentoring, CPD and knowledge-sharing events.
• A collaborative, diverse, and inclusive workplace culture.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups in our industry, and from ex-armed forces personnel looking to bring their skills and experience into a new career. If you have specific requirements or need adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know – we’ll do everything we can to accommodate you.

A NOTE TO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES

We prefer to hire directly. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies. We recognise the role recruitment agencies play in our industry and we have a preferred list of suppliers for some specific roles. Agency fees will only be paid where terms have been agreed in advance with our Managing Director. Unsolicited CVs will not be eligible for fees. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role(s) listed above.

READY TO APPLY?

Use the button below to submit your CV and a covering letter telling us why you’re the right fit for this role. You’re also welcome to include any supporting information – such as example reports or project case studies – that you feel will help us in shortlisting your application.