Technical Director (Flood Risk) in Oxford

Technical Director (Flood Risk) in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
HR Wallingford

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative flood risk projects and deliver smart solutions for clients.
  • Company: Join HR Wallingford, a non-profit focused on sustainable water management.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, health insurance, and a strong pension scheme.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive, inclusive culture await you.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in flood risk management while inspiring the next generation.
  • Qualifications: 15+ years in flood management with strong project delivery and people skills.

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

At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Technical Director to join our Water and Climate Division, focusing on the flood risk sector and taking a leading role in delivering smart and innovative research and consultancy solutions for our clients.

A range of typical areas of expertise and experience required for this position would include:

  • Strong expertise in flood management methods and their application in the UK and internationally, including planning and measures, and the use of hydrological and hydraulic modelling in flood management;
  • Delivering complex flood-related projects in the UK and internationally, such as large-scale flood hazard modelling and mapping, and flood risk studies;
  • Excellent understanding and exposure to solving problems relating to urban flood risk and water quality risk management;
  • Ability to win work in this technical area, including writing successful proposals;
  • Technical innovation in flood management methods, and in measures such as Property Flood Resilience, and Natural Flood Management;
  • Training course delivery to external clients, and mentoring of internal, junior staff.

About the role: We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual with specialist flood risk expertise who can lead the further development of new ideas and solutions, whilst providing confident project delivery and technical support for our clients. The role will span both research and consultancy projects – requiring both a strong technical background and excellent proposal, project management and project direction skills.

About you: You will have at least 15 years of proven track record managing complex, multi-disciplinary delivery of water projects relating to flood risk. You will have excellent understanding and exposure to flood management methods and their application in the UK and internationally. You will have an extensive project management and delivery track record (ideally of projects involving hydrological and hydraulic modelling). You will be able to demonstrate commercial acumen through successful work winning, commercial stewardship, and client relationship development. You will have taken a leading role on projects in the UK and overseas, having the ability to drive change through innovative thinking and solutions, and the capacity to inspire others through training and mentoring. Good people skills are also important to us.

A typical day for you could involve preparing a technical proposal, directing a flood risk management project team, discussing ideas for flood-related research and innovation projects, writing a paper for a peer-reviewed journal or leading meetings with clients and funding agencies. You will hold Chartered status with a relevant professional institution (e.g. MICE) and commitment to professional progression.

Why choose us?

  • Exceptional benefits: Enjoy a defined contribution pension scheme with a minimum 10% employer contribution (matched up to an additional 5%), 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, and health insurance providing dental/optical cash back.
  • Inclusive culture: Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is embedded in our core values.
  • Inspiring the next generation: We are passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists through outreach with our STEM Ambassadors.
  • Reach your full potential: We invest in our people, offering a chance to make a real impact from day one.
  • Work-life balance: We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer both hybrid working and flexi time. We are also open to exploring other flexible working arrangements, including part-time.

HR Wallingford is a non-profit-distributing organisation allowing us to reinvest into strategic research and innovation. This ensures that our staff have the opportunity to work on exciting research and development projects to create the next-generation tools and technology and to apply them to solve water related problems around the world in novel ways. Collaboration and teamworking is at our core, both internally and with industry and academic partners. Consequently, we actively encourage ongoing training and development opportunities and pride ourselves on our open, inclusive and supportive work environment.

Salary: £75,000+ (dependent on experience)

Closing date for applications is 26th July 2026. HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.

Technical Director (Flood Risk) in Oxford employer: HR Wallingford

At HR Wallingford, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive training opportunities and support for professional development, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance with flexible working arrangements. Join us in making a meaningful impact on global water challenges, backed by competitive benefits and a culture that values diversity and inclusion.

HR Wallingford

Contact Details:

HR Wallingford Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Technical Director (Flood Risk) in Oxford

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We think you need these skills to ace Technical Director (Flood Risk) in Oxford

Flood Management Methods
Hydrological Modelling
Hydraulic Modelling
Project Management
Proposal Writing
Client Relationship Development
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at HR Wallingford.

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Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Technical Director (Flood Risk) at HR Wallingford. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.

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How to prepare for a job interview at HR Wallingford

Brush Up on Environmental Regulations

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Showcase Your Technical Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.

Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability

In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show HR Wallingford that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.

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