At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value water projects, ensuring successful delivery and collaboration across teams.
- Company: Join MWH Treatment, a leader in the water sector with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday, and health insurance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the water industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and extensive project management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
We are looking to strengthen our Delivery team with a Programme Director on our CMDP JV Framework. You will report directly to the Framework Director and you will have full accountability for the successful delivery of high-value, high-risk projects involving multi stakeholders, often delivered under NEC4 contracts, alliance frameworks, or joint ventures. You will drive the integration of multi-disciplinary teams to deliver complex Water/Wastewater treatment facilities and related infrastructure. From early-stage design through to commissioning and handover, your leadership will be key to achieving best-in-class outcomes across programme, cost, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Strategic Project Leadership
- Provide overall direction and strategic leadership for large-scale Design & Build Water and Wastewater projects, aligning delivery with client and regulatory requirements (e.g., Ofwat, EA, DWI).
- Define and execute project delivery strategies, construction methodologies, and governance structures.
- Lead integrated design and delivery teams, ensuring collaboration between engineering, construction, commercial, commissioning and environmental functions.
- Design Management & Technical Assurance
- Oversee early-stage design development, feasibility studies, optioneering, and value engineering.
- Ensure robust technical solutions that meet asset performance, sustainability, and regulatory requirements.
- Champion the use of digital design tools (e.g. BIM Level 2+, Common Data Environments) and ensure design buildability.
- Construction Delivery & Programme Control
- Drive the execution of construction works through effective planning, contractor coordination, and performance management.
- Ensure alignment of construction activities with design intent, project milestones, and safety protocols.
- Maintain visibility on critical path activities, commissioning schedules, and final handover to operations teams.
- Commercial & Contract Management
- Full accountability for budget management and cost control across all project phases.
- Administer D&B contracts (typically NEC3/NEC4) and manage risk allocation, change control, and dispute resolution.
- Lead commercial negotiations, procurement strategy, and contractor/supplier engagement.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Client Interface
- Act as the senior representative to clients, framework partners, statutory bodies, and key internal stakeholders.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with Water Companies, Joint Venture partners, and delivery consortia.
- Lead stakeholder forums, site tours, community engagement, and client reporting.
- General
- Ensure your own continuous professional development by participating in external networking/conferences/associations/groups, to stay current on industry changes and innovations.
- Maintain a positive and solution-oriented approach to work, providing open and honest feedback.
- Undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this role.
- In all internal and external contact, present a professional and positive image of the department and MWH Treatment as well as maintaining mutually constructive, positive and beneficial relationships.
- Take all reasonable steps to ensure appropriate confidentiality.
About You
Essential
- Degree-qualified in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Engineering or a related field.
- Extensive experience as a Project Manager and strong experience as a Project Director or equivalent leadership role.
- Strong understanding of UK water sector frameworks (e.g., AMP7/AMP8), CDM 2015, and regulatory bodies (Ofwat, EA, DWI).
- High-level strategic thinking and the ability to deliver complex projects under time, budget, and regulatory pressure.
- Leadership of integrated design and construction teams across multidisciplinary project environments.
- Deep commercial knowledge including NEC3/NEC4 contracts, alliance models, and risk management.
- Strong technical acumen with the ability to challenge and guide design and engineering solutions.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication at board, JV, and operational levels.
Desirable:
- Chartered Engineer (CEng), MICE, MIET, or equivalent professional membership.
- Experience working within or alongside major water companies (e.g. Thames, Severn Trent, Anglian, United Utilities).
- Familiarity with modern construction technologies, digital twins, and smart infrastructure.
Technical Competencies: Expert
- Contract Management
- Governance
- Budgeting and cost control
- Risk, Opportunities and issue management
- Project Planning (schedule)
- Digital Delivery
- Procurement (negotiations and management)
- Solutions development (pre-construction / design development)
- Client, stakeholder and conflict management
- Resource management
- Change management
- Quality management
Behavioural competencies: Expert
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Client Focus
- Striving for Results
- Integrity, Trust and Respect
- Coaching and Providing Feedback
- Leadership
About Us
MWH Treatment is an integrated design and build provider working in the water sector. With over 1400 staff working across eight regional centres, supporting six long-term water sector frameworks and two recently won frameworks, operating both as a sole contractor but also in joint ventures and alliances.
At MWH Treatment we believe that people matter. We know to build successful, creative teams we need a diverse workforce that can deliver innovative ways of thinking. We provide an environment where you will have the freedom to develop and grow to your full potential, creating opportunity by inviting, embracing, and celebrating difference, our goal as an employer is to motivate, and develop our employees. By fostering a diverse range of talents and perspectives we ensure we have the breadth of viewpoints, experiences, and skills needed to succeed. Embracing diversity of all kinds enables us to provide a work environment and culture that plays a key role in attracting and retaining the right people with the right skills.
As signatories to the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, we have made a promise to support our forces, working with the CTP to help ex veterans find work in the civilian world. We also support Mates in Mind, a charitable programme to improve and promote positive mental health in the workplace. We don’t just tick boxes; we live these values every day.
What MWH offer
Packages include:
- A competitive salary
- Hybrid Working (Jobs needs dependent)
- Car/car allowance (Jobs needs dependent)
- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays (with an additional 5 days available to buy)
- Contribution Pension scheme
- Life Assurance
- Health Insurance
- Private Medical Insurance
- And many more benefits including – cycle to work scheme, discounts and savings Hub, Kids Pass etc.
Water Programme Director employer: MWH Treatment
MWH Treatment is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a dynamic work culture that embraces diversity and innovation. With a commitment to professional development, competitive benefits including hybrid working options, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive health insurance, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to impactful water sector projects. Located across eight regional centres, MWH Treatment fosters collaboration and creativity, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the water industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Programme Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a strong online presence on platforms like LinkedIn. Share insights, articles, or even your thoughts on recent projects in the water sector to position yourself as a thought leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're the perfect fit for their team.
✨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 and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Programme Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Water Programme Director role. Highlight your experience with NEC4 contracts and multi-disciplinary teams, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've led complex projects in the past. Share specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to manage diverse teams effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at MWH Treatment
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've worked on, especially those related to water and wastewater treatment. Be ready to discuss your role in detail, including how you managed multi-disciplinary teams and navigated complex regulatory environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Programme Director, your leadership will be crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead integrated design and delivery teams. Discuss how you've successfully aligned project delivery with client and regulatory requirements, and how you foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Technical Acumen
Brush up on your technical knowledge, particularly around NEC4 contracts and digital design tools like BIM. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured robust technical solutions in past projects and how you can challenge and guide design and engineering solutions effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder engagement is key in this role. Think of specific instances where you've built and maintained trusted relationships with clients and partners. Be ready to share how you’ve led stakeholder forums or community engagements, showcasing your communication skills and client focus.
