At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team shaping sustainable water environments and oversee diverse projects across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: SLR, a global leader in sustainability solutions with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and comprehensive health insurance.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in hydrology or hydrogeology with strong client management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Lead and grow a capability that shapes sustainable water environments. SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people‑first culture. Opportunities like this are rare. We are seeking a Practice Leader to lead and expand our established Hydrology and Hydrogeology team across the UK and Ireland.
Our Hydrology and Hydrogeology Practice is a team of ~75 specialists delivering technical excellence across surface water, groundwater and geochemistry, supporting projects that contribute to Net Zero and sustainable development. Ideally based in London, Manchester, Bristol or Edinburgh, you’ll lead a diverse portfolio spanning power & distribution, infrastructure, mining & minerals and the built environment, with projects across the UK, Ireland and wider Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the operational performance of the practice, ensuring effective coordination, prioritisation and delivery.
- Provide oversight and direction to project managers and technical leads, to ensure safe, timely and high‑quality delivery.
- Drive effective utilisation, resource and workforce planning, to optimise team performance.
- Manage, coach and develop a team of specialists – fostering a strong, collaborative and high‑performing culture.
- Build client relationships and ensure consistent service delivery.
- Support pipeline development and contribute to practice growth.
- Work closely with senior colleagues across SLR, collaborating across disciplines to deliver complex, multi‑sector projects.
- Competitive salary with discretionary bonus.
- Company pension.
- Private medical insurance.
- Life, income, and travel insurance.
- Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle to work schemes.
- Flexible, hybrid and agile working.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays.
- Buy or sell leave options.
- Core working hours.
- Cross‑border remote working and sabbatical opportunities.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave pay.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and specialist support for mental health, stress, and menopause.
- You’re an experienced leader with strong technical credibility and a proven track record of leading high‑performing teams and overseeing the successful delivery of complex work.
- Substantial experience in hydrology, hydrogeology or a related discipline within consultancy.
- Proven experience leading teams and overseeing delivery across a portfolio of projects.
- Strong operational and resource management skills, with the ability to optimise team performance.
- Experience delivering work across sectors such as infrastructure, energy or the built environment.
- Strong client management skills, with the ability to build trusted, long‑term relationships.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a focus on coaching and development.
- A degree in a relevant discipline and membership of a relevant professional body (or working towards).
Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
If this Practice Leader – Hydrology and Hydrogeology role feels like a great fit for your experience and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.
Practice Leader - Hydrology & Hydrogeology employer: SLR Consulting Ltd
SLR is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team of hydrology and hydrogeology specialists in a collaborative, people-first culture. With a strong commitment to sustainability and employee well-being, SLR provides competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and extensive professional development opportunities, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about shaping sustainable water environments across the UK and Ireland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Leader - Hydrology & Hydrogeology
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hydrology and hydrogeology fields. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential colleagues or clients. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects and achievements in hydrology and hydrogeology. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and helps demonstrate your technical credibility.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching SLR and their projects. Understand their approach to sustainability and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to show how you can contribute to their mission of shaping sustainable water environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our collaborative, people-first culture at SLR.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Leader - Hydrology & Hydrogeology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Practice Leader role. Highlight your leadership experience in hydrology and hydrogeology, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've managed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about sustainable water environments and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve coached and developed your team members, and how you’ve fostered a collaborative culture in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at SLR Consulting Ltd
✨Know Your Hydrology & Hydrogeology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in hydrology and hydrogeology. Be ready to discuss your experience with surface water, groundwater, and geochemistry, as well as how these relate to sustainability and Net Zero goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully managed high-performing teams. Think about specific instances where you’ve coached team members or improved operational performance, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Client Relationships
Be ready to talk about your experience in client management. Share stories of how you've built long-term relationships and delivered consistent service. This is crucial for a role that involves managing diverse portfolios across various sectors.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with senior colleagues and across disciplines, prepare to discuss how you foster collaboration within teams. Highlight any experiences where teamwork led to successful project outcomes, especially in complex, multi-sector environments.