Technical Director - Heritage in Edinburgh

SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people-first culture.

Due to the continued growth and success of our Archaeology & Heritage team in Europe, we are seeking a commercially driven Technical Director to play a pivotal role in the future development of the discipline.

SLR’s Archaeology & Heritage Technical Discipline is a dynamic, commercially focused team delivering a diverse range of advisory services across multiple industry sectors. Our team operates across a network of UK offices including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Shrewsbury, Cardiff and Exeter.

We provide independent advisory services primarily within SLR’s Energy and Built Environment sectors, alongside supporting Minerals & Mining and Infrastructure clients. Our core services include:

• Early site appraisal / feasibility
• Desk-based assessment
• Heritage Statements
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
• Building Recording
• Historic Building Advice
• Listed Building & Scheduled Monument Consents
• Fieldwork Management

From single-dwelling schemes through to large-scale, multi-disciplinary EIA projects, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality outcomes and tangible value for our clients.

The Role

Reporting to the Technical Discipline Manager (TDM), you will be a senior leader within the team, with a strong focus on driving commercial performance, winning work, and expanding client relationships. You will play a critical role in developing and converting opportunities, supporting the delivery of the Technical Discipline’s growth plan, and strengthening SLR’s market position within Archaeology & Heritage.

This is a highly client-facing role, where success will be measured by your ability to generate revenue, build a sustainable pipeline, and enhance client partnerships, alongside ensuring high-quality technical delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Business Development & Work Winning
  • Leading and supporting the winning of work from both new and existing clients
  • Identifying and converting opportunities aligned with sector and regional strategies
  • Building and maintaining strong, long-term client relationships
  • Driving cross-selling across SLR’s service lines and sectors
• Commercial Leadership
  • Taking ownership of revenue generation targets and supporting delivery of the discipline’s growth plan
  • Contributing to pipeline forecasting and ensuring visibility of future workload
  • Supporting effective pricing strategies and bid positioning
• Project & Technical Delivery
  • Providing senior oversight on key projects to ensure quality, risk management and client satisfaction
  • Acting as a trusted advisor to clients on complex Archaeology & Heritage matters
  • Supporting innovation and best practice across project delivery
• People Leadership
  • Mentoring and developing team members, supporting career progression and retention
  • Contributing to recruitment and team growth in line with business needs
  • Promoting a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture
• Collaboration & Integration
  • Working closely with Sector Leads, Discipline Leads and other service areas to maximise opportunities
  • Supporting integrated, multi-disciplinary project delivery

Rewards & Benefits

SLR’s ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and full support toward chartership, professional qualifications and licenses, we offer outstanding opportunities for long term career progression.

Our flexible benefits & rewards package includes:

• Competitive salary with discretionary bonus

• Company pension

• Private medical insurance

• Life, income, and travel insurance

• Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle to work schemes

• Volunteering and Community Giving

We believe sustainable careers need balance, that’s why we offer:

• 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

Family life and wellbeing matter at SLR:

We provide enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and specialist support for mental health, stress, and menopause - supporting our people both professionally and personally.

About You

You will be a commercially astute and client-focused leader with a strong track record of winning work and delivering value.

• Commercial Mindset – Demonstrable success in generating revenue, developing client relationships, and converting opportunities into secured work
• Business Development – Proven ability to win work across both new and existing clients, including cross-selling and strategic positioning
• Client Leadership – Strong network and credibility in the Archaeology & Heritage sector
• Project Delivery – Excellent project management skills, balancing quality, risk and commercial performance
• Leadership – Experience mentoring and developing teams within a collaborative environment
• Technical Expertise – Strong Archaeology & Heritage background within a regulated environment, with the ability to provide senior technical oversight

Culture & Inclusion

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.