At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative Nature-Based Solutions projects in the water sector for a sustainable future.
- Company: Join AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering firm dedicated to transforming infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and tailored benefits for your lifestyle.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional development and industry leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental resilience and water quality while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in environmental science or engineering; experience in managing complex projects required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
AtkinsRéalis is delivering transformative change across the water sector, supporting utilities, regulators, and infrastructure providers to meet the challenges of climate change, water quality, and environmental resilience. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are now central to this agenda offering integrated, catchment-led approaches that complement engineered assets, enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and deliver long-term value.
We are seeking an Associate Director – Nature-Based Solutions, to join our growing Environment team at AtkinsRéalis UK. In this role, you will lead the delivery of NBS across major water sector programmes, including water and wastewater infrastructure. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, water company clients, and regulators to embed NBS from feasibility through to design and delivery. Success will be defined by your ability to deliver integrated, high-quality solutions that improve water outcomes, de-risk regulatory approvals, and demonstrate measurable environmental benefits across projects and portfolios.
Your role as an Associate Director – NBS will include:
- Lead NBS Delivery across Water Programmes: Provide technical leadership and accountability for NBS delivery across major water sector projects, including water and wastewater treatment schemes, catchment programmes, and flood resilience initiatives.
- Drive Feasibility & Optioneering: Lead NBS feasibility studies and optioneering processes, applying multi-criteria assessment to identify robust, deliverable solutions aligned with regulatory and asset performance requirements.
- Integrate NBS into Engineering Design: Collaborate with process, civil, and hydraulic engineers to embed NBS within asset design such as wetlands, reedbeds, SuDS, and catchment measures supporting treatment, attenuation, and water quality outcomes.
- Ensure Technical Excellence & QA: Maintain high standards of technical quality across all NBS outputs through governance, peer review, and application of best practice guidance.
- Coordinate Multidisciplinary Inputs: Lead collaboration across hydrology, geomorphology, ecology, process engineering, planning, GIS, and asset management teams to deliver integrated solutions.
- Engage Clients, Regulators & Stakeholders: Build strong relationships with water companies, the Environment Agency, local authorities, and other stakeholders, acting as a trusted technical advisor.
- Drive Innovation & Programme Certainty: Champion innovative NBS approaches that reduce programme risk, improve cost efficiency, and enhance deliverability within regulated capital programmes.
- Manage Specialist Inputs: Oversee subcontractors and specialist partners, defining scope, managing budgets, and ensuring quality delivery aligned with project objectives.
- Lead Project & Programme Management: Take responsibility for financial performance, programme delivery, and resource management across projects, ensuring alignment with client and organisational expectations.
- Develop People & Capability: Mentor and develop team members, building capability in NBS delivery within the water sector and fostering a collaborative, inclusive team culture.
- Support Business Development & Growth: Lead and contribute to bids, tenders, and client relationship management, supporting growth across water company frameworks and strategic programmes.
- Strengthen Industry Leadership: Contribute to thought leadership and industry engagement, positioning AtkinsRéalis as a leading advisor in delivering NBS for water resilience, water quality, and sustainable infrastructure.
About you:
- Education: A Bachelor's degree in a relevant environmental science, planning, or engineering discipline is required.
- Chartership: Chartered status with a relevant professional body is required.
- Professional Experience: Substantial experience in environmental consultancy, with a strong track record of successfully managing and delivering complex NBS projects.
- Technical Excellence: Expert capabilities in NBS and reporting, including scoping, coordinating specialist studies, and producing high-quality EIAR documentation.
- Innovation & Problem-Solving: A track record of employing innovative approaches to improve environmental deliverables.
- Client & Business Skills: Strong client-facing skills, including effective communication, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
- Other Requirements: Excellent technical report writing and verbal communication skills in English. Full clean driving licence and willingness to travel for site visits, client meetings, and project commitments.
Rewards & benefits include competitive salaries, employee rewards, and a brilliant range of benefits. Explore opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise.
AtkinsRéalis is committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong. We offer a range of family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and employee resource groups to support all employees.
Associate Director – Nature Based Solutions in Birmingham employer: SNC-Lavalin
AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in the water sector, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, competitive salaries, and extensive training opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance environmental resilience and community welfare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Nature Based Solutions in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the water sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Associate Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or clients, don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge about Nature-Based Solutions. This will position you as a go-to person in the field and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and initiatives. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals will show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at AtkinsRéalis.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Nature Based Solutions in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with Nature-Based Solutions. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires a strong technical background, be sure to include specific examples of your expertise in environmental science or engineering. We love seeing how you’ve applied your knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!
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. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at SNC-Lavalin
✨Know Your NBS Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Nature-Based Solutions and their application in the water sector. Brush up on recent projects, case studies, and innovations in NBS that align with the job description. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show how you can contribute to the team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll need to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Highlight your ability to influence clients and stakeholders, as well as how you've driven innovation in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about technical aspects of NBS, including feasibility studies and optioneering processes. Familiarise yourself with relevant tools and practices, such as GIS-based analysis. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage with the Company’s Values
Research AtkinsRéalis and understand their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering sustainable water infrastructure. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their vision.
