At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of PFAS solutions and mentor future specialists in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Tetra Tech, a global leader in consulting and engineering services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to innovative solutions and sustainable practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental challenges while shaping industry strategies across Europe.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in PFAS consultancy required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Tetra Tech is a leading, global provider of consulting and engineering services. We are differentiated by Leading with Science to provide innovative technical solutions to our clients. We support global commercial and government clients focused on water, environment, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and international development. With 27,000 associates worldwide, including 5,500 in the UK, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems.
PFAS contamination is one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the UK and Europe. As a Technical Director or Associate Director (depending on candidate and experience) you will play a high-profile role in shaping Tetra Tech’s response to this rapidly evolving market. Working within our Geo-Environmental and Mining Business Unit, you will lead the growth of our PFAS and emerging contaminants capability across Europe, with opportunities to influence wider European and international strategy. This is a senior level appointment for someone who wants to combine technical excellence, market influence, client leadership and innovation to deliver solutions that make a tangible difference for communities, ecosystems and industry.
About the Role
Tetra Tech is seeking an experienced Technical Director or Associate Director to lead our PFAS and emerging contaminants capability across Europe. This strategic leadership role combines technical excellence, market development, business growth and client engagement, with responsibility for both leading and providing technical support to the continued growth of our PFAS business aligned with Tetra Tech’s wider environmental, water and geo-environmental services.
In this role, you will:
- Provide technical leadership to support the development of Tetra Tech’s PFAS and emerging contaminants capability across priority European markets.
- Act as a trusted advisor to clients across sectors including industry, aviation, defence and water.
- Strengthen Tetra Tech’s reputation as a leader in PFAS consulting through thought leadership, innovation and technical excellence.
- Mentor and develop the next generation of PFAS specialists.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape a rapidly developing technical and regulatory market within a global multidisciplinary consultancy.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the development and delivery of Tetra Tech’s PFAS and emerging contaminants strategy across Europe.
- Establish and grow a market leading technical presence, forward workload and differentiated service offering.
- Identify, position for and secure strategic opportunities with priority clients and sectors.
- Support capability planning, strategic recruitment and succession planning aligned with forecast growth.
- Contribute to the wider Geo-Environmental growth strategy and collaborate across Tetra Tech’s UK, European and global business.
Technical Leadership
- Act as senior technical lead and subject matter expert for PFAS and emerging contaminants projects.
- Provide technical governance, review and quality assurance across complex project delivery.
- Lead the development of robust conceptual site models, risk-based strategies and practical remediation solutions.
- Maintain and share insight on evolving regulation, industry guidance, treatment technologies and emerging best practice.
- Mentor and develop technical staff, supporting knowledge transfer and capability growth across the business.
Business Development & Client Engagement
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with clients, regulators, contractors, technology providers and industry stakeholders.
- Lead market engagement and early positioning for strategic bids, frameworks and major opportunities.
- Raise Tetra Tech’s profile through thought leadership, conference presentations, publications and industry forums.
- Work with sector teams including Defence, Aviation, Water, Industrial, Infrastructure and our in-house laboratory to develop integrated client solutions.
- Collaborate with Tetra Tech’s Global PFAS Leadership Group to bring international expertise into the European strategy and delivery.
Innovation and Industry Leadership
- Identify opportunities for funded research, field trials and collaborative industry projects.
- Build strategic relationships with technology providers, contractors, academic institutions and research organisations.
- Drive innovation in site characterisation, PFAS assessment, remediation technologies, data interpretation and treatment approaches.
- Promote global best practice and support the development of distinctive, science-led solutions for clients.
You will work alongside the existing GEM disciplines Groundwater, Land Quality and Ground Investigation and help deliver holistic solutions that meet our clients’ needs. Additionally, you will be expected to collaborate with a wide range of multi-disciplinary teams and sector leads in other offices and geographical regions. Success in this role will require technical credibility, commercial awareness, strategic thinking, collaborative leadership and the ability to influence clients, colleagues and stakeholders at senior level.
About You
You will hold a degree in geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology, environmental science, chemistry, engineering or a related discipline. A postgraduate qualification and chartered status, or progress towards chartership with a relevant professional body, would be advantageous.
You will be an experienced technical leader with a strong track record in contaminated land assessment, PFAS and/or emerging contaminants consultancy. You will bring the credibility to advise clients and regulators, the commercial awareness to grow a market-leading service offering, and the leadership skills to develop high-performing technical teams.
Essential experience and attributes
- Significant experience in PFAS and emerging contaminants assessment and consultancy.
- Strong technical expertise in site characterisation, conceptual site modelling, risk assessment and remediation strategy development and implementation.
- Proven ability to lead complex multidisciplinary projects and provide senior technical review.
- Track record of client engagement, business development and successful opportunity conversion.
- Experience working with regulators, contractors and industry stakeholders.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to write clear, concise and technically robust reports.
- Ability to mentor, influence and develop technical teams.
- Collaborative, ethical and commercially aware approach.
- Good understanding of health, safety and environmental management.
- UK driving licence.
Desirable experience
- Recognised industry profile through publications, conference presentations, technical guidance, research or thought leadership.
- Experience with innovative remedial technologies, PFAS treatment approaches or remediation contracting.
- Experience working across sectors such as industrial, aviation, defence, water, infrastructure, waste, property or government.
- Chartered status, or working towards chartership, with a relevant professional body.
- Postgraduate qualification such as a master’s degree or PhD in geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology, environmental science, chemistry, engineering or a related discipline.
About Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity. We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science to solve our clients’ most complex problems.
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role.
PFAS Technical Lead in London employer: Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for hydrogeologists looking to make a meaningful impact in the groundwater and geothermal sectors. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have opportunities to develop your project management and leadership skills while working on diverse projects across Great Britain and Ireland. The company promotes a collaborative culture that values innovation and creativity, ensuring that every team member can contribute to sustainable solutions in a flexible and hybrid working setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PFAS Technical Lead in London
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Tetra Tech.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Tetra Tech and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace PFAS Technical Lead in London
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 Tetra Tech.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Tetra Tech will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
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 PFAS Technical Lead at Tetra Tech. 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.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tetra Tech
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Tetra Tech, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨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 Tetra Tech that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
