Principal Technical Specialist - Water Team - Leeds

We are seeking a Principal Technical Specialist to lead and grow our dynamic Water Team. This is a key leadership role where you will combine technical expertise, team leadership and business development to deliver complex aquatic projects and shape the future of our water services. You will work closely with clients and colleagues to provide best-practice advice, ensure compliance with legislation and policy, and support the successful delivery of high-quality environmental outcomes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leadership & Team Development
  • Manage team workloads, performance, training and development
  • Provide technical oversight, mentoring and internal training
  • Support colleagues in achieving their professional goals
• Technical Delivery
  • Lead and deliver large, complex hydro-ecological projects
  • Provide expert guidance on legislation, policy and best practice
  • Review and approve technical reports and deliverables
• Project & Financial Management
  • Oversee budgets, forecasting and team financial performance
  • Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard
• Business Development
  • Win new work through bids, tenders and client engagement
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships
  • Support marketing and PR activity to promote water services

Example Projects & Deliverables

• Field & Survey Work
  • Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Ecological Clerk of Works
  • Macroinvertebrate and water quality monitoring
  • Fish population and habitat surveys
  • eDNA and INNS surveys
  • River habitat surveys, flow gauging and water level monitoring
• Environmental Assessments
  • Nutrient neutrality assessments
  • Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments
  • Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)
  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
  • Marine licensing and flood risk permitting

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

• Essential Experience
  • Principal-level experience in environmental consultancy
  • Strong background in aquatic ecology, hydro-ecology or similar
  • Proven experience managing and developing staff
  • Track record of winning work and building client relationships
• Technical Expertise
  • Strong knowledge of hydro-ecological survey techniques, legislation and policy
  • Experience delivering high-quality reports and assessments
• Skills
  • Excellent communication and organisational skills
  • Ability to manage people, budgets and multiple projects
  • Proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach
• Essential: Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance

Additional Information

At Thomson, we strive to be the very best at what we do—for our clients and for each other. We believe in One Thomson: valuing every individual’s unique skills and experiences, and working together to deliver exceptional service. Our people are our greatest asset. We are proud of our friendly, supportive and can-do culture, where nothing is too much trouble. We live and breathe our RISE values – Respect, Integrity, Support and Excellence —and we are constantly evolving, with your voice helping shape our future. We actively promote a healthy work-life balance, offering flexibility and a supportive environment where people can thrive. We embrace new challenges, work collaboratively, and celebrate success together. We are passionate about career development. You’ll have access to:

• Industry-accredited external training
• Specialist-led internal training
• Opportunities to work across disciplines
• The chance to contribute to and lead high-profile, once-in-a-lifetime projects

We also offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• 25 days annual leave
• Healthcare cash plan
• Enhanced stakeholder pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Discounted gym membership
• Paid professional memberships
• Clothing allowance
• Performance-related rewards and long service awards
• Free parking
• Regular social and company events

We are also committed to giving back, with strong involvement in charity fundraising and local community initiatives.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

As an equal opportunities employer, Thomson is committed to the fair and equal treatment of all current and prospective employees. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We are building a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We believe diversity strengthens our team and enhances the work we do.

Ready to make a difference? If you’re a skilled and motivated professional looking for a role where you can lead, influence and deliver meaningful environmental impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and be part of Thomson’s journey.